Kratka Ridge

"Kratka skips the foreplay and goes right to gaining elevation; a quality I can appreciate. I couldn't help but wonder if it wouldn't make an an ideal spot to practice grinding upwards. Or maybe it would shine as a quick and easy way to try out some new crampons in the winter. There's a melancholy, aging ski lift near the summit, maybe reminding us of a milder age just past. Part of a sweep of some HPS peaks I needed in the area: Hillyer, Winston Peak, Winston Ridge, Mount Akawie, and Kratka Ridge." — JustinB • Jun 27, 2018

"A very short and sweet hike up from Vista Picnic Area. There is a small use trail that heads up from the picnic spot, and it simply heads up the ridge to an old service road, which leads to the top of the ski area. The summit is a very short walk up from the top of the ski lift. The use trail is steep in areas, but it is short, and the views of Burkhart Saddle (between Will Thrall Peak and Pallett Mtn.), and of the coastal basin are sweet! Just take your time on the steepest parts, and you will be fine. The lush conifer forest provides shade for much of the climb. I did not see a summit cairn and no register on top, however." — brianpowell • Oct 29, 2017

"If not for this website, I had no idea Kratka Ridge was here. I saw the sign for Vista Day Use Area and saw picnic tables many times before. I never realized that there was a peak climb behind it. Now that I completed it, I think it is a hike with some of the nicest scenery in the San Gabriel Mountains. You can also clearly look out at many of the peaks in the range. I gazed the horizon and identified the many peaks by name. The dilapidated ski lift near the top sits like the last remaining building in a ghost town. So since the Peakery site pointed me in the right direction, I am grateful." — MikeTeeples • Aug 16, 2017

"This was my recon hike to decide if I wanted to tackle Waterman and Twin Peaks later in the day. Patchy snow, but the snow that was there was very icy. Very glad that I brought crampons + axe, even though I only used them for 10 minutes. The north face of Twin Peaks from the Waterman-Twin saddle was still fully snow covered, as was the north face of Waterman - I'll have to come back for those in better conditions. Fun to check out the old ski lift and chairs at the top of mountain." — edg • Feb 13, 2016

"Some of the most fun I've had in snow with out skis. Great hike in the snow to the peak with an abandoned ski lift at the top. One of my most favorite experiences yet! Highly recommend checking out the single chair lift line from the top. " — MooseHiker • Mar 19, 2012

"Parked in Vista Picnic Area and climbed 700ft in under a mile to the summit. Near the summit is an abandoned ski lift that hasn't been in operation for decades. From the summit you'll find outstanding views of the Twin Peaks, Waterman, and the San Gabriel River Basin." — Christopher • Sep 17, 2011