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"...
Peak(s):
Pearl Mtn - 13,362 feet "Oyster Pk" - 13,312 feet
Carbonate Hill - 12713
Greg Mace Peak - 12580
Pearl Mountain 13,362
"West Pearl" 13,312
Carbonate Hill 12,713
Greg Mace Peak 12,580
This was my last chance to get into the Elks this year, I had tossed around the idea of traversing around the East Snowmass creek basin. The forecast didn't look good enough for the full traverse so Tyler (tdawg) and I decided to climb some peaks near Pearl Pass, because we knew we could bail pretty easily. Although no weather hit us, as we were leaving dark storm clouds covered Castle Creek in a shadow.
We started our day by hiking up the road from our campsite, shortly after the creek crossing a nice couple who had just moved here from California offered us a ride to the intersection where the Pearl Pass road veers left from the Castle Peak road. This saved us about 45 minutes of road hiking. From our high start we made quick time up the road to the saddle between Greg Mace and West Pearl. There was a dusting of snow on the ground but nothing that would slow us down. The north slopes of West Pearl are moderate class 2 with a mix of talus and tundra.
tdawg on top of West Pearl
The views are spectacular from the summit, but clouds were already building so it was time to move. The ridge to Pearl looks more spicy than it actually is, we found a class 2 route to the summit. From the summit we discussed our options for Carbonate Hill, and decided to descend the south ridge to a prominent east facing gully. There is plenty of loose rock and scree in the gully but we were able to descend on grassy ledges most of the way to the valley. The difficulty never exceeded class 2.
neat tower at the saddle Pearl Mountain view to the south last flower of summer on the grassy ledges looking up the gully
Carbonate Hill is a quick 350 foot climb from where you cross the Pearl Pass road. Again the views were amazing, we entertained the idea of climbing Star, but thought better of it with all the clouds building. The hike along the road back to the Greg Mace saddle is easy and the views were enough to take your breath away. Snow decided to fall for about 10 minutes while we were descending the road. It stopped as soon as we reached the saddle and the sun came back out for our final ascent. The ridge is easy class 2 until the summit block, Tyler scoped out a route on the east side of the summit block while I looked west. I found a goat trail which lead to a small shoulder which provided a class 2+ route to the summit. Be forwarded if climbing this peak, don't trust any hand or foothold, because more likely than not you will be holding the hand hold in your hand.
impressive tower on Pearl summit block of Greg Mace
We made the quick descent down the ridge and followed the road back down to our campsite.
looking up at Greg Mace, we came around this side of the summit block
I highly recommend this loop, the views of Castle are astounding. It is a great way to tour some high Elk range summits without severely loose rock and exposure. Though Elk range novices might find parts of the traverse.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Did the Pearls and Greg Mace earlier this summer and we ended up doing Greg Mace from the same side as you on that little goat trail. That peak is certainly a pile of choss, though the goat trail was a good way of traversing. Didn't think to add Carbonate, but it is a beautiful area!
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.
