Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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42.45960°N / 119.7401°W |
Route Type:
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Hike / cross country scramble |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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Cl 1 & 2 |
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Approach
Start from the Hot Springs Campground as described in the "getting there" section on the main page.Route Description
After you've parked, proceed past the gate (shown below) and jump across the stream to get back on the road. The road starts up and forks in a bit but stay to the right and follow the road as it ascends up the road past some nice aspen groves that will make this part of the hike a delight in the fall.The road climbs in earnest to another fork at the top of a rise about a mile and a half further on. Stay left and the road will descend into Barnhardi Basin and you'll notice an old cabin structure to the right up in the trees. Continue on the road and follow it as it as it crosses Barnhardi creek (a step over)and then ascends again to another small saddle before it drops again to another creek crossing.
From this creek crossing, the road climbs up to the south east and thens bends back to the west. After it crests the last little saddle, about the 3 1/2 mile mark, you will find a wooden gate (not closed) and this will signal you that the time to head cross country to the peak has arrived.
It is a mile away and about 1600 feet of elevation to go. You'll notice a structure on top of the peak and this is very near where the actual summit is located.
Pick your own path across the sagebrush covered slope and the slope will soon start gaining elevation. Go to the left or to the right, you'll find no use trail to guide you as you have to make your way through both short and medium tall sagebrush. I went up to the left to gain the summit area and descended to the right. I felt the right side was easier (but hey, I was descending) . The summit is marred by an antenna set up and a cement block building (small). I couldn't find any benchmark nor register and I suspect that the Benchmark was wiped out during the construction of the antenna setup.
If you have the time, you can wander to the west and get some neat views of the lakes below you. Hart Mountain, is a short distance to the south and could be included.
Gate found 200 yards south of Hot Springs CGDistance - 10 miles
Elevation gain (Including ups and downs) 2600 feet