gzegas - Oct 24, 2023 5:27 pm Date Climbed: Oct 22, 2023
Southwest ridge
Soloed from the southwest this weekend in sunny, clear weather. The dirt road off of 447 is as described, still in good shape. Passable in an old Subaru Outback. Note there is a cattle guard about a quarter mile off of 447.
This SW trail is a leg burner. Routefinding is generally straightforward, but the terrain can be a bit sketchy (at times fun, at times just getting scraped up). After exiting the access ridge (ie, the first 3000 ft gain), it is tempting to stay to the right of the 2-3 prominent rocky outcroppings between you and the summit, because the incline seems gentler. But you'll likely be trudging through thorny brush if you go right. Better to stay left of those rocky outcroppings as you get nearer to the summit.. My watch booked it at 7.4 miles and ~4200 ft to the summit.
Approached from the southwest, entered the most rocky and steepest canyon visible. Relentlessly steep class 3 and occasionally 4 scrambling. Maybe 2/3rds of the way up warm, soft snow covered everything, and my friend and I struggled up another ~1500+ feet over a couple miles to get to the summit plateau. By the time we were in the home stretch it was already 2pm, and we had to get down quick. We were constantly post-holing up to our waists, but we had to find a different way to descend due to fall risk. Due to terrible snow conditions, we did not summit, and ended up glissading down a steep canyon to the north with our ice axes before several more hours of relentless scrambling. Because of the change in route, the mountain spit us out a couple miles to the north, and we had to hike over a dozen alluvial hills to get back. We got back to the car with [literally!] 10 minutes before complete darkness. Will try an easier way next time. Over 12 hours total round trip.
Dean - Jun 16, 2014 8:52 am Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2014
From the east
We followed the Richard Carey route posted at peakbagger.com and found it no cake walk. I'll post a trip report at a later date but I don't recommend this route if you don't have a vehicle that get doesn't get nervous. Our route included along the way two descents that added almost 600 feet to the effort both ways and lots of ticks on the way back. The wind was so strong on the summit that I practically had to crawl over to touch the highest spot. My partner on this one was Ken Jones and it was our third Black Rock desert summit of our trip. Saw a herd of over 20 wild horses on our way out.
McCannster - May 30, 2009 12:51 am Date Climbed: May 26, 2009
Leg Burner
I had never gained so much elevation in such a short distance. The slope was relentlessly steep, but I had a blast on this peak. I had wanted to climb it since I first spotted it in 2000. Good weather, somewhat hazy views, and great fun. Took about 5 hours round trip.
A Bit - May 10, 2009 6:11 pm Date Climbed: May 10, 2009
SW ridge
No wind on this early morning climb. The sky was hazy so I didn't spot Mt. Shasta, but did see as far as Lassen Peak & Mount Rose.
A nice climb. There was very little wind, but the sky was really hazy.
Jonodo - Jan 20, 2007 9:15 pm Date Climbed: Jan 18, 2007
SW Ridge Route
Climbed solo on a dayhike out of Sacramento (really long drive!). The day was very clear and cold. My car said it was 3 degrees in Gerlach but about 19 at the trailhead. The dirt roads leading to the trailhead were all still in good shape. There was one portion where a low profile car may hit bottom but it should be passable.
There was just enough snow on the upper slopes to be very annoying. I could make out Shasta, Lassen, King Lear and dozens of other peaks nearby. Maybe it was the time of year I was on the peak, but I only saw three animals all day, birds included. It was so quiet and still that I was a little creeped out. The feeling of solitude was intense. Most of the time the only thing I could hear was my heart pounding from the steepness of the ascent.
I was able to bypass most of the class 3 climbing by staying left on the ascent. I'm just not comfortable on class 3 when soloing in the middle of nowhere. Stan Wilkinson's register entry got me thinking of how easy it can be to get hurt. This far out, a busted foot could really be a problem... The register is still on the west summit and has plenty of space.
Route Climbed: SW side west of the cliffs Date Climbed: 21 May 2005
Climbed on a perfect (if a little warm) day with Stan Wilkinson. Only snow left on the plateau and north slopes higher up. The radio tower site is not the true summit (unless you climb the tower), look for the register at the true peak. Water running in every gully made plenty of noise on the ascent. One deceased Bighorn Sheep was encountered. Could see Shasta, Lassen, and Job's/Freel from the summit! Lots of water in the Black Rock playa as well.
Route Climbed: Southwest Side Date Climbed: April 10, 2005
Very nice hike/scramble, with some cool slabs part way up the ridge, and excellent views the whole way. Climbed Tule Peak in the afternoon, a thoroughly enjoyable day.
gzegas - Oct 24, 2023 5:27 pm Date Climbed: Oct 22, 2023
Southwest ridgeSoloed from the southwest this weekend in sunny, clear weather. The dirt road off of 447 is as described, still in good shape. Passable in an old Subaru Outback. Note there is a cattle guard about a quarter mile off of 447.
This SW trail is a leg burner. Routefinding is generally straightforward, but the terrain can be a bit sketchy (at times fun, at times just getting scraped up). After exiting the access ridge (ie, the first 3000 ft gain), it is tempting to stay to the right of the 2-3 prominent rocky outcroppings between you and the summit, because the incline seems gentler. But you'll likely be trudging through thorny brush if you go right. Better to stay left of those rocky outcroppings as you get nearer to the summit.. My watch booked it at 7.4 miles and ~4200 ft to the summit.
Reuben Shams Parker - Apr 9, 2023 10:46 am Date Climbed: Apr 8, 2023
Southwest Canyon Route - Steepest Way UpApproached from the southwest, entered the most rocky and steepest canyon visible. Relentlessly steep class 3 and occasionally 4 scrambling. Maybe 2/3rds of the way up warm, soft snow covered everything, and my friend and I struggled up another ~1500+ feet over a couple miles to get to the summit plateau. By the time we were in the home stretch it was already 2pm, and we had to get down quick. We were constantly post-holing up to our waists, but we had to find a different way to descend due to fall risk. Due to terrible snow conditions, we did not summit, and ended up glissading down a steep canyon to the north with our ice axes before several more hours of relentless scrambling. Because of the change in route, the mountain spit us out a couple miles to the north, and we had to hike over a dozen alluvial hills to get back. We got back to the car with [literally!] 10 minutes before complete darkness. Will try an easier way next time. Over 12 hours total round trip.
Dean - Jun 16, 2014 8:52 am Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2014
From the eastWe followed the Richard Carey route posted at peakbagger.com and found it no cake walk. I'll post a trip report at a later date but I don't recommend this route if you don't have a vehicle that get doesn't get nervous. Our route included along the way two descents that added almost 600 feet to the effort both ways and lots of ticks on the way back. The wind was so strong on the summit that I practically had to crawl over to touch the highest spot. My partner on this one was Ken Jones and it was our third Black Rock desert summit of our trip. Saw a herd of over 20 wild horses on our way out.
McCannster - May 30, 2009 12:51 am Date Climbed: May 26, 2009
Leg BurnerI had never gained so much elevation in such a short distance. The slope was relentlessly steep, but I had a blast on this peak. I had wanted to climb it since I first spotted it in 2000. Good weather, somewhat hazy views, and great fun. Took about 5 hours round trip.
A Bit - May 10, 2009 6:11 pm Date Climbed: May 10, 2009
SW ridgeNo wind on this early morning climb. The sky was hazy so I didn't spot Mt. Shasta, but did see as far as Lassen Peak & Mount Rose.
Adamus - Apr 26, 2009 11:02 pm Date Climbed: Apr 26, 2009
SW RidgeA nice climb. There was very little wind, but the sky was really hazy.
Jonodo - Jan 20, 2007 9:15 pm Date Climbed: Jan 18, 2007
SW Ridge RouteClimbed solo on a dayhike out of Sacramento (really long drive!). The day was very clear and cold. My car said it was 3 degrees in Gerlach but about 19 at the trailhead. The dirt roads leading to the trailhead were all still in good shape. There was one portion where a low profile car may hit bottom but it should be passable.
There was just enough snow on the upper slopes to be very annoying. I could make out Shasta, Lassen, King Lear and dozens of other peaks nearby. Maybe it was the time of year I was on the peak, but I only saw three animals all day, birds included. It was so quiet and still that I was a little creeped out. The feeling of solitude was intense. Most of the time the only thing I could hear was my heart pounding from the steepness of the ascent.
I was able to bypass most of the class 3 climbing by staying left on the ascent. I'm just not comfortable on class 3 when soloing in the middle of nowhere. Stan Wilkinson's register entry got me thinking of how easy it can be to get hurt. This far out, a busted foot could really be a problem... The register is still on the west summit and has plenty of space.
Overall a really fun peak with awesome views.
ScottyS - May 26, 2005 2:15 pm
Route Climbed: SW side west of the cliffs Date Climbed: 21 May 2005Climbed on a perfect (if a little warm) day with Stan Wilkinson. Only snow left on the plateau and north slopes higher up. The radio tower site is not the true summit (unless you climb the tower), look for the register at the true peak. Water running in every gully made plenty of noise on the ascent. One deceased Bighorn Sheep was encountered. Could see Shasta, Lassen, and Job's/Freel from the summit! Lots of water in the Black Rock playa as well.
Matthew Holliman - May 16, 2005 10:41 pm
Route Climbed: Southwest Side Date Climbed: April 10, 2005Very nice hike/scramble, with some cool slabs part way up the ridge, and excellent views the whole way. Climbed Tule Peak in the afternoon, a thoroughly enjoyable day.