Other peaks in the Castle/Conundrum area

[AlexeyD]

Likely going to do Castle/Condundrum on Saturday, but, given the drive and how much we love getting out to the Elks, we're thinking of making it into a weekend trip. Any recommendations on fun non-14er peaks in that area? Anything up to easy (i.e. not overly exposed) class 3, as we'll have our dog with us. Snow is totally fine - we're bringing axes and crampons in case Condundrum Couloir is still reasonable, and the pup loves it!

Thanks in advance!

A.

[TravelingMatt]

Electric Pass Peak, Class 1 w/trail and no Maroon Lake hassles

[AlexeyD]

Electric Pass Peak, Class 1 w/trail and no Maroon Lake hassles

Thanks! Hmm...anything maybe a LITTLE spicier than class 1 Sorry, I know I'm being picky here...

[TravelingMatt]

Well, you could do Cathedral via the same trail. Or do Daly via the Capitol TH.

It's a pretty long hike up to Electric Pass Peak as it is, and has steep sections. Should have tons of wildflowers, too.

[bergsteigen]

Pearl and West Pearl, sometimes referred to as Oyster Peak. Instead of going right at the Pearl Pass sign on way up C&C, turn left. There's a road until you have to find your own way up - so Class 2. You'll see the peaks as you gain elevation on way up to C&C.

[Monster5]

The Pearls are good for a pup off of Ashford (lot of talus hopping and crummy rock), but Greg Mace is better than either peak if you can bring yourself to do a 12er. It can be kept class 2 from the N side or class ugly from Pearl Pass.

[AlexeyD]

Thanks for the suggestions! What about Malemute Peak - is that any good?

[DaveLanders]

Thanks for the suggestions! What about Malemute Peak - is that any good?

Yes, Malemute is fun, but it depends on what route you do. I went up an avalanche slope from the Castle Creek road, which hit the east ridge. This was fun, and I even met some bighorn sheep near the top. However, I descended a steep loose slope more directly back to the Montezuma Basin road, which wasn't fun. I wouldn't recommend that slope with a dog.

[kaiman]

Thanks for the suggestions! What about Malemute Peak - is that any good?

Yes, Malemute is fun, but it depends on what route you do. I went up an avalanche slope from the Castle Creek road, which hit the east ridge. This was fun, and I even met some bighorn sheep near the top. However, I descended a steep loose slope more directly back to the Montezuma Basin road, which wasn't fun. I wouldn't recommend that slope with a dog.

You can also climb Malamute from the small basin above Cathedral Lake. The lower portion involves some Class 3 scrambling up some cliff bands next to an outlet stream for a small lake. Once you reach the lake, traverse around the basin on the rocks to reach Malamute's Class 2 northwest ridge and hike it to the summit.