Where: Eastern Sierra Nevada (near Independence, CA)
When: September 2009
Partners: DB
I had no idea that someone in the early 1950s had dubbed the unnamed peak between Mount Gould and University Peak as "Snow Crown." With an enjoyable class 3 scramble to the summit via its north ridge, and then an easy class 2 descent down the southeast slope to Bench Lake, it was a highly enjoyable, mellow, and ultra-scenic day out.
Snow Crown
Mount Rixford & Falcor Peak
Where: Sierra Nevada, California
When: August 2009
Partners: DB
DB and I spent an enjoyable day climbing Falcor Peak and Mount Rixford out of Onion Valley. It was a fine day out that required an effort of about 17 miles and 5,500 feet of elevation gain, with some enjoyable class 3-4 scrambling on Falcor. The views from the top of Rixford were excellent.
Dragon Peak (12,995 Feet)
Where: Sierra Nevada, California
When: Summer 2006
Partners: Solo
Route: South Ridge via Mount Gould (Class 3)
I was eager to give Dragon Peak a go. I'd heard that this fine, obscure Sierra Nevada peak had an awesomely exposed, narrow traverse near its top to reach the summit. Good stuff!
Eventually approaching the summit via Mount Gould and the rugged connecting ridge, I marveled at the cragginess of the final ridge and subsequent high blocks that comprised the summit and its neighboring sub-points.
Negotiating the narrow ledge traverse to the summit, I enjoyed the views and soon began my return to Mount Gould. Another fine tour in the Sierra!
TOPO
*Photos courtesy of Rick Kent
Onion Valley's Mount Gould
Setting out one day from the Kearsarge Pass Trailhead in Onion Valley, I headed up the beautiful trail for Mount Gould. Mount Gould, commonly regarded as one of the easiest high peaks in the Sierra Nevada, was said to offer stunning views and a quality scramble up the final summit block.
Reaching Kearsarge Pass, I left the trail and headed up the mellow terrain toward the top. Eventually, the sand and scree of the route gave way to the final summit crags. The highest block presented itself. A short scramble followed.
I signed the register and headed off to Dragon Peak.
TOPO
*Photos courtesy of Rick Kent
Independence Peak via North Ridge
Where: Sierra Nevada, California
When: July 2006
Partners: Solo
Route: North Ridge (Class 4)
I set out one summer morning for a solo scramble up the high-quality class 4 north ridge of Independence Peak. With some variations down low, and an arguable crux up high, the route is great fun.
From the summit, I dropped down the south ridge a bit until I could pick up easy terrain leading me down the sand and talus west face. It wasn't long before I was passing Robinson Lake, looping my way back to the vehicle.
TOPO
*Photos courtesy of Rick Kent
