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Peak(s):  Wheeler Mountain  -  13,698 feet
Date Posted:  09/09/2012
Modified:  09/10/2012
Date Climbed:   09/08/2012
Author:  Double Oh Seven
 Tenmile Adventure Contines Wheeler South Ridge   

After doing Atlantic peak a few weeks ago I decided to return the Tenmile range and go after Wheeler.

I camped at the summit of Hoosier Pass just about 10 minutes from the trail head.

The forecast was for a zero percent chance of storms so I opted for a somewhat reasonable start at 6 am.


(Some pictures were taken on the way down).

The first 3 miles follows the Wheeler 4x4 road.

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Just in case anyone wants to start a forum thread asking about their Honda Civic making it up this road here's a picture.


The road runs all though way to Wheeler Lake a little more than 3 miles out. Its an easy mellow Hike with only about 1200 feet in elevation gain.

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Start of Fall Colors and Mt. Democrat


Next up is Wheeler Lake...


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Wheeler Mtn From Wheeler Lake



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No Wheeler Mtn trip report is complete without a picture of the old car so here is mine.



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And The Upper Lake


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Heading up to the saddle


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Start of the Class 3 ridge.


The exposure and scrambling on the ridge both stay pretty moderate overall.

Routfinding is the biggest issue back here.

There are some Cairns but there are also several ways to keep this at a Class 3 climb.

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Typical Terrain


I probaby descended too far down one of the gullies as I really didnt see any Cairns on the way to the summit. It didnt make the climb any harder but maybe added to the routefinding difficulties

The picture below shows what I felt to be the most confusing routefinding section of the climb.


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The summit is not obvious from here. Find and Ascend this gully for your first views of the summit



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Finally the summit above the band of white rock in the middle of this shot.


I climbed the gully to the north (left) of the summit block

From the notch of the gully There is a class 3 move with some loose rock and exposure. Followed by a 20 foot ridge traverse with exposure.

I started this way, but dropped back down when I spotted this easier way on the west side of the summit block...

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Handholds and footholds were solid with minimal exposure and it drops you off right at the tiny summit. What a way to finish


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It's a good thing no one likes to climb 13ers. This summit is only big enough for one


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Back Down on Wheeler Lake


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Lots of great scenery and knowing this could be my last trip out of the summer, I took my time on the way down and took a lot of pictures.

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Looking down on the upper lake


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Waterfall Porn


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And some more


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Today's Sick Kicks for the Ladies... The LA Sportiva Wildcats... Don't adjust your screen they really are that bright


Thanks for reading hope everyone had a fun summer



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18


Comments or Questions
JosephG
Nice report.
9/10/2012 2:04am
Wheeler's been on the shortlist for some time. Your TR urges me to find that time! Thanks for sharing.


MountainDawg
User
Sweeet!
9/10/2012 2:59am
Thanks for posting. I took my son on a fishing trip to the lake last year. It was a nice place to be......


Jay521
User
Sweet!
9/10/2012 1:48pm
Wheeler is one of my favorite 13ers. VERY nice report! BTW, there are a fair number of cairns on the route but they can be difficult to spot.


Tempelton
User
Nice job
9/11/2012 1:46am
I had the pleasure of climbing this peak this summer as well. It's a fun one!


IHikeLikeAGirl
User
Nice write up!
9/11/2012 8:49pm
I was fortunate enough to summit this peak 2 years ago. Definitely a favorite of mine in the area...that peak held some surprises and stunning exposure (depending on the finish to the summit). Thanks for bringing back the memories! Congrats!


Kent McLemore
User
Thanks for the repot.
1/24/2013 4:23pm
Looking forward to Wheeler!



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