Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Approaching "Northwest Pole", our first of two bicentennial peaks today. The summit looks mellow from here but its not!
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Approaching "Northwest Pole", our first of two bicentennial peaks today. The summit looks mellow from here but its not!
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Following the north ridge of "Northwest Pole".
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Following the north ridge of "Northwest Pole".
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Approaching the summit difficulties.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Approaching the summit difficulties.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Kevin carefully scrambles up the summit pitch.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Kevin carefully scrambles up the summit pitch.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
The toughest moves are easy 4th class with some exposure.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
The toughest moves are easy 4th class with some exposure.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Looking along the narrow summit ridge. The final moves are easy but exposed.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Looking along the narrow summit ridge. The final moves are easy but exposed.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Pole Creek Mountain. We intend on going up the ridge on the left.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Pole Creek Mountain. We intend on going up the ridge on the left.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Pole Creek Mountain as seen from the north.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Pole Creek Mountain as seen from the north.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Kevin pauses along Pole Creek Mountain's north ridge. The cliffs and mud-rock formations are amazing.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Kevin pauses along Pole Creek Mountain's north ridge. The cliffs and mud-rock formations are amazing.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Crazy towers along the ridge. Luckily they are all easily bypassed on the right.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Crazy towers along the ridge. Luckily they are all easily bypassed on the right.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
One particularly interesting mud-rock tower and cliff face.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
One particularly interesting mud-rock tower and cliff face.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Approaching the large, gentle summit of Pole Creek Mountain.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Approaching the large, gentle summit of Pole Creek Mountain.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Kevin scrambles up a short, loose pile of crap to reach the summit plateau.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Kevin scrambles up a short, loose pile of crap to reach the summit plateau.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Hoodoos on the north ridge.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Hoodoos on the north ridge.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Gentle "Tundra Top", on the agenda for tomorrow.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Gentle "Tundra Top", on the agenda for tomorrow.
Pole Creek Mountain & "Northwest Pole"
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Returning to camp with Half Peak in the background.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Returning to camp with Half Peak in the background.
July 29, 2011
San Juan Mountains
Cataract Lake is home to at least two beavers. Kevin & I watched a pair paddle all around the lake in early morning.