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Charleston - Scenic peak with fine views, superb bristlecone forest,
streams, waterfalls, etc., more difficult than Telescope. However, in essence,
similar to Telescope and commanding the same sights for half the view. Probably
only one or the other should be emblem peaks. Baboquivari - Superb granite dome in beautiful Sonoran desert area, probably in the top ten, trail most of the way with 75 feet of class 3-4, most impressive peak in Southern Arizona. However, it is 540 miles from LA and on Indian land and the class 3-4 will disturb some people. Kingston - Nice peak in pinyon-granite country of Mojave Desert area, not often visited, fine views, no other emblem peaks in the Mojave. However, the area is not as scenic as New York (though the peak is tougher), Providence would probably be a better choice if an emblem peak is to be placed in the Mojave. Mopah - Impressive spire, third class climb, no other emblem peak in the Colorado Desert. However, it would be the easiest emblem peak, desert area not particularly outstanding. The idea of the mountaineering committee in proposing five new peaks was not to dilute from the quality of the emblem peaks but to spread the peaks around and give a greater range of choices. Having to climb five of six means that whomever gets stuck with leading an emblem peak always has 50 participants. Having more emblem peaks would hopefully cut this down. And as for quality, aside from Big Picacho, the ones we have aren't all that great anyhow. Telescope is an easy walk, Kofa is pretty but not difficult, Rabbit is difficult but not particularly pretty, Montgomery and Inyo are difficult but have similar views. Certainly, Charleston is better than Telescope and South Guardian Angel and Baboquivari are better than almost anything. Kingston and Mopah represent areas which do not currently have emblem peaks. South Guardian Angel, Baboquivari and Charleston are difficult enough to not dilute from the overall difficulty of getting an emblem. These were our reasons for trying to enlarge the number of emblem peaks. In thinking about it, however, I have come up with another thought. Our emblem peaks are supposed to be our nicest and with the new group would contain many of our best peaks. But because they are emblem peaks, they are more heavily used than all others. We are over using our best desert areas. My idea is to eliminate all emblem peaks and raise the emblem requirement to 25 or 30 peaks, period. This would hopefully cut down the number of climbers and would also appeal to those who don't like the long drives (i.e., Big Picacho, SGA, Baboquivari). The peaks would still be there for those who want to make the effort, but some emblem hunters won't be "required" to do them. In fact, the thought of having a party of 50 approaching SGA up the beautiful canyon is enough to cause me to vote against its establishment as an emblem peak. I'd be interested in any comments on this thought. |
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