Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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38.86400°N / 120.173°W |
Route Type:
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Hike & Scramble |
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Time Required:
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One to two days |
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Difficulty:
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Class 2-3 |
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Approach
This route starts at Mosquito Pass, which is the moderate pass that separates the Desolation Valley from Rockbound Valley to the north. To get there, follow the PCT from either the north or the south to the NE corner of Lake Aloha (which is actually on the Sierra crest). Head west along the shoreline for about 2/3 of a mile, then climb steeply on the trail up switchbacks for another 1/4 mile to Mosquito Pass.
Route Description
Leave the trail at the very top of Mosquito Pass and climb in a southwesterly direction along the top of the narrow granite spine that separates Lake Aloha from Clyde Lake. Continue heading in this direction up the prominent rib (which can be discerned on the 7.5 minute topo) that leads to a point on the North Ridge of Mount Price, about 0.2 miles north of the summit. This entire rib is one long series of undulating granite slabs which are tedious but not difficult to climb. Hence the name I gave this route when descending it after a long traverse of the Crystal Range in 2002.
As you near the north ridge, you will be presented with a number of options to gain the ridge. The two most apparent options are to gain the crest via one of two obvious notches in the ridge. The lefthand notch is immediately to the north of the summit, and thus would appear to be the best route. However, be forewarned that the short stretch of the north ridge leading from the lefthand notch to the summit has some exposure and is more than just a hands in pockets walkup. I agree with JEFFMOORE that this variation isn't that difficult and is a fun scramble, but you should be comfortable with your rock scrambling ability. On the other hand, the righthand notch provides a somewhat easier route -- climb to this notch, then drop down about 25-50 feet on the west side of the crest, where an easier ascending traverse leads up to the summit.
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Essential Gear
None required
Miscellaneous Info
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