W6/SS-156 Pilot Knob

It was day two of the Sierra SOTA backpacking trip. The goal for the day was for everyone to get up Pilot Knob and activate it. We got an early start to ensure we wouldn't run out of daylight like we had the previous day on Goethe.

First light on the peaks above camp.

Adam led us out of camp promptly at 7:36, and we were on our way. We climbed the short hill to get out of the Muriel Lake watershed, then went down to the main trail that comes over the pass. We followed this down to a flat area. Shortly before it began to drop again we stepped off the trail.

Looking over towards Goethe.

As we hiked we got some good views of Alpine Col and Goethe, and were able show the others the crazy stuff we had hiked up the day before. On the topo map it looks like a fairly smooth cross country hike to the base of Pilot, but there are actually plenty of small ridges that one needs to go over. This slowed us a little, but everyone was feeling good and we made good time.

The peak is getting closer. 

We stopped a few times to fill up on water. It was nice not having to carry a lot of water. After passing Square Lake we began contouring along the hill while aiming for the col below Pilot Knob. There were a number of trees here, but it is typical open Sierra forest and was not hard to get through.

With Merriam Peak in the background.

At the col we finally had views to the other side of the ridge. We stopped for a break before tackling the pile of talus between us and the summit. The talus was much easier than it had been the day before. We made good time up to the top. On top we decided to let Kevin, W6RIP get the first contact since he's the region manager. After calling Jerry and Adam who were still below the AZ, we all worked them, then set up Adam's KX2 for some HF.

Someone almost at the top.

Kevin and Jerry called for a while on 20m sideband, but didn't make any contacts. Eventually we moved down to the CW section and Adam, Tim, and I made plenty of contacts. So that everyone could get the points, the CW operators hiked out of the AZ and called up on 2m. After everyone had got their contacts, we headed back to the col.

On the summit!

At the col we took a break for a second lunch, then started retracing our steps. The way back felt faster. Maybe it was because the air was so much thicker than it had been at the summit. We stopped a few times to refill water, then found the trail again. Up below Summit Lake we stepped off and went cross country back to our site by Muriel Lake.

Dinner time in camp.

Trailhead: North Lake Trailhead, near the end of CA 168
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Take the trail up over the pass and follow it down the other side a ways. Before it drops into the canyon, head cross country towards the peak. Make your way to the col below, then head up the ridge, staying to the left.
Red Tape: None. Permits required for overnight trips.

W6/SS-054 Mt Goethe (attempt)

Adam, K6ARK, had organized a SOTA backpacking trip over Piute Pass, inviting me, Tim K6TW, Jerry, KG6HQD, Kevin W6RIP, and Kevin's son Riley. After a bit of confusion on Friday morning, we all met up and got on the trail. One would think that 5 hams would not have trouble staying in touch, but apparently not. Jerry had already started up by the time everyone else arrived.

Trailhead kiosk.

We set off up the trail. Naturally, the talk quickly turned to radio. At the top of some switchbacks we reached the first of many lakes. Adam stopped to catch a fish at one. There was a small snowfield just below the pass. At the pass, we stopped to admire the view, then headed over to Muriel Lake, where we would set up a base camp for the weekend.

Small meadow just below the pass.

After catching up to Jerry at the lake, we set up our tents and had lunch. Adam, Riley, and I were feeling good and decided to go activate Mt Goethe. Our planned route was around Lake Muriel, up around the right sides of the Goethe Lakes, up the boulders to Alpine Pass, then along the ridge to the summit.

Mt Humphries across one of the Goethe Lakes.

We started out. At the second Goethe Lake we decided that going around the left side would be easier, so we did this. As we climbed up from the lake, the real talus started. It was slow going, and got slower as we climbed into bigger rocks.

Me wondering what I've gotten myself into.

There were some snow fields, but the waist high sun cups made traversing them difficult. At the edge of one snowfield I postholed and managed to scrape my arm up pretty well. After lots more talus climbing we made it to the pass. What was above us? More talus. We continued climbing. I was feeling pretty tired at this point, probably from not being acclimated.

At the turnaround point.

We reached the first small col along the ridge and stopped. We looked at the remaining ridge and amount of daylight left and decided that it would be best to turn around. The talus would be very terrible to go down in the dark. After resting and having a snack, we began retracing our steps. The snow was too steep to glissade safely, but it was much faster going down.

Looking towards tomorrow's destination: Pilot Knob.

Despite having to no longer fight gravity, the talus was slow. It was a great relief to get back past the lower Goethe Lake and off the rocks. Back at camp we shared our stories with those who had stayed behind and cooked some tasty dinner.

Sunset over Muriel Lake.

Next summer I hope to go back and get the peak, especially now that I know what I'm getting myself into.

Trailhead: North Lake Trailhead, near the end of CA 168
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Take the trail up over the pass and then to Muriel Lake. Go around the right side of the lake, up to the right side of lower Goethe Lake, left side of Upper Goethe Lake. Climb the large talus to Alpine Pass, then follow the left side of the ridge up.
Red Tape: None. Permits required for overnight trips.

A beautiful area of the Sierra.

W6/ND-392 Dry Creek Knoll

After climbing Sonora Peak, I had some time before going to Bishop. I decided to stop at Mammoth to get an easy peak. From town, turn onto Mammoth Scenic Loop and drive to road 3S24 on the right. There is a small parking area on the left. Those with more robust cars could drive up the road to the intersection with 3S110.

Walking up the road.

Take 3S110 to get to the summit plateau. This road might be drivable, but there were a lot of down trees across it when I was there. From the road junction you could also bushwhack straight up to the summit, but this seemed like a lot of work. So instead I took the nicely graded road as it wrapped around the peak.

There were occasional views through the trees.

There is no road to the high point, so I found a good place to step off the trail and headed straight up. In the open forest it was easy to put up my antenna. I tried calling on 30 and 20, but didn't get any contacts on either. Luckily there were some chasers on 40, and I got my four contacts.

On the summit.

Since bushwhacking is easier when gravity is helping, I decided to just go straight down to the junction. This was very quick, down the sandy slope without any really dense manzanita. Back at the car I drove down to Bishop for some dinner, before heading up to Piute Pass the next day.

Trailhead: Forest Road 3S24 where it leaves Mammoth Scenic Loop.
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Take the road up to the intersection, and go left. Follow the main road up to the summit plateau, then bushwhack up to the high point.
Red Tape: None.

W6/SN-032 Sonora Peak

It was time for a Sierra SOTA weekend. Adam, K6ARK, had invited me to join him and some other activators for a weekend backpacking trip over Piute Pass. I left home a day area to get some more peaks and to try and acclimate a bit. First up was Sonora Peak. This is the highest point in Alpine County, and is just north of Sonora Pass.

Gate(?) at the start of the trail.

The best place to start seems to be the St Marys Pass Trailhead. This is where 6N39Y leaves 108 on the FS map, a short distance to the west of Sonora Pass. Google has a marker there. There is no sign on the road, and I nearly missed the turn. There is a short section of rough road, then an open area with plenty of parking. I tried to park under a tree, but the sun moved and my car was warm when I got back. 

Heading up the trail.

There are some trees at the start, but the trail quickly gets out into the open. The summit seems like it should be visible as you hike up, but I think it is too far back to see. It is a pleasant climb up to the pass, where there are a number of signs letting you know it is a wilderness boundary. I was expecting to have to start bushwhacking here, but there is a well-worn use path that heads up to the right. 

Wilderness boundary with the use trail heading up the hill.

I followed the trail. It was well defined as it climbed up to a small plateau, then it seemed to end. I could see where it picked up on the other side, so I just made a beeline for that point. This was the end of the easy section of the hike.

The wildflowers were still blooming.

Once the trail started heading up again it was steep. I had spent the night at sea level, and was really feeling the effects of the altitude, over 10,800' at this point. I took my time and drank plenty of water, and made it to the top. The views were quite nice, and it wasn't too cold. 

Summit panorama.

After taking a snack break I put up my antenna. I had a little bit of service, but it was very intermittent. I did my best to get a spot out, then started calling CQ. I worked 20 and 40 before I started getting too cool in the wind. I took the same route back down, but in much less time.  

At the top.

Trailhead: St. Marys Pass Trailhead.
Website: SOTA Site.
Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.
Route: Follow the trail to the top of the ridge at the wilderness boundary. Turn right and follow the use trail to the summit.
Red Tape: None.