Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
When I was researching this peak I found almost no available information about it from the Blue Lake trailhead. So I thought I would provide a report and a route description.
While this peak wasn't a 14er, or even a 13er for that matter, the summit was one hell of a hike, and was harder to attain than many 14ers/13ers.
The first part of the hike involves a roughly 5 mile hike up towards Blue Lake from the blue lake trailhead. We made great time up this section covering the whole distance in about 2 hours. Shortly after breaching treeline we took off following the drainage from Hang Lake.
Near the top of the drainage
This is where our trip got interesting, I had planned it out looking at a map and at a picture of Clark Peak from Cameron peak and had drawn out a few possible lines. Once we were at Hang Lake, the lines I had figured were not as obvious as I thought they would be. We were able to pick out several weaknesses in the minor cliff bands that guard the access to the broad (but steep) Eastern slopes that lead up to the summit ridge. In the end, we decided on heading south to gain an(the?) east ridge.
Approaching the ridge
The ridge was enjoyable and we were able to find a little class 3 scrambling if we looked hard enough. Above the ridge it is a steep tundra walk giving way to a boulder scramble, pretty stable some loose rock though...
Nearing the summit ridge, you can see the ridge we followed in the lower left of the photo
Finally after what seemed like an eternity of relentlessly steep climbing we attained the summit ridge. From here it was a quick hop over to the summit, great views of the Rawah Peaks to the north the whole way!
We hit the summit (very happy to see a wind break I might add) around 11am and enjoyed the beautiful day.
Summit view, looking south.
The descent was pretty tricky as we wanted to make sure we didn't end up in the wrong basin with a long bushwhack back to the trail. I will point out that I was very upset with myself for not bringing my Ice axe, as there were several superb opportunities for glissading.
We ended up following along the ridge to the southern summit and then following that down to a very small east pointing ridge. We turned off that ridge and headed northeast down very steep tundra slopes. Descend carefully around others, there isn't a lot of loose rock here, but if you kick one, it goes down a ways. The slope eases and we followed it down to an unnamed lake that sits right about treeline. From here we took a quick compass bearing and headed northeast where were rejoined the trail.
Then begins the long slog out.
I don't know the exact mileage, but probably in the 12-14ish range.
And the elevation gain was about 3500ft.
All and all a great off trail adventure, and a great way to find solitude on a holiday weekend!
Wasted opportunities... Steep Descent
Map
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I did Clark last September. We did it from Sawmill, approaching it from the Southeast, then took the Northeast Ridge to the saddle north of Blue Lake. It's a great peak.
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
