Ascent of Stevens Peak on 2019-04-12| Others in Party: | Corrine Livingston
| | Date: | Friday, April 12, 2019 | | Ascent Type: | Successful Summit Attained | | Peak: | Stevens Peak | | Location: | USA-California | | Elevation: | 10059 ft / 3065 m |
Ascent Trip ReportI had already been up Red Lake Pk, so I wasn't too keen on doing the regular route from Carson Pass that includes both peaks. Looking at the map, I thought why not just head straight up from Hwy 88? After this year's big winter, there was still plenty of snow left above 7000', which, after finally getting some warmer weather and no recent storms, was now nicely consolidated. We brought snow shoes, but left them in the car. I was a bit concerned about parking, but there was a turnout off Hwy 88 for about a half-dozen cars just north of the bridge over the creek that leads up to Crater Lake (approx 3 miles south of Pickett Junction/junction Hwy 88/89).
We loosely followed some xc ski tracks heading through the forest, staying to the north (right) of the creek which looked quite cliffy near the start. Initially our route was essentially due west, but after about a mile we turned NW towards the peak, following a small drainage that passes through an area marked as 'Alhambra Mine' on the topo map. The snow was in great condition making for a most enjoyable climb. There was a huge cornice at the saddle just below Stevens Peak, so we angled right up steeper slopes for the last few hundred feet to the summit. Fabulous views on top. We didn't find a register, but it could have been buried in snow.
Round-trip distance was a little over 4 miles; time up was about 2.5hrs. We were able to glissade some of the initial descent, making for a speedy trip back to the car (in 1hr). |
Looking back at ascent route from Hwy 88 up drainage leading to Crater Lake (2019-04-12). Photo by Kathy Rich.
Click here for larger-size photo. | | Summary Total Data | | Route Conditions: | Open Country, Snow Climb | | Gear Used: | Ski Poles |
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