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.