Ascent of Nopal Benchmark on 2011-03-18| Other People: | Solo Ascent
Only Party on Mountain | | Date: | Friday, March 18, 2011 | | Ascent Type: | Successful Summit Attained | | Peak: | Nopal Benchmark | | Location: | USA-California | | Elevation: | 4280 ft / 1304 m |
Ascent Trip ReportWhat a beautiful place for a hike! I was surprised by the great terrain full of rocks and spring bloom flowers & grass. I took the standard route described in Suttle's book, except I headed up the west road at the split just south of BM Nopal so I could stop by Border Marker 231 on the way up the summit. I got some pics at the border marker and then headed towards the southernmost summit of Blue Angel Peak. I cut a bit southeast of there into and tagged a summit that seems as high as Blue Angel Peak. From there I cut back into and went up both summits. I couldn't find a summit register on either one, though I found a summit register can on the northernmost summit without a notebook. After the usual pictures, I headed over to BM Nopal. After a quick summit there, I made my way back down to the car by the power lines. From the top of Nopal, you can see the border fence to the west. Once I arrived back at the car and was unpacking, the Border Patrol showed up. We chatted for a few minutes about my hike. He told me you could hike into Mexico from there though you aren't supposed to. "Really?" I said... (wink, wink) The area does have a lot of empty water bottles. I also found 2 full ones but left them alone. They could save a life some day. Overall, an outstanding hike in an area well worth further exploration. |
| Summary Total Data | | Total Elevation Gain: | 240 ft / 73 m | | Ascent Statistics | | Gain on way in: | 240 ft / 73 m | | Route: | Dirt Rd to NE Ridge | | Start Trailhead: | 4040 ft / 1231 m | | Descent Statistics | Ascent Part of Trip: Blue Angel/Border
Complete Trip Sequence:
Total Trip Gain: 1654 ft / 504 m |
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