Dragon's Egg Rock

Approach

Start at the Sandbeach Lake Trailhead. Hike in all the way to Sandbeach Lake. A good goal is to get to Sandbeach Lake just before sunrise; it would be difficult to continue too far beoynd Sandbeach Lake without light. Sandbeach Lake is also a good place to organize and stow your gear; from here to the summit, you'll be going up.

Route Description

From Sandbeach Lake, bushwhack almost due north. This will take you through a forested area of immense boulders. Your objective is the fork in Hunter's Creek-- where the outlet from Keplinger Lake meets the couloir coming off of Meeker. From this point, you should have a clear view of Dragon's Egg Rock-- a large outcrop to one side of the couloir. Scramble up the couloir towards the rock. The route isn't difficult-- it's just extremely steep. As you approach the base of the rock, angle west, and head for the ridgeline; the rock along the ridge is more solid and in larger pieces than the boulders and scree in the couloir, so it's easier going. Angle towards the Loft, and from the Loft, climb to the summit.

Descending, you can just follow Hunter's Creek out until it intersects the Sandbeach Lake trailhead. There is a game or fishing trail along the creek.

The most significant difficulty with this route is the altitude gain; this is definitely not just an ordinary hike. However, the advantage of this route is that there is very little exposure (the most exposed sections are between the Loft and the summit), and no technical moves are required. The view of Meeker-- and your route-- from Sandbeach is breathtaking.

Essential Gear

In the summer, I have done this as a long day hike, withouth any specialized equipment.

Miscellaneous Info

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Images

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