| |
Cumulative Time |
Split Time |
| Independence Pass |
0:00 |
0:00 |
| UN 13,541 |
1:07 |
1:07 |
| Twining Peak |
1:49 |
0:42 |
| UN 13,556 |
2:50 |
1:01 |
| Geissler MTN East |
3:57 |
1:07 |
| Geissler MTN West |
4:48 |
0:51 |
| Independence Pass |
6:41 |
1:53 |
STATS:
Vertical Gain: 4000'
Mileage: 9 miles
Total time: 6:41
Class 3/4 scrambling involved
This route is the type of mountain experience that I enjoy the most. It consists of class 3/4 scrambling, light mileage and vertical gain as well as minimal time on manicured trails.
The ascent from Independence Pass to the first peak of the day was straight forward. Hike through some small willows and then stick to the ridge until the summit of UN 13,541. Traversing from UN 13,541 to Twining Peak is mostly class 1. The only class 2 is on the summits of each peak. It is very easy to manage.
The fun begins between Twining Peak and UN 13,556. Downclimbing Twining Peak to the saddle is mostly class 2 until the final drop onto the saddle. There is a class 3 or 4 move that puts you directly on the saddle. This took me by surprise, as I was not anticipating any scrambling until the ascent of UN 13,556. I did not find any ways to bypass this move. I recommend putting on a helmet before continuing further. The scramble up UN 13,556 is a mix of class 2 and 3 with a lot of loose rock. Make sure to test each hold. There are a handful of towers that need to be maneuvered. I believe that you can keep this ridge class 3 but everyone knows that one man's class 3 is another man's class 4. You can bypass a few of these towers on hikers right. Doing this may put you on some loose dirt and scree but it will prevent unwanted vertical gain and loss. This trail turns into class 2 a couple of hundred feet from the summit of UN 13,556. But you are not out of the woods yet.
The first three hundred feet of downclimb off of UN 13,556 is mostly class 3 scrambling with class 4 sprinkled throughout. There are a couple of class 4 rock slabs to be tackled. These would not be fun with any amount of snow or ice. This is where the majority of exposure on this hike is to be found. Please be aware of loose rock on this descent.
After reaching the saddle headed to Geissler East, you are finished with all of the technical moves. Hitting the Geisslers is straightforward. Both ridges are steep, loose and class 2. After summiting Geissler West (the fifth and final summit of the day), back track to the previous saddle. Aim for the southwest corner of Independence Lake and intersect the trail. You will only be on trail for a quarter of a mile before breaking trail and skirting around the west side of Twining. There is no best route to make it back to Independence Pass. The pass sits at 12,100 feet. Staying above this elevation is the only advice that I have for you.
The best way to hit these mountains would be to place a car at Linkins Lake TH and drive back to the pass. I was by myself and did not have the luxury of two cars.
