Eagle Peak

November 13, 2005

Last September Jared and I made a trip to Three Sisters in the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness area. I recall looking south at Eagle Peak and I knew I had to get up there one day, so today was the day.

Of course any day trip into the Sierra means I have to endure the worst pain possible, getting out of bed at three in the morning. But get out of bed I did and soon I was on my way to Fresno, then highway 168 into the mountains near Shaver Lake, then into the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness and soon enough at the trailhead for today's adventure. Only thing is, there is no trail, just cross country to the top of Eagle Peak.

Sept 2005 View of Eagle Peak	Snow?	Sketchy at Best

As I parked the car on top of snow, I realized right away that my presumption of no snow was an obvious mistake. Of course some of my snow gear was warmly resting at home in a closet, hardly a smart choice to leave it there (note to self, always leave snow gear on the car during winter months). As it turns out, the snow was mostly powder, so tools wouldn't do much good anyway. Sure would have liked to have those gaiters though.

First View of Peak	Are we having fun yet?	Gloomy Morning

The approach to Eagle Peak was straight forward. I just kept marching directly up the north-east ridge. Occasionally I'd come to an impasse which required me to work a little harder to gain the upper part of the ridge. The ridge was a mixture of granite slabs, trees and rocks protruding through the constant six to eight inches of snow. As the morning warmed up the sky cleared and soon I was at the base of Eagle Peak.

Getting Closer	And Closer	Starting Ascent

The snow covered the talus on the way up to the summit, making things, well, a bigger challenge. I just took my time and picked my way up carefully. As I was to discover later, I chose the most difficult route up (duh).

Looking Up...	Looking Down...	Nearing the Summit

I only took one quick break to down a snack while enroute which may be the reason I didn't think to apply a little sun screen to prevent the sun reflecting off of the snow onto my face. The fact I left my hat in the car wasn't much help either. Ah what the heck, it was a beautiful day and apparently I was the only person for as far as I could see; I didn't see another soul all day long.

What's Sunscreen?	Summit Register	1986 Register Entry

Before too long I was standing on the summit enjoying the 360 degree views of the Sierra once again. I was somewhat amazed how few people get to Eagle Peak. It is very accessible, relatively easy to do, yet the register only has a handful of entries since it was placed in 1986? The entry prior to mine was in July of 2005 which was one of three (including mine) this year. The register container wasn't much, could sure use a replacement.

Register Container	Riding the Summit Block	Summit Shot

After I read through the register entries I snapped quite a few pictures, grabbed another snack, checked the time (plenty remaining), and just enjoyed the views for awhile.

Time Check	Peaks Beyond Courtwright	Brown Mtn, Three Sisters, Dogtooth
North Side of Peak	South View	West View

So after a nice break I decided to see if the route south off the peak would be easier than the powder-fest I scrambled up. Sure enough, the exit to the south east was a dance by comparison. I also wanted to check out the cool rock formation on the ridge. Soon I was down from the peak, back to boulder hopping along the ridge enroute back to the car.

Rock Formation	Looking Back	The Way Down

My trek off the mountain was uneventful for the most part. It always seems to take longer to exit, but since I had ample time I just enjoyed the cool breeze (okay, cold breeze) while I walked out.

Last View	Favorite View	Headed Home!

 

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