Home | Scree | Back Issues
Scree for June, 1997
THE JUNE SCREE WAS EDITED BY TONY CRUZ! Thanks, Tony, for taking over!
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
This is the EScree - the Electronic version of the Scree newsletter from
the Peak Climbing Section of the Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club.
It should be viewed or printed with a fixed-pitch font such as Courier.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
This publication may not be posted on any public news group.
June, 1997 Vol. 31, No. 6
Deadline for submissions to the next Scree is Sunday 6/22/97.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Next meeting (PCS meetings are the second tuesday of each month)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Tuesday, June 10
Time: 8:00 PM
Program: The 1996 Climb-O-Rama
Charles Schafer and Kelly Maas present slides from a
week long climbing trip last July to the Great Western
Divide in the Sierra Nevada, during which 12 PCSers
climbed oodles of peaks. See Bob Suzuki totally
exhausted.
Location: Western Mountaineering Town & Country Village, San Jose
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mt. Hood
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday May 16 I spent a day at my company's plant in
Hillsboro, Oregon. I traveled with one of my engineers, Brad
Benson. Brad is Ph.D. in material science and a former
geologist with extensive hiking but no mountaineering
experience. He decided that climbing Mt. Hood was just the
thing to do on his 39th birthday. After work I bought an ice
ax in Portland at Oregon Mountain Community, a fine
outdoor goods store well stocked with equipment for
mountaineers. Thanks to Steve and Aaron for recommending
it. Oregon has no sales tax! After some good Chinese Food
in Portland we set east on the "waterfall highway" south of
Interstate 84.
As the sun set, we had excellent views of the Columbia
Gorge and several picturesque falls, most notably
Multnomah Falls, which is probably the better part of 300
feet high.
After this scenic drive, we continued south on Highway 35
occasionally getting views of a ghostly white cone in the
distance that appeared too big to be real. We took
Highway 26 east and before long we were at the
Timberline Lodge parking lot at 6,000 feet. We did not
know it at the time, but the exterior of the Lodge has been
used in several movies, including "The Shining", directed
by Stanley Kubrick. The lodge is enormous and was
teeming with tourists.
Next to the lodge is perhaps the best trail head
information center I've see for mountaineers, packed with
informative posters, equipped with an audio-visual center
and well sheltered from wind. There we spoke to several
climbers, including a former guide who had summitted
more than 30 times. He and the other locals planned to
begin their climb at midnight. I decided to do the same, a
development which shocked Brad, who had planned to get
a few hours sleep.
The first mile was an uneventful slog over mushy class 1
snow. We reached the historic Silox hut at 6,900 feet
where we rested and had some water. For 50 bucks you
can take snowcat from the lodge to the hut and spend the
night in a bunk, meals included. The restored hut is
supported by volunteers and is run by the Timberline
Lodge. It is much more economical than the lodge and
more rustic. There you feel as I imagine you would in a
cabin in Alaska, buried under the snow pack.
After the Silox hut the wind intensified and the snow was
firmer. The route gradually became steeper as we pushed
on under a mostly cloudless, moonlit sky. I kept my
lantern off all night. At 3:30 a.m. we reached a building
at the end of the Palmer ski run at 8,500 feet. We had
done half the elevation gain and 2/3 the distance to the
peak. We added a layer of clothing and watched a
snowcat deposit climbing students who had paid $240 for
a two-day class including a summit
attempt. We found a door and warmed up inside. After a cat
nap we fastened our crampons.
We moved up with the other pilgrims, heading to the right of
"Crater Rock," a prominent feature easily visible during the
entire climb from Timberline. The sun came up. The wind
intensified until it became a steady roar, blasting snow that
stung my face. Climbers appeared out of the woodwork. There
must have been three hundred on this route alone! I had not
seen such a spectacle since I climbed Mont Blanc in 1992.
Many of the climbers were already roped up, an unnecessary
precaution to this point.
Taking several cat naps along the way, we crawled to the base of
the Hogback just above the Devil's Kitchen, a few hundred feet
from the summit. Fumaroles steamed on both sides of us and
filled the morning air with sulfur. We were actually in the
crater. Most of the climbers who had not yet roped up did so at
the Hogback. This feature is a gentle snowy ridge, much less
exposed than I expected . The well trampled path made the
going even easier than it already would have been. A fall could
easily have been arrested. The only concern was falling into a
fumarole and this was unlikely. From the Hogback I saw a
couple of climbers, one a woman wearing Nikes, on the technical
ridge just to the east. Their route must have been much more
exciting. The ridge was coated with snow with an unusual texture,
as if it had been dipped in foamy white chocolate.
A few climbers got off the Hogback early and crossed the large
bergschrund on the left side, after which they did a long traverse
to the "Pearly Gates," the steep narrow chute before the summit.
But the majority of us walked the Hogback and crossed a snow
bridge on the right. The crevasse was virtually filled with snow
and ice, so a fall would have been more embarrassing than
dangerous. Still I was glad that someone had fixed a six-foot
length of rope to serve as a hand rail for crossing this, the most
difficult obstacle on our route. The crevasse was a bottleneck
and dozens of climbers crowded the 45 degree chute leading to
the windy summit.
Someone said the wind was about 90 miles an hour. The gusts
were so strong that you had to stay low and take care not to be
blown off the mountain. Visibility was unlimited. To the north
were three giants, Rainier, Adams and St. Helens. To the south
were Jefferson, the Sisters and Broken Top.
It was late morning and we wanted to get down quickly before
the snow got too soft. So we ate a quick snack, snapped plenty
of photos and started down. I was annoyed with Brad, who had
never before done a big snow climb, because he quickly
descended and crossed the bergschrund where he sat and waited
for me. I gingerly cramponed down and nervously went over the
snow bridge which was now unprotected by the rope. I felt sorry
for an exhausted
woman I passed who was belayed every step of the way up the
Pearly Gates by two female companions. They virtually dragged
the terrified climber up the mountain, telling her everything was
O.K. Back on the Hogback we watched dozens more climbers
appear from below. We took off our crampons and began the
long slog back. Fortunately we were able to glissade at least
2,000 feet. We arrived at the parking lot early in the afternoon,
triumphant but dead tired.
- Tony Cruz
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With One Ski Tied Behind My Back
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26 April 97: We went, we saw, we summited. Then we had pizza and beer.
Mt Lola would be a pretty boring hike in the summer, I think,
but in the spring it's a very nice day ski trip. From Hwy 89 we
took Henness Pass Rd to Independence Lake Rd, up to the creek
crossing at about 6400'. 2WD cars were fine to that point, but
Schafer plowed his Toyota 4WD through a couple of streams
and got us maybe half a mile further, up to the snow line where
the road was blocked by a fallen tree.
We walked quite a ways on the hard morning snow (with bare
patches every 100 yards) and put on skis somewhere around
7000'. It's a great ridge run from there to the peak. Not too steep,
plenty of snow, reasonably spaced trees, and no brush showing!
The route was up the ridge north of Independence Lake, which
provided nice views in several directions.
Now, about that report title: "Why, this peak's so dang easy I
could do it with one ski tied behind my back!" was never
spoken, but... let's just say that a major part on my randonnee
binding cracked in half somewhere around 7700', leaving me
with a choice of turning around or hoping the snow did not
soften too much. We pressed on, with the dead ski leaning against a
tree and the good ski lashed onto my pack. The snow held!
The 9148' summit mass was a bit steep, but I found I could do a
half-standing-glissade / half-ski technique which allowed normal
turns in one direction on the downhill ski, and a step-turn in the
other direction after stopping. A 180 step-turn is a lot easier
with only one ski on! Once it leveled out a bit, I managed to ski
the rest of the way down balanced on one leg. Tiring, but better
than walking. As I said, the slopes were pretty easy!
Thanks to Richard Contreras, Tim Hult, Suzanne Remien, and
Charles Schafer for helping to make my first STS lead a success
(and for putting up with my meandering path of lowest slope on
the way down).
- Steve Eckert
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telescope Peak from Death Valley
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sunday April 6, 1997
This is a challenging hike not only because of its length (21
miles) and elevation gain (11,000'+), but somebody who should
tire out half way into the hike is faced with a very long way back
through the desert. We met at Wildrose Campground and spent
the afternoon Saturday first figuring out, then arranging the
necessary car shuttle. We finally arrived at the optimal
configuration for some vehicles to go to the end, some to stay at
Wildrose, some to go to the start 80 miles by road with all of us
aboard, and which ones to shuttle back to the start from the end
(and not have to return to the end). Also, the gear left at the
start would need to be returned. Thanks to Keith Barnes'
parents who didn't hike with us but took some of us and returned
our gear to the end from the start.
The attraction for this hike is that it is the most absolute climb
(start and end elevation difference) that can be done reasonably
in a day hike in the 48 states, (that I know of, anyway). Mt.
Whitney from Lone Pine town would be about 500' more, but
much farther on road and trail. In 1984 the group of seven I
organized took about 11 hours to reach the summit, and it was a
very strong group.
We did the early start to have our hikers finish by 4-7 pm,
hopefully. Everybody had been screened by the leaders for
experience and conditioning.
It turned out that those initially interested, who might have
been marginal in ability (in my opinion), withdrew on their own.
There were some worrisome snow conditions; it had snowed two
days before. From the north we saw a lot of snow on the peak
and wondered about conditions on top.
We bedded down at 7 PM. The Hale-Bopp comet loomed
over me as I
watched and thought of the higher level we were going to reach
the next day (in our own way). The eleven of us started hiking
at Shorty's Well, 250' below sea level, at 1:35 AM PST Sunday.
Shorty's Well is west of Badwater on the west side of the bottom
of Death Valley, accessible by 2WD. We then hiked up the
Hanaupah Canyon dirt road toward the large springs there.
The nighttime hiking went quickly, and we got to the water
(a creek), at 5:30 (now Pacific Daylight Time with the time
change). By the time we filled our water containers it was light,
and we ascended the ridge on the N side of the canyon. We
ascended the canyon side from the 3600' level, about one mile
before the springs. The road had ended about 1/2 mile before,
and we elected not rock hop farther up to the spring. The
temperature was cold by the creek - 35 degrees. It had been 55
degrees at the start. In mid-May 1984 it was 85 degrees at
midnight in DV.
The top of the ridge forming the N side of the Canyon was
about 5000' elevation. Some nice flowers on the slope! A few
people had a little trouble ascending the steep slatey scree slope,
but using the faint switchbacking game paths helped to make it
easier. There was some up-and- down along the ridge top above
the slope, adding perhaps 400' to the 11,300' climb between start
and summit. The next six hours were in an arena of spectacular
ridges, peaks, and canyons that few people have taken the effort
to visit. Maybe somebody will put those peaks and high points
on a list some day. There is a mine road up the ridge on the N
side of the Canyon but is not connected because of the washed
out road below. We continued higher and higher, through
pinyon-juniper forest, with the summit looming high above.
We could see ahead our ridge top at 9960', which is about 1 mile
N of the summit.
Although there appeared to be deep snow in the gullies on
the north side, we could see that our ridge of attack was clear of
snow. It was a matter of continuing on and up, following the
converging ridges, leaving the forest into open area, and then
among bristlecone pines near the top. We continued moving at
our good pace, about 1100' per hour, and included a few short
rests. The temperature was not cold; many of the group wore
shorts the whole way. Finally, we got to the summit trail (9960')
at about 11:15.
The remaining 1100 feet was a matter of determination; the
air was noticably thinner, the huffing and puffing audible. My
only acclimatization had been sleeping near, and then climbing
Sandy Peak on Saturday morning with John and Sue. Along the
trail near the top of Telescope there was maybe 3" of new snow
on the north side snow banks which were one or two feet deep.
But the top ridge and trail was 90% clear of snow; no problem
for walking. I finally got to the summit at 12:15, beating my
1984 time by 35 minutes.
My typical energy and electrolyte food of jelly beans, chocolate
bits, salty crackers, and Gookinaid helped me to the top. We all
had light packs and light footwear. Most wore running or trail
shoes. The view was of course, spectacular. Many, many desert
peaks, the major Sierra peaks visible, and our starting point
more than two miles below and about 13 miles distant.
Temperature on top was about 50, with no wind. Keith Barnes
had gotten to the summit in 9 hours, followed by Doug Jones a
few minutes later. John had his fastest time, too. Climbing the
peak from Panamint Valley with Sue the weekend before must
have helped. All 11 of us made it in 11 hours or less. It only
took 2-3 hours to do the 7 miles back down to Mahogany Flat, and
all returned by 4:30pm. Maybe tired, we all felt good at the end. I
was glad to have it a successful hike for all with n glitches!
Participants were Ron Hudson and John McCully (co-leaders), Sue
Holloway, Bruce Trotter, Keith Barnes, Gary Craig, Kevin Richards,
Kalon Kelley, Doug Jones, Kathy Reynolds, and David Leth.
- Ron Hudson
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14'ERS WEEKEND
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This adventure last September started as a private trip led by
Debbie Benham to Mt. Russell (14,086), which Secor calls "the
finest peak in the Mt. Whitney region." The Russell basecamp
is close to the Whitney mountaineer's route, a climb I'd long
wanted to do. So I got a few days off from work and started
scheming -- I'd do Russell with Debbie, then try to solo the
mountaineer's route and do some other peaks after she hiked out.
Debbie and I met at Whitney portal early on a Friday morning.
Some PCS'ers who'd hoped to join us had canceled, and a
climber from Southern California who'd promised via the
internet to meet us never showed up. So just Debbie and I
headed up the north fork of Lone Pine Creek, using the
description in Secor and the many tips from PCS'ers. We
traversed the exposed Ebersbacher Ledges and continued up the
canyon to Upper Boy Scout Lake. The only tricky part was
finding the four creek crossings --
in between them the heavily used path is almost like a
maintained trail. We got to the lake in four hours, leaving plenty
of time to nap in a beautiful meadow below the lake next to a
miniature trout stream. Weather was clear and mild and
remained so for my entire six-day trip.
Saturday morning we headed up the long scree slope south of
the lake at 7:20. By 9:00 we were at the Russell-Carillion
saddle, gazing in horror at the east ridge of Russell rising above
us to the left, with its narrow crest and hundreds of feet of
exposure on either side. Debbie and I talked about turning back,
then agreed to at least do the class-2 terrain up to the first point
on the ridge to get a better look. From there we could see a
sloping shelf on the right side of the ridge, curving over into a
1000-foot face like a water slide into oblivion. A shallow slot
and some cracks ran along a shelf parallel to the ridge crest, and
I carefully climbed along them, testing each hold.
Finally I made it up to the second point on the ridge, where the
ridge crest was just a foot wide, with nothing to hold onto.
Luckily I spotted a narrow hidden ledge down on the right that
allowed me to avoid the crest. It was a strange climb -- several
times I thought I was stopped by a knife edge or a large block on
the ridge crest with big air on both sides. But every time, there
was a small shelf or ledge down on the right that provided a safe
way through. At one point I did have to straddle a sharp edge
crosswise to the ridge crest and clamber over it.
Finally I got within reach of the east summit. The higher west
summit was hidden several hundred feet past it, but Secor said
the ridge between the east and west summits was easy, so if I
could get to the east summit, the difficulties should be over. In
a couple more minutes I was there. Debbie had decided to stay
back on the second point on the ridge, now about 500 feet
behind me. I waved back to her, then started the traverse. It
was still a bit scary, but the sloping shelf on the right of the
ridge crest was wider here, with plenty of good holds. A few
more minutes and I was on the summit.
Views were tremendous in all directions, and I could see tiny figures
on the summit of Mt. Whitney, about a mile south and 400 feet
higher, with a chasm in between. I ate a PowerBar and read the
register, and was humbled by the many tales of technical climbs on
the classic "fishhook arete." Then I climbed carefully back along the
ridge, finally passing the last scary spot where you have to take a
short step across 100 feet of air (with good handholds).
Debbie wanted to climb Mt. Carillon (13,552), a short class-2 climb
up beautiful granite boulders. In about 20 minutes we were on the
summit, and the view back to Mt. Russell took our breath away. For
the first time we could see the ridge in its entirety. It looked like a
thin 1000-foot high blade of granite, and the shelf I'd climbed on was
really just the upper 20 feet of a smooth 1000-foot high cliff that
curved over slightly at the top. If we'd done Carillon first, we
might've been too psyched out to try Russell.
After a rest, we headed back across the plateau and descended
the long scree slope to our camp, arriving about 4 p.m. Debbie
had to hike out the next morning, and we decided to split up so I
could move my camp up higher for my attempt on Mt. Whitney.
I left my tent and stove with her, since the weather was
cloudless and I wasn't planning to cook in the morning, and
headed up the talus slope south of Upper Boy Scout Lake.
At the top I turned right and hiked up through the spectacular
amphitheater below the east face of Whitney, then found the
obvious break in the cliff to my right, and climbed 400 feet to
Iceberg Lake at 12,600. Several other parties of Whitney
climbers were camped at the lake. I grabbed a campsite next to
a boulder and had a quick meal. A wind came up and it got
quite cold as the light faded, but with my down jacket on inside
my sleeping bag I was soon toasty warm.
Next morning I was ready to go at 6:20 but decided to sit and
wait for the rising sun to hit the east face. Because it faces due
east and is at such a high elevation, the face offers perhaps the
best alpenglow in the 48 states. I was not disappointed -- one
minute the face was grey and gloomy, and the next minute the
whole thing was aflame with deep golden light. What a sight!
A few pictures and I was on my way.
The mountaineer's gully was not bad -- I climbed up loose class-
2 rubble in the center and up sandy class 3 ledges on the right
wall. I wanted to be the first person up it so I wouldn't have
people above me kicking down rocks, and no problem there -- I
was halfway up the gully before the other parties were even out
of bed.
By 8 a.m. I was at the top of the gully and at the tricky part of
the climb. From there you can either traverse across a steep
snowfield and climb easy class-3 rock, or climb straight up some
harder rock. I could see instantly that the snowfield was out of
the question -- a summer of melting and refreezing had turned it
into water ice, and I wouldn't have tried it even with ice ax and
crampons (which I didn't have) -- to me it required a rope to
protect the traverse. That left the rock. I'd been warned to avoid
a wide gully because of icy patches in it and climb a rock
buttress to its right. I tried this, but was soon on class-4 rock.
Then for the first time really, I looked at the gully to the left of
the buttress. It had some patches of ice, but they were small and
easily avoided, and there was a series of ledges zig-zagging up
that looked doable. They led to the upper part of the right-hand
buttress, and the best thing was that a rock at the top of the
buttress was catching the morning sun, which could only mean
that the sunlight was coming across the summit plateau and
striking it. If I could get to that sunlit rock, I'd be on the summit
plateau. I climbed up the ledges, avoiding loose gravel and icy
patches, and was soon on the right-hand buttress. A few
awkward moves up big blocks and flakes, and I placed my hand
on the sunlit block and hauled myself onto the summit plateau.
It was 8:30.
Amazingly, no one was around -- the first of the 150 or so
people allowed on the trail each day had not yet arrived.
Climbing the mountaineer's route was the fulfillment of a long-
term goal -- but I never expected to do it alone and find nothing
but peace and quiet on top!
After a rest, I turned to the day's next challenge -- Mt. Muir
(14,015), about 1 1/2 miles down the trail. The summit is only
200 feet above the trail, and the first 150 feet of the climb is just
scree, but don't underestimate this peak. The last 50 feet is
tricky and exposed, with a death fall possible as you move
across a high downsloping ledge. Secor's description is helpful -
- the other descriptions I looked at including "California 14'ers"
are worthless. Finally I got to a crack just below the small
rounded summit, but was afraid to make the last move. I almost
turned around, then suddenly thrashed my way up, signed in,
took 20 deep breaths, and climbed carefully down.
Back on the trail, I joined the parade of hikers heading up
Whitney. It's funny, but on the highest mountain in the 48 states
you see some of the least experienced climbers in the Sierras -- a
guy wearing a light windbreaker and carrying nothing but an
empty 12-oz. water bottle, a teenage girl who'd somehow lost her
daypack, and many people who'd come up from the bottom of the
valley at 4000 feet that day, stumbling along with bad altitude
sickness. According to the summit register, many of these folks
are shocked to find no water fountain on top.
Back at the summit I found a sandy crevice among the summit
boulders, lay down in it to get out of the cold breeze, and took a
short nap so I'd be alert for the descent. About 2 p.m. I started
back down the mountaineer's route. The first bit was the only
hard part -- downclimbing the big flakes and avoiding the icy
patches in the upper gully. Down in the main mountaineer's
gully, I caught up with a party of three guys from LA and had a
great time climbing and talking with them the rest of the way
down.
Down at the lake I packed up my backpack, then hiked down
through the amphitheater to the lower lake where Debbie had
left my tent and stove. On Monday I hiked out, had lunch in
Lone Pine, and drove south to the Horseshoe Meadows
campground to try Mt. Langley (14,026). The huge campground
in a timberline forest at 10,000 feet was all but deserted.
Next morning I got up in the starry darkness again and got
rolling by 7. My plan was to dayhike Langley. It was 10 miles
away, but 7 of the miles were on easy trails without much
climbing, and the 3 miles beyond that were supposed to be all
class 1 and 2. I had no map, but figured I'd just wander up the
trail, get above timberline, and look for a break in the huge cliffs
leading up to the Sierra Crest. Once on the crest, the summit
would be in view and the terrain was supposed to be pretty easy.
I hiked up through the beautiful forest, then emerged into a vast
open basin of alpine meadows and lakes. I could see the sloping
bulk of Langley in the distance, and I spotted a gully leading up
to a break in the cliffs that looked like class 2. This gully,
northwest of Cottonwood Lake #5, turned out to be a mile north
of the route over Old Army Pass recommended by a ranger in
Lone Pine, but it was more direct and interesting so I think it's
the way to go.
The 2000-foot climb up the gully to the Sierra crest was lonely
but beautiful, wandering up through a jumble of boulders as big
as pickup trucks, then up sandy scree slopes with huge cliffs
above. At the top was a 10-foot, nearly vertical snow bank that
stopped me for a minute, but I soon found a way to clamber up
it. Above was an amazing sight -- a vast silent sandy plateau
extending for about 2 miles, all of it above 13,000 feet, devoid
of vegetation, marked only by a climbers' foot trail that looked
like a camel track through the Sahara desert. I strolled up that
camel track under cloudless skies, heading for the final 500-foot
boulder pile that led to the summit. It was almost like walking
on a beach. Scrambling up the boulders, I caught up to a
foursome from LA, and just after 1 p.m. we topped out.
The hike down was great fun -- I just had to find the correct spot
to leave the plateau and go down the scree gully (there's no sign
of it from the plateau, just a 2-mile long cliff edge).
I got down to Cottonwood Lake #5 at 3:30 and took a long break,
then continued down the beautiful trail past the other Cottonwood
Lakes and down into the forest. I got back to my camp just after
6 p.m., for an 11-hour day. But 3 of those hours were spent
taking various breaks, so Langley is very doable as a dayhike,
even in fall when the days are shorter. I slept well under the
stars that night, waking briefly to listen to the campground bears
bang the garbage cans around a few hundred feet away.
Wednesday morning I headed hom
- Jim Ramaker
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official (PCS) Trips
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PCS trips must be submitted through the Scheduler (see
back cover for details). Trips not received from the
Scheduler will be listed as PRIVATE, without recourse.
*** Harrington
Peak: Mt Harrington (11,005') class 3
Dates: June 7-8 Sat-Sun
Map: Marion Peak 15'
Leader: Kelly Maas 408-279-2054 maas@idt.com
Co-Leader: WANTED
Don't worry that you've never heard of Harrington before. It's not the highest
peak around but it's well situated between the mighty middle and south
forks of the Kings River and is said to have great views. The basic goal
here is to have a fun weekend in the mountains, which will be aided by "a
short but enjoyable class 3 route" on the north ridge. The trip should not
otherwise be difficult, except for the large elevation gain. The trailhead is
Cedar Grove at 4600'.
*** Cherry Creek Canyon Adventure Backpack
Trip: cross-country backpacking class 2-3
Dates: June 14-15 Sat-Sun
Maps: Cherry Lake North 7.5', Kibbie Lake 7.5'
Leader: Kai Weidman 415-347-5234
Cherry Creek Canyon is one of the most scenic places I've ever seen
We'll see raging rapids, quiet pools of crystal-clear water, sunny
slabs of smooth granite, and rose-colored polished domes. Our
adventure will take us over 20+ miles of rough and rugged terrain.
Your eyes will be filled with such grandeur that you'll never notice your
sore muscles.
*** Beginner Trip Up Langley
Peak: Mt. Langley (14,042') class 1-2
Dates: July 4-6 Fri-Sun
Leader: Chris Kramar W 415-926-6861
Co-Leader: Wanted H 510-796-6651
If you want to get one of the California fourteener's, this is the easiest.
Friday we'll take a leisurely hike up the Cottonwood Lakes trail to the
Cottonwood Lakes. There will be plenty of time to explore the lakes
and even take a swim. Saturday we'll cross New Army Pass and
proceed to the summit of Mt. Langley. We have all day to do this so
beginning peak climbers should have no problem completing this climb.
On Sunday we return to the cars with plenty of time to get home at a
reasonable hour. This trip is for all peak climbers, as well as solid
backpackers with little or no peak climbing experience who want to find out
what peak climbing is all about.
*** Duddettes on Dade
Peak: Mt. Dade (13,600), class 2
Dates: Sat. July 12 - Sun. July 13
Map: Mt. Abbot 7.5
Leader: Debbie Benham
Co-Leader: Nancy Fitzsimmons, 408-957-9683,Nancy_Fitzsimmons@BayNetworks.COM
Saturday, we'll get a leisurely start from the Rock Creek area and
head up to camp at Treasure Lakes. With a free afternoon, there is
an option of hiking up a nearby "peaklet." Sunday, we'll stroll up to
the summit of Mt. Dade via the Hourglass route. This trip is great for
beginning climbers with a bit of backpacking experience.
*** Mt. Clark
Peak: Mt Clark (11,522') class 4
Dates: July 19-20 Sat-Sun
Maps: Yosemite and Merced Pk. 15 min. Half Dome and Merced Pk 7.5 min.
Leaders: Kelly Maas 408-279-2054 maas@idt.com
Charles Schafer 408-324-6003 charles.schafer@octel.com
Being the softmen that we are, we are taking a whole weekend to
climb Mt. Clark in southern Yosemite. Starting at Mono Meadow on
the Glacier Pt Rd, our route is part trail and a lot of cross country,
with mileage galore. Great opportunities to practice map and
compass skills on the approach. We plan to climb the Northwest
Arete, though this may change. Beer and togas are optional.
*** Tyndall In A Weekend
Peak: Mt. Tyndall (14,018') class 3
Dates: Sat. July 26 - Sun. July 27
Leader: Chris Kramar W 415-926-6861
Co-Leader: Wanted H 510-796-6651
Most people do this climb in three days, but with an aggressive
schedule, we'll climb it in two. It IS possible, as I have climbed
neighboring Mt. Williamson in two days. On Saturday we'll attain the
top of Shepherd Pass and camp by Mt. Tyndall. Sunday we'll climb
the peak and return to the cars. The first day involves a gain of 7000'
over 12 miles, so I cannot overstress the importance of going
ultralight. If you have questions about going light, I can provide
instruction. Expect a late return Sunday night.
*** Enroll in University
Peaks: Kearsarge Peak (12,618 ft) class 1
University Peak(13,589 ft) cl 2 Independence Peak(11,742 ft) class 3
Dates: July 25-27
Maps: Mt Pinchot & Mt Whitney 15 min; or
Kearsarge Pk & Mt Williamson 7.5 min
Leader Aaron Schuman h 415-968-9184 schuman@sgi.com w 415-933-1901
Car camp among the golden bears of Onion Valley (9200 ft).
Acclimatize Friday by walking up the old mining road to the summit of
Kearsarge Peak. Day hike Sierra giant University Peak, a mountain
that defeated the PCS last year. Our route takes us up to Robinson
Lake, over snowy and boulder strewn University Pass, and on the
class 2 southeast ridge. Ascend Independence Peak to finish mid-
day on Sunday.
*** Matterhorn and Whorl
Peaks: Matterhorn Peak(12,279),cl2)Whorl Mountain (12,033), cl3)
Dates: Sat. Aug. 2 - Sun. Aug. 3
Maps: Matterhorn Peak 7.5 or 15
Leader: Charles Schafer, (408)324-6003, charles.schafer@octel.com
We'll stroll up rugged Horse Creek Canyon to Horse Creek Pass,
then make camp just beyond. We should have time on Saturday to
climb Matterhorn via the standard route, then on Sunday we can try
our luck at finding a class-3 route on Whorl (judging from past trip
reports, this is a nontrivial exercise). This is a very scenic section of
the Sierra, and a chance to meet the mountain of which myths are made.
*** Mountaineers Delight
Peaks: Mt. Whitney (14,494) class 3, Mt. Russell (14,088) class 3
Dates: Fri. Aug. 15 - Mon. Aug. 18
Maps: Mt. Whitney 7.5
Leader: Charles Schafer, 408-324-6003, charles.schafer@octel.com
Co-Leader: Jim Ramaker, 408-463-4873, ramaker@vnet.ibm.com
If you like big mountains and class-3 climbing, this trip is for you.
Friday we'll take cross-country route up the North Fork of Lone Pine
Creek to our camp at Iceberg Lake at 12,600. Saturday we'll tackle
the Mountaineer's route on Mt. Whitney, and Sunday we'll attempt the
narrow and exposed east ridge of Mt. Russell. The spectacular high-
altitude scenery and towering rock walls in this area make it a real
amphitheater of the mountain gods. The hike out on Monday will not
be too long -- if we move along we can get out to the cars by noon
and home by 10 p.m. Experienced class-3 climbers only on this trip.
*** Doing the Bear Abbot on Labor Dade
Peaks: Bear Creek Spire, Dade, Abbot class 2-3
Date: Aug 30 - Sep 1 Sat-Mon (Labor Day)
Maps: Mt. Abbot, Mt. Hilgard 7.5' quad
Leader: David Harris (415) 497-5571 harrisd@leland.stanford.edu
Spend a glorious Labor Day weekend in the Little Lakes valley. On
Saturday we will pack in a short distance to a convenient scenic camp
and climb the magnificent Bear Creek Spire (13,720'+ class 3+) by
Ulrich's Route. The summit spire evidently has an interesting move
which can be facilitated by climbing shoes, though boots should be
sufficient. Mt. Abbot (13,704' class 3) should be another fine climb.
We'll probably also climb Mt. Dade (13,600' class 2), though I'd be
game for something besides lumbering up the loose scree of the
Hourglass if somebody has a better idea. Depending on interest, I may
start the weekend on Friday with a dayhike of one of the other peaks
around the Little Lakes valley. Send me mail if you have preferences.
*** Mokelumne River Canyon,
Mokelumne River Canyon, Class 2, September 5-8
Topos: Mokelumne Peak, Pacific Valley, both 15 min
Leader: John Ingvoldstad (209) 296-8483, kate@cdepot.net
This is a 35 mile trip up a very scenic, 4,000 foot deep canyon,
elevations from 5,000 to 9,000 feet. Includes river crossings, cross-
country, and route finding. Opportunities to fish and swim. Short car
shuttle. Starts at Bear Valley off Hwy 4.
*** Get Ritter Yer Banner
Peaks: Ritter (13157'), Banner (12945') class 3
Date: Sep 6-7 Sat-Sun
Maps: Mt. Ritter 7.5' quad
Leader:, David Harris 415-497-5571 harrisd@leland.stanford.edu
Enjoy a fast-paced jaunt up two classic peaks. Taking the standard
route from Devil's Postpile, we'll hike up to a camp at Ediza Lake and
scramble up the Ritter/Banner saddle to one of the summits.
Depending on how fast we move, we'll either bag the other peak or
climb it Sunday morning before packing out. Trip limited to six strong
hikers. Ice ax required.
*** Mokelumne Canyoneering
Canyon: Mokelumne River Canyon, class 2
Dates: Fri. Sep. 5 - Mon. Sep. 8
Topos: Mokelumne Peak 15, Pacific Valley 15
Leader: John Ingvoldstad, 209-296-8483, kate@cdepot.net
This is a 35-mile trip up a very scenic, 4000-foot deep canyon, with
elevations from 5000 to 9000 feet. Trip will include river crossings, cross-
country hiking, and route finding. Opportunities to fish and swim. Short
car shuttle. Starts at Bear Valley off Hwy 4.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 Advance Trip List
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE LEADERS TO SIGN UP
FOR THESE TRIPS. The time to sign up is after the trip is
formally announced in the Scree, with a full description and a
designation as a private or official PCS trip. Many of these trips
are contingent on obtaining permits, and plans for some of them
will change.
This list is intended to prevent trip scheduling conflicts and to
help you plan your summer, NOT to enable people to sign up
way in advance. If you are planning a trip, and if you change
your plans or can't get a permit, please contact the Scree Editor
to keep this list up to date.
Class x-y means the climb is between class x and class y. Class
x,y,z applies to multi-peak trips where the peaks vary in difficulty.
Some leaders have requested that their names not be listed.
Date Peak(s) Class Leader(s)
Jun 21-22 Red Slate couloir 3 Schuman/Schafer
Jul 3-8 Goddard, McGee, Emerald, Hermit,etc 2,3,3,5 Suzuki/Eckert/Schafer
Jul 12-13 Mt. Dade 2 (withheld)
Jul 19-20 Humphreys, Emerson 4 Suzuki/Harris
Jul 19-20 Mt. Clark 3-4 Maas/Schafer
Jul 25-27 Kearsarge, University, Indep 3 Schuman
Aug 2-3 Matterhorn Pk, Whorl Mtn. 2,4 Schafer
Aug 8-10 Mt. Haeckel, Mt. Wallace 3 Kirkpatrick/Keith
Aug 9-10 Virginia Peak, Twin Peaks 3 Bulger
Aug 15-18 Mt. Whitney, Mt. Russell 5/3,3 Schafer/Ramaker
Aug 30-1 Clarence King, Gardner 5 Schafer
Sep 5-7 Banner Peak, Mt. Ritter 3 Harris
Sep 12-14 Mt. Gabb 2 Maxwell
Sep 13-14 Tehipite Dome 3 Suzuki/Schafer
Sep 19-21 Mt. Russell 3 (withheld)
Sep 20-21 Mt. Morrison, Mt. Baldwin 3 Fitzsimmons/Suzuki
Sep 20-21 Koip Peak, Gibbs, Dana 2 Schuman/Magliocco
Oct 4-5 Needham, Sawtooth, Vandever 3 Schuman
Oct 18-19 Koip Peak, Ragged Peak 3 Suzuki
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unofficial (Private) Trips
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Private trips may be submitted directly to the Scree Editor,
but are not insured, sponsored, or supervised by the Sierra
Club. They are listed here because they may be of interest to
PCS members, not because they are endorsed by the PCS.
*** Slated for Red and White
Peak: Red Slate (13163) Red&White (12816) snow/class 3
Dates: May 31-June 1 Sat-Sun
Maps: Mt Morrison, Mt Abbot 15' topos
Contact: Bob Suzuki (>8pm) H 408-259-0772
bobszk@pacbell.net W 510-657-7555
Co-Contact: Arun Mahajan H 408-244-7912
arun@sentientnet.com W 408-473-8029
This strenuous 2-peak weekend will start from the McGee Pass
trailhead, 10 miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes. Saturday we'll
backpack in to Little McGee Lake, setup camp and climb Red Slate for
a total first day's gain of over 5000'. Sunday's climb of the northeast ridge
of Red and White will be easier with less than 2000' of gain, but may
involve ascending steep snow and loose rock. Limited to 8 experienced
climbers; ice axe, crampons and snowshoes.
*** Simply Silliman
Peak: Mt Silliman (11188') class-2
Dates: June 7-8 Sat-Sun
Maps: Triple Divide Peak (15') or Mt Silliman (7.5')
Contact: Siamak Navid 707-577-4845 sia@sr.hp.com
We will start hiking on trail at Lodgepole (Sequoia NP) on Sat, June
7th. Our tentative camp for Sat night is at Twin Lakes (9500") which
makes the hike about 8 miles with 2500' of gain. Depending on the
conditions, going off-trail and camping closer to the peak might also
be an option. We will attempt the peak and return to the trailhead on
Sunday.
*** Williamson
Peak: Mt. Williamson (14,375') class 2/3
Dates: June 20-22 Fri-Sun
Map: Mt. Williamson 7.5'
Contact: Debbie Benham 415-964-0558 dmbenham@aol.com
We will depart 6am, Friday, the 20th, from the Shepard Pass
Trailhead. The Shepherd Pass trail is long, steep and strenuous with
500' of loss and gain mid-way to the pass. Saturday, we'll get an
alpine start and ascend via the Bolton Brown route. Ice axe and
crampons required. Sunday, we'll head on out. Permit for six. $3
permit-fee deposit required. Those who have expressed an interest
need to re-contact Debbie - thanks!
*** Milling About Dade
Peaks: Mt Dade (13,600'), Mt Mills (13,451') class 4
Dates: June 21-22 Sat-Sun
Map: Mt Abbot 7.5' quad
Contact: Kai Wiedman 415-347-5234
Co-Contact: Bob Suzuki 408-259-0772 bobszk@pacbell.net
Scenic Little Lakes Valley will be the setting for our adventure. We will
attempt at grand traverse of Mt Dade by climbing moderate snow and ice
on the north face which will lead us to a 4th class rock rib. From here we
will follow the hideously exposed northwest ridge to the summit and down
the Hourglass Couloir to Treasure Lakes. The climb will take place on
Saturday for it's only a 3.5 mile hike in. Sunday brunch or possible climb of
Mt Mills.
*** SPS TRIP: Izaak Walton and Silver
Peaks: Izaak Walton (12077), Silver (11878) class 3
Dates: Jun 21-23 Sat-Mon
Leader: Steve Eckert eckert@netcom.com
Co-Leader: Ron Hudson
Listed with the Angeles Chapter: 30+ mile Tiger Trip! We'll carry ice
axes for some probable spring snow chutes, but most of the trip will
be on dry land (assuming a normal snowfall). We'll try to finish in 2
days, with a third day just in case, so pack light for a fast pace!
Restricted to Sierra Club members. Send email or SASE with recent
experience to leader to sign up.
*** Split Mountain And Other Peaks
Peaks: Split, Tinemaha, Prater, Bolton Brown class 1-3
Dates: June 28 - July 4 Sat-Fri
Contact: Debbie Bulger 408-457-1036
Now that I have a four-wheel drive vehicle, I'm ready for the much-
discussed ride to the trailhead of this impressive fourteener south of Big
Pine. The first day we'll hike to Red Lake and set up base camp. Sunday
we climb Split Mountain (14,058, class 1-2). On Monday, we'll climb Mt.
Tinemaha (12,561, class 1-2), then hike over the Sierra Crest into Kings
Canyon National Park, moving our camp to Lake 11,599. From there we'll
ascend Mt. Prater (13,329, class 1-2) and Mt. Bolton Brown (13,638, class
2-3) and still have time to explore. Ice axe required. Crampons strongly
recommended. Weekenders who wish to climb only Split are welcome,
however preference will be given to those opting for the whole trip. A $5
check reserves your place. Call leader to be sure there is room.
*** Evolution, Goddard Divide and Black Divide
Peaks: misc class 2-3
Dates: July 1-6 Tue-Sun
Map: Mt Goddard 15 min
Trailhead: Lake Sabrina
Contact: John Bees H 702-851-0949
jbees@maxey.dri.edu W 702-673-7381
Co-Contact: NEEDED
Let's start the summer season off to a bang by climbing as many of
the Muir Pass area peaks as possible over a long July 4th weekend.
We'll get six days of climbing with only three days off work. We'll start
from Lake Sabrina and go over Echo Col (class 3; 12,400') the first
day and set up a basecamp in the Helen Lake/Muir Pass area. Over
the next four days we'll climb as many of these peaks as we can: Mt
Goddard (class 2; 13,568'), Charybdis (class 3; 13,096'), Scylla
(class 2; 12,956'), MacDuffie (class 3; 13,282'), Fiske (class 2; 13,503'),
Powell (class 2; 13,360+'), Haeckel (class 3; 13,418') Primary importance
are Mt Goddard, Charybdis, and McDuffie. Leader flexible for other
alternative peaks. Ice axes will probably be necessary depending on snow
and weather conditions. Group currently limited to four experienced and
ambitious climbers but additional permit slots may be available.
*** Climb-O-Rama Redux
Peaks: Darwin, Mendel, The Hermit, ... Haeckel
Dates: July 2 thru July 8 Weds thru Tues
Maps: Darwin, Henry, Goddard, & Thompson 7.5'
Leader Charles Schafer (408)324-6003 charles.schafer@octel.com
This trip is being done in conjunction with Bob Suzuki and Steve
Eckert's trip with a similar agenda, we just start out and end up a little
differently. We start out a day earlier, on July 2, and hike in to Darwin
Canyon via Lamarck Col. We then climb Darwin and Mendel and
meet up with the other group a little further on in. Days 3, 4, and 5
are spent climbing The Hermit, Emerald, McGee, and Goddard along
with the other group.
Day 6 gives us the opportunity to climb Haeckel and Wallace, and then on
Day 7 we hike out over Haeckel Col to Lake Sabrina, where we will
hopefully have left a car to complete our loop trip. This should be a lot of
fun, but it is a pretty ambitious trip so we are looking only for experienced
class 3 climbers to fill out the roster.
*** Mt. Ansel Adams
Peak: Mt. Ansil Adams
Dates : July 3-6
Map: Mt. Lyell 7.5'
Contact: Jim Curl 415-585-1380 jimcurl@juno.com
Remote and rarely visited, Mt. Ansel Adams is a spectacular peak in
the Yosemite backcountry. From Tuolomne Meadows, 19 miles of trail
lead up and over Vogelsang Pass to the Lyell Fork of the Merced
River. A few more off trail miles up this drainage lead to a lovely collection
of lakes below the peak. Permit is for 6. Ice axe experience required.
Relatively strong hikers preferred (endurance more important than speed).
For reference, read Jim Raemaker's report of last July's successful trip in
the September 1996 Scree.
*** The Minarets
Peaks: The Minarets, around 12000' class 4-5
Dates: July 4-6
Contact: Peter Maxwell 408-737-9770
Co-Contact: Paul Scheidt 408-439-9204
The Minarets comprise the delightfully jagged crest close to Ritter and
Banner, seen from Highway 395. Ever wondered what it would be like to be
on the SUMMIT of one of them? That's what we aim to find out. We'll
explore several of the summits over the weekend, with difficulties ranging
from class 4 up to 5.7 or so. All the climbs will be roped, and will be
suitable only for experienced climbers.
*** Colorado 14ers
Peaks: San Juan Mountains
Dates: July 11-13
Contact: Tony Cruz 408.944.2003 cruz@idt.com
Anyone who is comfortable on class 3 rock in the high country can
join me for a weekend in Colorado. I plan to rent a 4-wheel drive on
Friday afternoon July 11 at the Denver Airport and car camp on
Engineer Pass (13,000 feet!). From Engineer Pass we should be
able to easily bag a few nice peaks on Saturday and Sunday,
including Uncompagre and Wetterhorn, two fourteeners (my spelling
is off)
*** Mt. Ritter From The Back Side
Peaks: Ritter (13150'), Banner (12943') class 2, snow
Dates: July 14-19 Mon-Sat
Trailhead: Agnew Meadows
Contact: Alan Ritter 314-225-7600 x5362 jar@storz.com
Leave Agnew Meadows Monday, 14 July, camp near Thousand
Island Lake, then hike over North Glacier Pass and on down to Ritter
Lakes on 7/15. Approach is on-trail (10 mi) to 1,000 I., off-trail (2 mi)
from there. Secor's western approach is Class 2. If assault on Mt.
Ritter succeeds 7/16, we may give neighboring Banner Peak a try
7/17, before hiking back out 7/18-7/19. Ice axe and crampons
required. Snow camping possible at 1,000 I. very probable at Ritter
Lakes. Reference last summer's trip report:
http://reality.sgi.com/csp/pcs/Reports/ritter9606.html
*** Mt. Sill
Peak: Mt. Sill (14,162) class 2-3
Dates: July 18-20 Fri-Sun
Map: Mt. Goddard 15
Contact: Bill Kirkpatrick 408-293-2447 3780631@mcimail.com
Co-Contact: Alex Keith 415-325-1091 akeith@crc.ricoh.com
Starting at South Lake (10,000') we will follow the trail over Bishop
Pass (about 12,000') then cross-country over Thunderbolt Pass
(12,400') to camp in the Palisade Basin (11,600'). On Saturday we
will ascend Mt. Sill through Potluck Pass and the Polemonium Glacier
Basin. We will retrace our steps to the cars on Sunday. This route
requires a long grind on Friday and the possibility of Class-3 climbing
on Saturday. Permit for Six. Waiver required.
*** Three Trips by Hult
July 26 - Aug 1 John Muir Trail light
Sept. 13- 14: Mt Clark Yosemite
August 2 - 3: Great Western Divide
Contact Tim Hult 408-970-0760
Puite Pass to Mt Whitney. Slots for 2 people on this classic.
Possible peak climbs along the way TBD. Must be willing to drive to
accommodate car shuttle.
*** Palisades Part Two
Peak: Norman Clyde (13920+') class 3-4
Date: July 27-28 Sun-Mon
Maps: Split Mountain 7.5' quad
Contact: David Harris 415-497-5571 harrisd@leland.stanford.edu
Co-Contact: John Bees 702-851-0949 jbees@maxey.dri.edu
After Thunderbolt and a short night of sleep in the desert, we'll attack
imposing Norman Clyde from the South Fork of Big Pine Creek.
Carrying light packs and bivy gear, we'll race up to Finger Lake before
the Dreaded Mosquitoes of Big Pine Creek eat us alive, then attempt
to locate the class 3-4 route up the North-Northeast Ridge. If we stay
on route, we may be able to dayhike the peak. If not, we'll plan to
bivvy somewhere on the peak and finish Monday morning. Ice axe,
crampons, harness required, climbing shoes may be helpful. Group
limited to four fast, experienced mountaineers.
*** Matterhorn Peak
8/9 - 8/10 Matterhorn Peak
SASE to: Andy Zdon /RR4 Box 12-M/ Bishop CA 93514
Leisurely backpack via Horse Creek to this emblem peak.
*** Colorado 14ers
Peaks: misc class 1-3
Dates: Aug 1-10 Fri-Sun
Contact: George Van Gorden 408-779-2320 before 9pm
Co-Contact: Bill Kirkpatrick 408-293-2447
We will climb four or five 14er's. We will arrange a meeting time at
Denver or Colorado Springs airport (depending upon air fares), rent a
car and drive from peak to peak. although not to the top. Among the
peaks we climb will be Elbert which is the highest mountain in
Colorado and Longs Peak by the well-traveled Keyhole route. As a
group we will select the other peaks, considering distance, difficulty
and Colorado's unpredictable summer weather. Nothing will be harder
than Class 3 and much will be on trail.
Mt. Rainier
Peak: Mt. Rainier (14,410')
Dates: Aug. 3-7 (Sun-Thurs)
Map: Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park USGS 1:50,000
Contact: Paul Ward-Dolkas 415.324.2015 Home 408.433.2625 Work
Fly to Seattle on Sunday, drive to the mountain and car camp at
Cougar Rock. Hike to camp Muir on Monday, hopefully staying in the
hut. Go for the summit using the Disappointment Cleaver (i.e., Yak)
route early Tuesday; return to car and fly out Wednesday if all goes
well. Extra day provided in case Cascade's weather works like it did
for last year's attempt. May also consider using camp Schurman
approach rather than camp Muir since it avoids the loose rock on the
D.C. Ice ax, crampons and crevasse rescue training mandatory.
*** Brewer By Bubb
Peak: Mt Brewer (13,570') class 2
Date: Aug 22-24 Fri-Sun
Map: USGS Mt Brewer 7.5'
Contact: Bill Kirkpatrick 408-293-2447 3780631@MCIMAIL.COM
Co-Contact: Alex Keith 415-325-1091 akeith@crc.ricoh.com
Starting at Road's End in King's Canyon (elev 5,000') we will follow
the long trail along Bubb's Creek to East Lake (9,500') early Friday
morning, ascend the peak the next day, and return by the same route
on Sunday. Secor says that Brewer has a ".. wide, unobstructed view
in all directions from its summit." A good trip for first-time peak
climbers with prior back-packing experience. Permit for six.
*** Toulomne Family Car Camp
Peaks: Koip Peak (12962) & Mount Gibbs (12773) class 1
Dates: Sep 13-14
Maps: Mono Craters 15 min or Mount Dana & Koip Peak 7.5 min
Leaders: Aaron Schuman h 415-968-9184 w 415-933-1901 schuman@sgi.com
Cecil Magliocco h 408-358-1168 cecilm@ix.netcom.com
Tuolumne Meadows group campsite reserved Friday and Saturday
nights. Family members are welcome. Join us exploring the Pacific
Crest on Saturday or construct your own day activity. Saturday, we'll
day hike from Dana Meadows trailhead (9600) near the eastern edge
of Yosemite National Park, over windswept Parker Pass (11100), to
Koip Peak, to barren Mono Pass (10600), and up the south flank of
Mount Gibbs.Sunday, we'll make a short class 2 jaunt, perhaps to
Mount Gaylor or Tioga Peak.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BACK PAGE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scree is the monthly journal of the Peak Climbing Section
of the Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Elected Officials
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Chair:
Warren Storkman / pcs_chair@kaweah.mti.sgi.com
415-493-8959 home, 415-493-8975 fax
4180 Mackay Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Vice Chair and Trip Scheduler:
Jim Ramaker / pcs_scheduler@kaweah.mti.sgi.com
408-224-8553 home, 408-463-4873 work,
188 Sunwood Meadows Place, San Jose CA 95119-1350
Treasurer and Membership Roster (address changes):
George Van Gorden / pcs_treasurer@kaweah.mti.sgi.com
408-779-2320 home
830 Alkire Avenue, Morgan Hill, CA 95037
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Appointed Positions
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Scree Editor, Email Broadcast Operator:
Steve Eckert / pcs_editor@kaweah.mti.sgi.com
415-508-0500 home/work, 415-508-0501 fax
1814 Oak Knoll Drive, Belmont, CA 94002-1753
PCS World Wide Web Publisher:
Aaron Schuman / pcs_webmaster@kaweah.mti.sgi.com
415-933-1901, http://reality.sgi.com/csp/pcs/index.html
223 Horizon Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94043-4718
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Subscriptions
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Hardcopy subscriptions are $10. Subscription applications and checks
payable to "PCS" should be mailed to the Treasurer so they arrive before
the last Tuesday of the expiration month. If you are on the PCS email
broadcast, you have a free EScree subscription. For broadcast info, send
Email to with the one-line message
INFO lomap-peak-climbing
EScree subscribers should send a subscription form to the Treasurer to
become voting PCS members at no charge. All subscribers are requested to
send a donation of $2/year to cover operating expenses other than printing
the Scree, which is on the PCS web site (as both plain text and postscript).
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Rock Climbing Classifications
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
The following trip classifications are to assist you in choosing
trips for which you are qualified. No simple rating system can
anticipate all possible conditions.
Class 1: Walking on a trail.
Class 2: Walking cross-country, using hands for balance.
Class 3: Requires use of hands for climbing, rope may be used.
Class 4: Requires rope belays.
Class 5: Technical rock climbing.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
In Upcoming Issues:
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Need good trip reports!
Need some comics or high-contrast photos!
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
Deadline for submissions to the next Scree is Sunday 6/22/97.
Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month.
=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=
"Vy can't ve chust climb?" - John Salathe First Class Mail - Dated Material
(end of EScree - June 1997)