Stevens Peak

Overview

Stevens peak anchors the north end of the ridge formed by itself and Red Lake Peak which lies due south. Although Stevens shares the goelogic background with RLP it's features and formations are quite different. They each are composed primarily of a sedimentary rock but absent are the igneous extrusive columns you find on RLP and elsewhere along the ridgeline. Stevens also has four disticnt bowls and a blocky summit. From the summit block one can see the Northwest Bowl, the North bowl cirque with it's dramatic extrusive columnar formations, the Northeast bowl and the Southeast bowl.

Although this peak offers little for the rock climber, day hikers will find simple and sometimes short approaches and the skier will find numerous and excellent descents off almost all sides of this mountain. The Northwest and the Southeast bowls are fairly gentle in pitch, the Northeast bowl is similarly mello although a bit harder to get to and the North bowl is heavily corniced and nearly vertical on all sides. Great skiing and great views from the top and easy access make this a popular destination, so be prepared to share the mountain.

Getting There

Highway Information:

From HWY 50 head south on 89 from Myers and park at the Big Meadow trailhead if you intend to hike up from the north or continue on 89 and hang a right at 88. The Peak is immediatly visible and you can park along side the road. The huge meadow of Hope Valley is on the east side of the road and Stevens is on the west. It is the northern most peak on the ridge to the west and is identifiable in part due it's lack of vegitation in contrast to neighboring peaks. You can also take 88 from the west past Kirkwood and either park at the Sno-Park (fee's required) or continue over the pass and park on the roadside as mentioned above. For more information on Sno-Park please see the Red Tape sectio below.

For road conditions:

Red Tape

None. Unless you're planning on parking at Carson Pass; in which case you will need a Sno-Park permit or you will need to pay a small day use fee. Here is a link to the Sno-Park page:

When To Climb

This peak can easily be bagged any time of year.

Camping

The closest campgrounds are Caples Lake, Kirkwood Lake, and Woods Lake:

Mountain Conditions

Considering how much snow this area receives it should come as no surprise that the south ridge between Stevens and Red Lake Peak, the north west ridge and especially the north ridge become corniced in the winter. So, here is a link to the local avy report:

External Links

• Carson Pass - Luther Pass Traverse, May 13, 2005