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After doing Atlantic peak a few weeks ago I decided to return the Tenmile range and go after Wheeler.
I camped at the summit of Hoosier Pass just about 10 minutes from the trail head.
The forecast was for a zero percent chance of storms so I opted for a somewhat reasonable start at 6 am.
(Some pictures were taken on the way down).
The first 3 miles follows the Wheeler 4x4 road.
Just in case anyone wants to start a forum thread asking about their Honda Civic making it up this road here's a picture.
The road runs all though way to Wheeler Lake a little more than 3 miles out. Its an easy mellow Hike with only about 1200 feet in elevation gain.
Start of Fall Colors and Mt. Democrat
Next up is Wheeler Lake...
Wheeler Mtn From Wheeler Lake
No Wheeler Mtn trip report is complete without a picture of the old car so here is mine.
And The Upper Lake
Heading up to the saddle
Start of the Class 3 ridge.
The exposure and scrambling on the ridge both stay pretty moderate overall.
Routfinding is the biggest issue back here.
There are some Cairns but there are also several ways to keep this at a Class 3 climb.
Typical Terrain
I probaby descended too far down one of the gullies as I really didnt see any Cairns on the way to the summit. It didnt make the climb any harder but maybe added to the routefinding difficulties
The picture below shows what I felt to be the most confusing routefinding section of the climb.
The summit is not obvious from here. Find and Ascend this gully for your first views of the summit
Finally the summit above the band of white rock in the middle of this shot.
I climbed the gully to the north (left) of the summit block
From the notch of the gully There is a class 3 move with some loose rock and exposure. Followed by a 20 foot ridge traverse with exposure.
I started this way, but dropped back down when I spotted this easier way on the west side of the summit block...
Handholds and footholds were solid with minimal exposure and it drops you off right at the tiny summit. What a way to finish
It's a good thing no one likes to climb 13ers. This summit is only big enough for one
Back Down on Wheeler Lake
Lots of great scenery and knowing this could be my last trip out of the summer, I took my time on the way down and took a lot of pictures.
Looking down on the upper lake
Waterfall Porn
And some more
Today's Sick Kicks for the Ladies... The LA Sportiva Wildcats... Don't adjust your screen they really are that bright
Thanks for reading hope everyone had a fun summer
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I was fortunate enough to summit this peak 2 years ago. Definitely a favorite of mine in the area...that peak held some surprises and stunning exposure (depending on the finish to the summit). Thanks for bringing back the memories! Congrats!
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