Page Type: | Route |
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Lat/Lon: | 39.72520°N / 106.2701°W |
GPX File: | Download GPX » View Route on Map |
Route Type: | Hiking, Scrambling |
Time Required: | Most of a day |
Rock Difficulty: | Class 3 |
Segment | Distance | Elevation Gain |
Base camp at Upper Slate Lake to Peak S | 2.3 mi | 2200' |
Brush Creek TH to Upper Slate Lake camp (ascent) | 11.1 mi | 3100' |
Upper Slate Lake camp to Brush Creek TH (descent) | 11.1 mi | 1200' |
The rocky point just down from camp has a nice breeze and rock slabs for contemplating or cleaning up.
From the upper Slate Creek Camp, follow faint trails west along the Slate Creek valley. In some places the creek is directly below a cliff so you will need to ascend and descend as you work your way up the valley. There is some outstanding scenery along the way.
After 1.2 miles you will see the gully to the south between peaks R on the right and S on the left. This gully can hold snow well into the summer. Turn left (south) and ascend to the saddle. If you do not like the scree or snow, you can exit the gully to the left after about 12,100' and walk up the grassy slopes adjacent to the gully. This option is a safer way to descend if there is no snow in the gully.
When you reach the saddle, head east along the south side of the ridge. After about .1 mile the ridge curves to the north. At this point make sure you are near the top of the ridge as you may need to cross to the north side to avoid obstacles. Continue climbing along the ridge-top to the summit. As of July 2013 there was a register on Peak S.
You can descend the same way you came, or go on to Peak T by reversing the T - S Traverse Route.
Helmet
Ice ax (if descending between Peaks Q and R, possibly if descending between Peaks R and S)
Crampons (if descending between Peaks Q and R, possibly if descending between Peaks R and S)