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This episode is brought to you in part by Kinco gloves.... ....not just for work anymore!
"Peak C" (13,200')
Gore Range
Trailhead: Piney Lake Route: SW couloir Distance: ~10mi's RT (round trip) Elevation Gain: ~4300' Difficulty: moderate snow climb (mid-30 degree range), with class 3 & 4 rock scrambling on the ridge after topping out at the col
Resources Used For Trip Planning: Joe Kramarsic's Mountaineering in the Gore Range: A Record of Explorations, Climbs, Routes, and Names; TOPO! mapping software; NOAA weather forecast
Prologue
For anyone that has hiked Mt. Powell (a.k.a., "Peak B"), it should go without saying that the views of "Peak C" are stunning. As you descend Kneeknocker Pass en route to Mt. Powell, the N face of "Peak C" commands your attention, and attention it deserves!
August 26, 2011
But as one drives along Red Sandstone Road on the way to the Piney River Ranch (which is where the trailhead is located), the south face of "Peak C" also looks deserving of a visit. (Besides, the N face is just damn steep and probably scary, so this sissy will look for a reasonable snow route to climb instead!)
It just so happens that Terri had a desire to climb "Peak C" since seeing it herself when she made an ascent of Powell.
Sweet, I have a partner in crime.
The Approach
We set out shortly after 5am, walking down the familiar trail as it heads NW towards our goal. Conversation and laughs come easy, and before we know it we're at the turnoff point for our approach to the climb.
Now, a word or two about that approach....
If you've never been in the Gore, and you look at the map to find the lettered peaks labeled or even "trails" to their summits, don't expect to find much. That is why Kramarsic's book is a vital part to any Gore adventure; at least I think it is. Anyhow, our approach uses the basin between "Peak C" and "Peak D." To find this basin, simply hike the Piney Lake trail until the first rise above the river grants the first views of The Spider & The Fly. Turn left.
There. I did it. Gore beta. Now, let's find out what "C" is for....
C is for Climb
Terri looks at our line while pumping water
Approaching the couloir proper
The snow was spotty, but firm. Our climb was still in the shade, so I was expecting more of the same.
Terri booting up the "apron"
At the base of the couloir, we decide to stop and put our crampons on, and get the axes out. The snow continued to be in great shape, with sun cups that provide good footing.
(Photo by Terri)
Terri & the maiden voyage for her neon Kinco's
C is for Clouds & Contrails
Getting close to the col
Class 4 section above the col
Stow the axe, stash the crampons - it's time to rock
(Photo by Terri)
(Photo by Terri)
The class 4 gives way to class 3, and then back to class 4, and then even some class 2 hill walking. ;)
No matter, it's all classy. This is the Gore.
Oh yeah. Almost forgot.
C is for Cumulus
Yup, the weather had been developing into something not entirely friendly looking. A short stay on the summit was in order.
But before we leave.....
We retraced our steps with some grapple falling and rumbles in the sky for good measure; it all makes one focus a little more.
We're in luck. The weather threatens but does not fully unleash its power. Thank you!
Back in the basin, we sit for a while and think about "Peak D" and its W couloir. Should we climb it today? I did mention C is for Crazy, right? (A second peak? What?!)
We decide "D" will wait another day. Gotta work slowly at this alphabet stuff.
What is C for?
In July of 1932, Edmund Cooper and Carl Erickson recorded the first known ascent of "Peak C." According to Kramarsic's book and his extensive research, they're (Cooper & Erickson) also credited with the naming of the lettered peaks, appointing high peaks that surround the Black Creek Valley, starting with A and going through to O. In 1933, the letters P thru T were designated for peaks in the Slate Creek area.
In 1935, a map made by Kenneth Segerstrom "perpetuated the letter designations" (Kramarsic, pg 12) and the nomenclature lettering system of the Gore became the "norm."
There. I did it again. A little bit of Gore lore.
Back to Our Trip
Well, not much is really left to say. We hiked down and out, got rained on a bit, talked a bunch more, laughed too. All in all, a great day!
Last look at "Peak C" (Photo by Terri)
And we saw a local resident (Photo by Terri)
C is for Cherish
Lastly, I must say I do cherish my time in the mountains. Especially when it's in the Gore, but more importantly - when it's with good friends! Thanks Terri for joining me for another great Gore peak!
I also cherish these times because very soon I'll be in Texas for work. That, I don't think I'll cherish too much. ;)
Thanks for reading,
Darin
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Cookie Monster never made it to the Gores 6/6/2012 1:23pm
For him, ”C is for cookie. That's good enough for me.” He's missing out.
Great report, Chock-full of great pics and a good vibe.
It was Clever to embed Elaine Benes' dancing. That made me Chortle and snarf my Coffee on to the Counter.
Peak C has been on my Checklist ever since seeing it from Kneeknocker, so thanks for posting.
Cheers.
Good to see you and Terri getting out again. FWIW, she rocks. I'd say you rock as well but I don't want you to get the wrong idea. You know, the internet and perceptions and stuff.
Drop me a line when you finish your sentence down south.
Well done TR as usual, Darin! You are turning into quite the Gore enthusiast. We'll miss you this summer while you're working in Dallas. Maybe you should pursue some county highpoints to keep you sane down there!
Looks like some fine scrambling above that col and a nice snow climb. Maybe I'll finally get around to C next spring.
Kevin B, no Texas high-pointing for me! Maybe I'll take up golf. ;)
Matt, your comment is a bit clever in itself.
Papi, you're right. She rocks! Hopefully I'll get off early for good behavior down south. Until then, I think I'll put on some Pantera and become a Cowboy from Hell. Time to buy a stetson.
Like partners, some places just click. The Kingdom of the Gore is one of those places. It may not the big secret that we want it to be, but it's still rugged, wild, and super cool, just like your creative report. Good vibes all around. You may have inspired me to go back in there this weekend. Not sure where I'll end up but it's hard to go wrong. Those tall ridgelines do a remarkable job at catching the first and last rays of sunlight. Best of luck in Texas, see you when you get back.
My condolences to you for your upcoming descent to Dallas (the city, not the peak), and my commendation to you on a fun adventure that lead to yet another witty and informative report.
I was going back to reports on the Gores and saw this one, nice report but too bad about going to Texas...
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