Esmeralda Peak - West Summit - 11.11.2014
Directions from the entrance to 29 Pines Campground to the Boulder/DeRoux Trailhead... our starting point for this hike.
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rodman's GPS track for our trip to the west summit of Esmeralda Peak... 8.25 miles roundtrip, gaining 3131 feet of elevation.
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The Boulder/DeRoux Trailhead (~3800') is at the north end of the DeRoux Campground... where we found a dusting of snow and 28 degree temperature.
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Crossing the North Fork of the Teanaway River after hiking a short distance.
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Continuing along the Boulder/DeRoux Trail.
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After hiking 1.5 miles we reached a junction with the DeRoux Spur Trail that goes up to a pass between Koppen Mountain and DeRoux Mountain... but we will stay on the Boulder/DeRoux Trail and head toward Gallaher Lake.
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We are at ~5000 feet... and iraman has found a good place to cross DeRoux Creek.
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Snowdog prepares to cross DeRoux Creek... one small step for woman... one giant step for womankind.
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Continuing along the Boulder/DeRoux Trail... with the east end of Hawkins Mountain in the distance.
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At ~5440 feet we will take a short break where a huge boulder sits at a switchback next to the trail... this is where we will leave the trail and head cross-country for the summit.
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Off trail now on steeper terrain... with DeRoux Peak across the valley.
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Izzy is on the prowl... as we continue up.
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Continuing up on the treed slope.
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Almost to the ridge (~6700').
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30 to 40 MPH wind gusts on the ridge.
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Almost on the Esmeralda summit.
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rodman got this shot of me on the Esmeralda Peak summit (6765')... my beard and mustache are caked in ice.
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Looking across Ingalls Pass and Longs Pass to the Stuart Range... with Fortune Peak and Ingalls Peak on the left.
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Looking east at some of the high points along Esmeralda Peak... with a lot of Teanaway Peaks in the distance.
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Hawkins Mountain from the west summit of Esmeralda Peak.
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Break time just below the Esmeralda Peak summit.
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We went back up to the summit for a selfie... iraman, Snowdog, ragman, BarbE and rodman.
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Leaving the summit area.
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Finally out of the wind.
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Izzy's paw gets some attention as we head down on our way back to the car.
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