| After discovering Hurd Peak during my little back country ski
adventure in April, I knew I'd have to return to see the summit. It's
not the tallest mountain around at 12,237', but is sure looks dramatic
from the trailhead parking lot. Having a long weekend to dabble
with, I tossed all of the usual junk in the car and headed to Bishop for
another night in hotel Xterra. Damn if I forgot the pillow! I woke up
to the sound of passing cars. Thinking I had overslept I immediately
hustled to the trailhead at South Lake. Those cars I heard were overly
ambitious fisherman, apparently they like to get a really early start.
The early morning view of Hurd Peak
I met one guy in the parking lot who said he was headed out to
Agassiz, otherwise no other hikers were apparent. Since I didn't sleep
well I figured I'd be moving slow, thankfully the cool morning air kept
me going at a decent pace. Next thing you know I'm arriving at Long
Lake.
Long Lake
All of the weather guessers had predicted a chance of thunder storms
for the day. Needless to say I was pleased to see blue skies overhead
for most of the day. Soon I was crossing the log jamb bridge at the
outlet of Long Lake and heading up the base of Hurd Peak.
Looking back at my approach to the base of Hurd
I must admit, the east side of Hurd is not a pretty
site. Suddenly my motivation dwindled while looking at the big rubble
pile. Since I was so tired from a poor nights rest, I figured it would
be a good time for a little siesta. After all, it was still early and
what's the rush.
Looking up the east side of Hurd
Most of the climb was just straightforward rubble hopping. There were
a couple of dicey locations near the ridge - at least something to keep
my attention. For example, there were a few patches of snow near the top
I crossed and the short wall to get on the ridge top was a class 3
section.
Not the best place for a snow traverse (Mount
Agassiz in the background)
Once I was on the ridge I quickly realized another small
problem. Which "peak" is the true summit? So there I was spending
another half-hour climbing the three most prominent "peaks" searching
for a summit register. I never did find one.
Looking back at my route up
At least climbing the probable summits was interesting.
If only the climb up was as interesting. Since I couldn't find a
register there wasn't much of anything to do, so I took
this summit video instead. I also took a ton of photos of the
surrounding mountains, but I won't bore you with those.
Apparent summit of Hurd Peak
I had considered exiting the peak down the east side and
making a loop out of my hike, but in the end I just didn't feel like it
so I returned the same way I went up (did I mention I didn't sleep well
the night before?).
Treasure Lakes on the west side of Hurd
Soon I was ready to depart, so I scrambled down the dusty slopes, met
a half dozen or so people on my way out, and got to my car in the early
afternoon. Another slog fest in the beautiful John Muir Wilderness.
Approaching the trailhead at South Lake
Long Lake Panorama |
