On the first day of the New Year in 2022, take your children on a winter ice trek. First stop: Baiquan Mountain Ice Falls.
Having only been to Shichahai for ice skating, I didn’t know there was such a beautiful natural ice waterfall in the suburbs of Beijing. Thinking back to being at the foot of the ice waterfall in the deep mountains, the only thing quiet was the sound of gurgling water, as if time had stood still. While the adults were enjoying the wonderful time, the children were busy cutting ice and skating, having a great time.
Get ready and set off, navigate to the vicinity of Huairou Yudao River, and start our hiking trip. The Yudao River was not completely frozen, so we crossed it on a small bridge by the river.
Cross the bridge and go forward to the right. Follow the red rope marks hanging on the branches. Walk a hundred meters and you will merge into a wider road. Follow the dirt road towards the river bed.
After walking about 1.5 kilometers, there is a fork (see the picture above). Go forward to the right at the fork.
I saw this dam after 1 kilometer, and passing through the dam was the glacier I was looking forward to.
After walking for so long, I finally saw ice. The kid was a little excited. We quickly put on crampons and walked on the ice to continue moving forward.
Three feet of ice does not freeze in a day. Some ice surfaces are not completely frozen, so you can only choose to walk on frozen solid places. Wear crampons and don’t worry about falling. Just stride forward!
The flat "road" has long since disappeared, replaced by big stone roads. It is recommended to wear more comfortable shoes to avoid sprained feet.
It was already past noon while walking and playing. After passing the second dam, we turned around and saw the icefall hanging on the cliff from a distance, which was very spectacular. The children were so happy that they quickly ran to the ice waterfall and started skating, cutting ice, dancing... The adults also posed for various photos.
After playing here for a long time, the baby reluctantly left. We headed to the next icefall. From here to the second icefall you need to climb a steep slope, but fortunately the distance is not long. Climb halfway up the mountain and see the red rope hanging on the tree. Take the mountain path on the left, but don't climb to the top of the mountain in one go.
This section of the road is covered with vines, and you need to bend down and crawl over it in some places.
The hard work paid off, and we successfully arrived at the ultimate icefall 1 hour later, which was more majestic and spectacular than the previous icefall. With the sound of gurgling water in their ears, the adults took N photos, while the children entered the excitement mode in one second.
After playing here for a long time, it was getting late and we might not be able to make the loop as originally planned, so we decided to return the same way.
Walking back to the parking place, the sun has set, and the ice trekking trip on the first day of the new year has come to a successful end!
Today’s route is 8 kilometers in total. It is a beginner’s hiking level. There is no significant climb and it is relatively friendly to novices. The children had a great time, and the adults were still impressed. If we wait a little longer, we will definitely go on the ice again!
Navigation: Ruisen Xiyuzhu
Route description: Watch the ice waterfall at Ganhe Valley in Baiquan Mountain
Difficulty: 2 stars
Time: 5 hours and 47 minutes
Mileage: 8.3 kilometers
Cumulative climb: 325 meters
Six-foot track reference: 4971427
Note: It is best to wear crampons when walking on ice to prevent slipping, and pay attention to safety. If you want to walk on the ice all the way, you have to wait until mid-to-late January, as some of the ice has not yet frozen.
Warm reminder: When hiking in winter, you need to pay attention to the time when the sun sets. Try to go out before dark, safety first. Protecting the environment starts with me. Remember to take away your trash when going down the mountain.