Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
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- Delos
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Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
I am considering climbing these 3 during the week of June 10th but am unsure of typical conditions at that time. Any suggestions on climbing those 3 during early June? Thanks.
- Jim Davies
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Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
The Trip Report page has an option to select by peak and month. You can probably find several representative reports there. I'd guess "snowy", but the way this winter has been going, who knows...
Climbing at altitude is like hitting your head against a brick wall — it's great when you stop. -- Chris Darwin
I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go home now. -- Forrest Gump
I'm pretty tired. I think I'll go home now. -- Forrest Gump
- Carl
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Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
Last year you could wear trail runners and bring an axe for the short sections of snow above treeline. Below is a pic from the summit of Mt. Wilson in early June two years ago when snowline started at 10,000ft. A typical year is somewhere in between. We're below average snowpack now but things can change. Ask again in May. And in the meantime you can check out the TRs as Jim suggests.
Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
We did Mt. Wilson and Wilson Peak from Navajo Basin late last May, in an abysmally low snow year.
If you're comfortable on snow, climbing the Wilsons in spring mitigates the rockfall danger. The tradeoff is that the cruxes and routefinding are a little more "interesting."
El Diente is far easier from the Kilpacker side in dry summer conditions.
If you're comfortable on snow, climbing the Wilsons in spring mitigates the rockfall danger. The tradeoff is that the cruxes and routefinding are a little more "interesting."
El Diente is far easier from the Kilpacker side in dry summer conditions.
“There are two kinds of climbers: those who climb because their heart sings when they’re in the mountains, and all the rest.” - Alex Lowe
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
"There have been joys too great to describe in words, and there have been griefs upon which I cannot dare to dwell; and with those in mind I say, 'Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end.'" - Edward Whymper
- GeezerClimber
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Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
We climbed Wilson Peak last year on 6/19 from the rock of ages TH. The north slope leading to the ROA saddle was a frustrating combo of deep, soft snow and wet, soft scree. An ice axe was necessary and I used the shaft to help me through the scree. It took a long time. Once past the saddle, there was no snow but plenty remained on Mt Wilson's north face. Bear in mind that last year's snow pack was one of the lightest ever. I think an early June climb on these three in a typical year should only be attempted by parties with a lot of snow climbing experience. I'll bet it's a great experience for those who qualify.
Dave
Dave
Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
The portion of ice we did on the crux just below the summit of Mt. Wilson would be my definition of "sketch." And the route remaining from Wilson Peak's false summit to its true summit was no different in regards to the icy conditions. It was a slow moving process to carefully gain the summit. Maybe it will be warmer when you intend to do it (we did it on a colder-than-usual Memorial Day weekend), and it'll diminish these concerns.SurfNTurf wrote:We did Mt. Wilson and Wilson Peak from Navajo Basin late last May, in an abysmally low snow year.
If you're comfortable on snow, climbing the Wilsons in spring mitigates the rockfall danger. The tradeoff is that the cruxes and routefinding are a little more "interesting."
El Diente is far easier from the Kilpacker side in dry summer conditions.
Peter Aitchison on the risks of rock climbing and mountaineering: "That's life, isn't it? We think the challenge and satisfaction you get from doing this is worth the risks."
"Respect the mountain. Train hard. Hope you can sneak up when it isn't looking."
"The mind is always worried about consequences, but the heart knows no fear. The heart just does what it wants."
"Respect the mountain. Train hard. Hope you can sneak up when it isn't looking."
"The mind is always worried about consequences, but the heart knows no fear. The heart just does what it wants."
- dillonsarnelli
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Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
i hear it's a tad bit windy in Navajo Basin though...SurfNTurf wrote:climbing the Wilsons in spring mitigates the rockfall danger
- wildlobo71
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Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
Only when you are there.dillonsarnelli wrote:i hear it's a tad bit windy in Navajo Basin though...SurfNTurf wrote:climbing the Wilsons in spring mitigates the rockfall danger
Bill W.
Time for the next great losing streak to begin.
#forcedrefocus
Time for the next great losing streak to begin.
#forcedrefocus
Re: Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, El Diente
Daytrippinng it also mitigates marmot danger. Don't underestimate this factor.SurfNTurf wrote: Climbing the Wilsons in spring mitigates the rockfall danger.
Peter Aitchison on the risks of rock climbing and mountaineering: "That's life, isn't it? We think the challenge and satisfaction you get from doing this is worth the risks."
"Respect the mountain. Train hard. Hope you can sneak up when it isn't looking."
"The mind is always worried about consequences, but the heart knows no fear. The heart just does what it wants."
"Respect the mountain. Train hard. Hope you can sneak up when it isn't looking."
"The mind is always worried about consequences, but the heart knows no fear. The heart just does what it wants."