[TR] Diamond Peak- Pioneer Gulch 5/6/2006

[JoeMack]

Climb: Diamond Peak-Pioneer Gulch

 

Date of Climb: 5/6/2006

 

Trip Report:

Although we we were uncertain of the weather when we left cloudy Springfield early Saturday morning, the clear and sunny skies above Diamond made us eager for a corn fest when we arrived at the Pioneer Gulch trailhead. We weren't disappointed.

 

There was snow on the road just prior to the Pioneer Gulch trailhead, but the first 1/2 mile or so of the trail was snow free. We were able to find continuous snow and skinned through the trees by staying a bit further east than normal. As we exited the trees, we saw a large wet slide from earlier in the week in the South Bowl.

 

 

We decided to take the direct path to the summit and skinned up, keeping a wary eye for any sliding activity. It was cold and windy at the top. The views from the summit ridge were beautiful. This view is to the south, with Thielsen and Bailey on the horizon. If you look closely you can see timmy and jlag on Thielsen's summit.

 

To the north, some of the additional pitches can be seen (they were too firm to ski, unfortunately). Mt. Batchelor is in the distance.

 

 

After a quick lunch on the summit, we got our corn dessert. The snow was smoooove- virtually no runnels nor suncups. It was so good we skinned up and took another run, this time from further east near the false summit. Delightful.

 

 

 

We skiied down through the heavier snow in the trees. We had a 10 mintue hike to the car. We only saw two other people all day.

[gapertimmy]

YEAH, way to get it! I need to get to diamond this spring.

[sweatinoutliquor]

That's awesome! Schweet photos... I hope I can get in there sometime this spring.