8/29/2023 Route: Triangle->Hunter loop via Conundrum Hot Springs Posted On: 8/31/2023, By: JasonKline Info: From the Conundrum Hot Springs campsites, we did the Triangle Pass->Triangle->13216->13537->Hilliard->Keefe->Hunter loop. Still summer conditions. That was a long day (over 15 hours, something like 18 miles, plenty of vert, and a lot of slow, tedious ridgework) for a mere mortal like me. It's a long way from Keefe to Hunter, so I can definitely understand why many people do Hunter separately and I would probably do the same if I were to do it again. Also, when you descend the east ridge of Hunter, you receive a particularly nasty willow bushwhack as your reward before you reach the gorgeous trail back to the Conundrum Hot Springs. |
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7/16/2023 Route: East Basin Posted On: 7/18/2023, By: supranihilest Info: Took Conundrum Creek trail for 7.2 miles before leaving the trail. Lots of steep willow bashing, and there's talus in the willows too. Surprisingly the talus actually makes travel easier and I tried to link as much rock as possible. Some minor scrambling (2+/3) up cliffs up to a middle basin, where I began traversing south on more talus (avoiding willows...) until things opened up and I could reach the south ridge. Class 2+ scrambling on the ridge on generally good rock. If combining with other peaks, the Hunter to Keefe ridge is exposed, very loose Class 4 (according to my hiking partner who did it this same day, I'd already done Hunter). Keefe to Hilliard can be kept to steep and extremely loose Class 2+ and makes a somewhat OK combo. |
