I, too, have a weakness for a particular peak - Round Top, near Carson Pass (hiway 88) south of Tahoe. I've been to the top nearly a dozen times now. From the pass, Round Top is definitely no where near the climb and hike that Big Iron is, but when done from the bottom of Summit City Canyon, it's around 3100' of elevation gain in just over 3 miles by trail or 1.5 miles by the most direct route. That particular route is one that I'll not be attempting again. I'd like to think that I'm getting smarter, but the truth is, it's just an age thing.
This article was perfect. My first time trying big Iron, I was actually heading for Allison mine, but instead me and my buddy found ourselves going up and up and up, heading for a particularly huge mountain, the one I had read was the hardest in the San Gabriels...
Having only 4 1/2 hours, we didn't make it very far, but returned soon. We got farther, up to the "pine tree place" that begins the last mile. We would have continued (or I would have, my group was slightly exhausted) but we would have run out of daylight.
The third time we figured would be the charm, but, that last mile sure is punishing! Oh, the pains, the aches, but worse, we didn't make it. We were running out of time again, I was sure we were close, but I didn't have the heart or something to go on without my friends. Oh, but I should have, for as we came down, I recognized the place we had stopped. It was 100 feet below, at worst, from the very top. Nothing! And now I have to wait, endlessly, before I go again. I love this mountain. I am still sore from it as I write this. Your writing is exactly what I felt over and over again!
The 4th attempt is awaiting, in February...I will let you know how it goes.
I just know you'll do it on the 4th try. Just start early enough. You'll probably see some snow towards the top, but I've gotten through the patches in trail runners.
Let me know when you're going. If I can make it, I'd like to tag along. Been a while since I've been up there.
kitcarson61 - Dec 9, 2006 7:49 pm - Hasn't voted
Same mind setI, too, have a weakness for a particular peak - Round Top, near Carson Pass (hiway 88) south of Tahoe. I've been to the top nearly a dozen times now. From the pass, Round Top is definitely no where near the climb and hike that Big Iron is, but when done from the bottom of Summit City Canyon, it's around 3100' of elevation gain in just over 3 miles by trail or 1.5 miles by the most direct route. That particular route is one that I'll not be attempting again. I'd like to think that I'm getting smarter, but the truth is, it's just an age thing.
Augie Medina - Dec 9, 2006 11:17 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Same mind setThanks for sharing that thought. Sounds like your peak is in a beautiful area. Safe hiking and climbing.
banjobonch - Dec 13, 2006 12:23 pm - Voted 10/10
NiceNice trip report. Very good pictures
Augie Medina - Dec 13, 2006 5:57 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: NiceThanks very much. Iron is always extremely satisifying but (at least for me) it hurts!
bechtt - Jan 16, 2007 4:07 am - Voted 10/10
On target!You hit the mark on all accounts (including the ascent from the SA ridge.) But the traverse from Iron is calling...
Augie Medina - Jan 16, 2007 7:39 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: On target!Yes, the traverse in that direction is a void in my experience with suffering.
TheGoat - Jan 22, 2009 11:58 pm - Voted 10/10
My 3 AttemptsThis article was perfect. My first time trying big Iron, I was actually heading for Allison mine, but instead me and my buddy found ourselves going up and up and up, heading for a particularly huge mountain, the one I had read was the hardest in the San Gabriels...
Having only 4 1/2 hours, we didn't make it very far, but returned soon. We got farther, up to the "pine tree place" that begins the last mile. We would have continued (or I would have, my group was slightly exhausted) but we would have run out of daylight.
The third time we figured would be the charm, but, that last mile sure is punishing! Oh, the pains, the aches, but worse, we didn't make it. We were running out of time again, I was sure we were close, but I didn't have the heart or something to go on without my friends. Oh, but I should have, for as we came down, I recognized the place we had stopped. It was 100 feet below, at worst, from the very top. Nothing! And now I have to wait, endlessly, before I go again. I love this mountain. I am still sore from it as I write this. Your writing is exactly what I felt over and over again!
The 4th attempt is awaiting, in February...I will let you know how it goes.
Augie Medina - Jan 23, 2009 2:53 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: My 3 AttemptsI just know you'll do it on the 4th try. Just start early enough. You'll probably see some snow towards the top, but I've gotten through the patches in trail runners.
Let me know when you're going. If I can make it, I'd like to tag along. Been a while since I've been up there.