Steep talus slopes
The slopes leading up to the saddle between San Joaquin Ridge and "Oscars Peak" from the south are composed of steep, loose talus. The new snow made them slick to boot.
A steep hike and interesting snowy ridge run
The slopes leading up to the saddle between San Joaquin Ridge and "Oscars Peak" from the south are composed of steep, loose talus. The new snow made them slick to boot.
After gaining the ridge near the saddle we beared right and headed for "Oscars Peak" inside the clouds.
The sun began to fight its way through the clouds as we hiked along the west ridge of "Oscars Peak".
By the time we reached the summit of "Oscars Peak" the clouds were really starting to break, a lovely surprise. The views of Lookout Peak to the southeast were incredible.
Clouds butt up against San Joaquin Ridge as we begin our descent from "Oscars Peak".
Nearing the summit of San Joaquin Ridge. All but the last few hundred feet is an easy walk even with snow.
Dominic hiking along the narrow ridge, now back in the clouds. The summit is the far bump on the left. Some easy scrambling is required to reach it.
Dominic and Dwight approaching the summit of San Joaquin Ridge.
We continued west toward Silver Mountain and encountered a few thoughtful downclimbs; easy when dry but slightly non-trivial when slick.
Easy scrambling on the way to Silver Mountain.
Silver Mountain is finally in sight. The true summit is the far one. Getting around the large false summit in front of it is the crux of the traverse.
It was slow going on some parts of the ridge but the scrambling was never difficult.
Dominic downclimbing a steep spot along the ridge.
There were several significant bumps to go over along the ridge.
Dwight leading the way as we traverse along the north side of the ridge to bypass the problematic wall. The summit of Silver Mountain is on the right.
After traversing on the north side of the ridge we climbed steep, deep snow to regain the ridge crest.
View south from the ridge. The town of Ophir can be seen at the bottom.
Dwight hiking up the last bit to the summit of Silver Mountain.
Looking up at our steep descent route. From the saddle just east of the summit of Silver Mountain we dropped south down into Staatsburg Basin. The initial part of the descent was on very sketchy scree.