Northern Approach

Approach

As shown on the front page, the approach is via the Corn Creek station.
From there it is four miles via the Mormon Wells road to a junction with the Gass Peak road. 8 1/2 bouncy and rock threatening miles remain to get to the appropriate place to park your vehicle, a service road that heads south to the area of the peak. Plan on about 40 to 45 minutes to negotiate the distance from the Corn Creek Wildlife Station. I'd recommend a high clearance vehicle with 4WD capability but I did not need to use 4WD pm the day I drove there. Conditions could change in the event of rain. I'd go prepared with a spare tire in good shape (not a donut kind) and plenty of water.

Route Description

Once you get to the place where you should park your vehicle, it is about 7 miles round trip with about 2100 feet of elevation gain. The parking spot is at 4900 feet. The access road is obvious but it was signed for "authorized vehicles" only. I took the road to where it forked and walked up the left one until it ended. From there I went cross country and near the 5400 foot mark, found a use trail that pretty much stays on the ridgeline all the way to the peak.

The map shows the key GPS coordinates (lat-long nad 27) that I used to waypoint my way up and down. Even if you get off of the use trail (sometimes hard to discern), common sense will get you to the summit. It took me 2 1/2 hours up (and I'm kinda slow) and two hours down. Figure on 4 to 5 hours for most hikers who are in reasonable hiking shape. It is a great hike and one I'd be happy to do again sometime.

Essential Gear

Good sturdy boots, snake gaiters (just in case) and plenty of water and suncream. Leave the fishing gear and kayak at home for this one. In winter time if plenty of snow (a slight possibilty) an ice axe and crampons might be needed.

Miscellaneous Info

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Images

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