Enjoyed your TR and your comments about the western Utah desert peaks, they are very much overlooked. I'm hoping to hit Notch, Swasey, King Top and more of those desert gems in May. A couple of us are planning to go to Desert, Graham and George Hansen Peaks as well. The gem of them all is Ibapah. Thanks for posting this one.
I'm still relieved we missed that sheep by centimeters. I suppose we woud stll be there on that remote desert road, dining on mutton, if we had been disabled by that straggler. Good times.
It's nice to hear that there is appreciation for this beautiful area. I was out there about a month ago in search on the infamous Notch Peak and found myself really enjoying everything around that area. Definately a hidden gem. Good call..
Loved your report. Notch Peak is one I can't wait to climb. If you loved the remoteness of Notch you will be amazed at the true remoteness of Ibapah. If you take the Pony Express road, make sure you bring plenty of gas, water, and a spare tire. Ibapah is one of my absolute favorites.
Yeah, I placed that register on Crystal last Spring with my brother Mark. We made a similar loop with Notch Peak as well. The view from the top is totally spectacular. Did you stop by the sink hole near Notch? There is also another cabin near the old Grand Central byway, which is of course now a forgotten road. That entire area has soooo much to offer for those seeking solitude and adventure. There is lots of history as well with Jack Watson and others. I plan to go back again. Thanks for sharing this area with others in your trip report. Don
We missed the sink hole and I wish we could have seen the other cabin. I agree this is an incredible place with excellent views and solitude. I think we were the first to look at your register on Crystal.
In addition to the sink hole, which is really something, it's just a huge hole in the middle of the desert; don't fall there, there are some other things you may have noticed that caught my eye as well. There seem to be some additional quartzite cliff bands similar to the Ibex Crags that can be seen from the road to Crystal Peak near the wah wah valley. Gotta be some rock climbing there as well. Also near Stinson's cabin near Marjum Pass (old hwy 50-6) there are some huge rock walls. And I didn't climb it due to lack of time, but the Tatow Knob near Swasey Peak looks like it can only be summited via 5th class climbing. It's on my list of things to check out. Anyone know anything about it? .....By the way I don't doubt that you were the only ones in the last year to summit Crystal. Don
Yeah, it wasn't pretty. We were not expecting so much snow in the canyon. From the trailhead it looked like there would maybe be small patches, but that is it.
Dean - Apr 8, 2008 7:12 am - Voted 10/10
Good oneEnjoyed your TR and your comments about the western Utah desert peaks, they are very much overlooked. I'm hoping to hit Notch, Swasey, King Top and more of those desert gems in May. A couple of us are planning to go to Desert, Graham and George Hansen Peaks as well. The gem of them all is Ibapah. Thanks for posting this one.
Scott Wesemann - Apr 8, 2008 11:25 am - Hasn't voted
Thanks!Yes, Ibapah is next on my list.
cp0915 - Apr 8, 2008 10:10 am - Voted 10/10
What an awesome summit!I really enjoyed Notch Peak. And a great job on your TR.
Scott Wesemann - Apr 8, 2008 11:25 am - Hasn't voted
Thanks!I appreciate the vote
Matthew Van Horn - Apr 8, 2008 1:10 pm - Voted 10/10
MuttonI'm still relieved we missed that sheep by centimeters. I suppose we woud stll be there on that remote desert road, dining on mutton, if we had been disabled by that straggler. Good times.
DTMitch - Apr 14, 2008 11:43 am - Voted 8/10
Agreed+It's nice to hear that there is appreciation for this beautiful area. I was out there about a month ago in search on the infamous Notch Peak and found myself really enjoying everything around that area. Definately a hidden gem. Good call..
Garfimi - Apr 14, 2008 7:41 pm - Voted 10/10
Awesome!Loved your report. Notch Peak is one I can't wait to climb. If you loved the remoteness of Notch you will be amazed at the true remoteness of Ibapah. If you take the Pony Express road, make sure you bring plenty of gas, water, and a spare tire. Ibapah is one of my absolute favorites.
Scott Wesemann - Apr 14, 2008 8:55 pm - Hasn't voted
Thanks!I want to get out to Ibapah this year. It looks fantastic.
tp - Apr 15, 2008 12:22 am - Voted 10/10
CoolThis is the first time I've heard of the Notch, I'm going to have to look into doing this one some time.
jtree - Apr 15, 2008 1:45 am - Hasn't voted
Well Done!Yeah, I placed that register on Crystal last Spring with my brother Mark. We made a similar loop with Notch Peak as well. The view from the top is totally spectacular. Did you stop by the sink hole near Notch? There is also another cabin near the old Grand Central byway, which is of course now a forgotten road. That entire area has soooo much to offer for those seeking solitude and adventure. There is lots of history as well with Jack Watson and others. I plan to go back again. Thanks for sharing this area with others in your trip report. Don
Scott Wesemann - Apr 15, 2008 10:44 am - Hasn't voted
ThanksWe missed the sink hole and I wish we could have seen the other cabin. I agree this is an incredible place with excellent views and solitude. I think we were the first to look at your register on Crystal.
jtree - Apr 15, 2008 11:09 am - Hasn't voted
Other stuffIn addition to the sink hole, which is really something, it's just a huge hole in the middle of the desert; don't fall there, there are some other things you may have noticed that caught my eye as well. There seem to be some additional quartzite cliff bands similar to the Ibex Crags that can be seen from the road to Crystal Peak near the wah wah valley. Gotta be some rock climbing there as well. Also near Stinson's cabin near Marjum Pass (old hwy 50-6) there are some huge rock walls. And I didn't climb it due to lack of time, but the Tatow Knob near Swasey Peak looks like it can only be summited via 5th class climbing. It's on my list of things to check out. Anyone know anything about it? .....By the way I don't doubt that you were the only ones in the last year to summit Crystal. Don
Scott Wesemann - Apr 15, 2008 11:15 am - Hasn't voted
YeahThere is a lot of good stuff out there ready to be explored. We noticed the cliff bands and several peaks we want to go back and climb. Good times.
KirtDavis - Apr 15, 2008 10:10 pm - Voted 10/10
Great!Can't wait to get out. I want to finish up my county highpoints this year, and may be able to squeeze Notch in.
I did Ibapah last year. Even though I suffered with altitude sickness, I loved it! Can't wait to take my son there when he is a bit older.
Scott Wesemann - Apr 16, 2008 12:45 am - Hasn't voted
Squeeze it init's worth it. The views are about as good as it get's in the state.
madsjim - May 12, 2008 3:34 pm - Hasn't voted
I feel your pain!I forgot my gaiters the time I did it also, big mistake! By the time I summitted I had a swimming pool in my boots!
Scott Wesemann - May 12, 2008 3:39 pm - Hasn't voted
Ha!Yeah, it wasn't pretty. We were not expecting so much snow in the canyon. From the trailhead it looked like there would maybe be small patches, but that is it.