Kerr Adams Posted March 9, 2012 Posted March 9, 2012 Hey everyone! I'm hoping to get some advice on approaching Pinnacle Peak in winter. Would you recommend taking the trail out of Narada Falls or walking along the road to Reflection Lake? Thanks! Kerr Quote
JasonG Posted March 10, 2012 Posted March 10, 2012 There is a bunch of snow so following the trail would be a problem. Probably best to climb up to the road from the lot and follow it near reflection lakes. If you are doing it anytime in the next week or two, bring flotation. Quote
Kerr Adams Posted March 10, 2012 Author Posted March 10, 2012 Thanks Jason! I really appreciate the advice. One more silly question but i just want to confirm... Taking the Pinnacle Trail from Reflection Lake would put in relatively close proximity to the north ridge correct? Quote
mattp Posted March 10, 2012 Posted March 10, 2012 I can't remember, but I think the trail may head around the west side of the peak. I think that the better approach for a winter climb of the North Ridge is from the bowl between Pinnacle and Castle (have not climbed from the other side). Be sure that "conditions" have settled before you go. Quote
JBC Posted March 10, 2012 Posted March 10, 2012 (edited) Kerr, The trail will indeed take you to the N ridge. If you follow the trail you will be on the West side of the ridge and can follow a gully/depression to the ridge crest. The Pinnacle/Castle bowl that Matt mentions is on the East side of the ridge and can also be used to gain the ridge crest, but my experience is that it has a higher avalanche potential under most conditions. The actual climb to the ridge crest is probably a bit easier from the west than from the east. Jim Edited March 10, 2012 by JBC Quote
DPS Posted March 10, 2012 Posted March 10, 2012 I approached the North Ridge from the road and accessed the ridge on the west side via a two pitch ice gulley. Quote
KaskadskyjKozak Posted March 12, 2012 Posted March 12, 2012 I approached the North Ridge from the road and accessed the ridge on the west side via a two pitch ice gulley. How is the East ridge? I'm looking for a little less spiciness than the N sounds. Quote
DPS Posted March 12, 2012 Posted March 12, 2012 I approached the North Ridge from the road and accessed the ridge on the west side via a two pitch ice gulley. How is the East ridge? I'm looking for a little less spiciness than the N sounds. Dunno. I recall looking at the east face from Castle Peak one winter, and it looked kind of steep and hard. Don't remember taking a look at the east ridge. Quote
JBC Posted March 13, 2012 Posted March 13, 2012 How is the East ridge? I'm looking for a little less spiciness than the N sounds. East ridge is easier than the North ridge. Pretty much 3rd class as I recall. Exposed, but never difficult. Nice climb/scramble. Jim Quote
Buckaroo Posted March 13, 2012 Posted March 13, 2012 Look at google maps and turn on the "terrain" feature. You need to go down the road to the lakes, not Narada. If you take the Narada trail you end up dropping down in a river bottom and having to climb back out about 500'. Don't ask me how I know that. Keeps your eyes open for spirits/ghosts if you go at night. This is right where that Iraq vet that killed the ranger ended up. It's best to car camp on this climb, otherwise you run out of daylight because of the Longmire gate. Quote
Kerr Adams Posted March 27, 2012 Author Posted March 27, 2012 Thanks everyone for the advice! I ended up not being able to climb at all. The avy danger was up relatively high. Quote
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