South Gully

Approach

Follow the Window trail for about half a mile, then cut across the creek and scrub towards the base of the peak, following the easiest route you can find. Make your way towards the green patch of trees near the right side of the base, this is the creek that you will follow up.

Route Description

The creek is VERY thick with trees and undergrowth, making forward progress even slower and harder than the scrub you just fought your way through, with many battle wounds to show for it. For your efforts, a very narrow and steep rock canyon off to your left is a great reward, being 10-15 degrees cooler than the surrounding scrub. An alternate way up this first section is to scale the small hill to the right of the creek , and walk on the steep hillside following the creek up untill it thins out. I would almost recommend that more, but the little grotto is tempting. From here, just continue up this gully untill you summit the ridge at about 6500 ft. the 2nd time I attempted this peak, we made it about half-way up this gully before turning around due to time constraints. Though this was with a group of friends that aren't exactlly the outdoors type of people, they almost died up the nice trail to Emory. An in shape hiker can make this gully in about 2 hours, depending on how often you must stop to nurse your wounds from the vicious desert plant life. From the summit of the gully, the route is neither steep nor complicated. you will lose 200ft of elevation along the ridge, then gain 400ft to summit. From the summit of the ridge you are looking at another 2 hours of scrambling up and down towards the peak.

Essential Gear

Water, Water, Water! 3-4 Nalgene's per person is a good idea, more wouldn't hurt.

Long pants are strongly recommended, my legs still have scars from wearing shorts.

Miscellaneous Info

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Images

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