Facts
Distance - 2.2 miles (one-way)
Trailhead Elevation - 5960'
Summit Elevation - 7420'
Gain - 1460'
Approach
See the "Getting There" section on the Pt 7420 main page.
Route Description
From the TH begin by heading due east up the main trail, following the orange "U-mound access" signs. This trail will follow a few switchbacks up the south side of U-Mound.
A view of the frozen waterfall in winter. Once you reach the top of the switchbacks there will be a number of trails. Follow the trail due east away from u-mound, towards the waterfall.
Another view of the waterfall when dry. Staying on this trail you will be on the south side of the waterfall. Shortly before you reach the base of the waterfall the trail will start climbing rapidly uphill (You may also choose to climb directly up the waterfall itself if the rock is dry. This is an easy, straightforward Class 3 climb - very fun). Once you reach the top there will be a short steep downhill. At this point the top of the waterfall is about 10 meters to your left (west) but you will want to turn right and continue heading east up the sandy creekbed. After about 0.1 miles there will be a main trail that turns left (north) out of the creekbed.
The campsite
There appears to be an old campsite with a fire ring here. Just past this, the main trail turns sharply back west, there is a carin here as this turn can be missed if you are not paying attention.
At this point the trail is very well defined and easy to follow. After some climbing you will reach an intersection. Here you will turn right (east). Later the trail will split but you may take either way since they meet up less then 0.25 miles up the trail. Shortly after the trails meet the trail will level out in a large meadow. From here if you look east you will see a saddle with a single tree in the middle. This is your target and the trail will take you directly to it. Once you reach the saddle the trail comes to a T.
The trail splits... The upper meadow below the saddle
The upper portion of the trail can be seen here until it disappears into the rock.
From the saddle turn right (south). The well defined trail will climb steeply to the rocks above. Follow the trail until about 20 feet before it ends. This is where you will begin scrambling on the solid rock. Head due west up the rock. Route finding is not too difficult and climbing can easily be kept to Class 3 but harder climbing is available.
The east face of Pt 7420 from the upper meadow
Essential Gear
Typical gear for a short hike.