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We had lost it last November, but then, who minds going back to such a 'gorgeous' place as Zion? Greg, Wendel, and I tried them last fall but very bad weather got us only SGA with NGA left temptingly behind---not too groovey climbing with new snow. We scheduled the climb for Sunday so we had Saturday to look at other stuff. Greg thought Virgin peak would be something to try. Greg drove us to the roadhead--don't ask me where it is, I was riding in the back of the truck. We hiked up the road as far as we liked unwillingly chasing cows ahead of us. How I hate to be thought of as a cow herd (cowherd: a chicken cowboy). Any time you wish to you may get onto the ridge on the left and then go for the peak. It reminded me of our recent climb of Turtle. The interesting sights are the Virgin river and the upper end of lake Mead. Strictly a peak of undistinction, but Ok if you have nothing else to do. After din-din in St. George, we met the others at the turn off from the Kolob Reservoir road to Wildcat Canyon. The road is now impassable shortly after the turn off but with the weather and scenery being what they were, we did not mind the extra hiking. We nine were off early Sunday and the weather and rock conditions were excellent. We set up ropes in three places, belaying up arid rappelling down in two spots. All were on top shortly after 8:00. The incredible scenery was enjoyed for too short a time and we returned down the same route and out to the cars. We four plucked the Silverbird of its buffet and then had a long ride home in a steady, strong headwind. Contrary to Vegas type advertising, gas was not easy to come by. |
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| Saline Peak (7063 ft.) Exploratory | 1/13-14/79 | Ron Jones | |||
Six climbers met Ron and Campy Saturday morning at the intersection of the Saline Valley Road and Highway 190. We caravaned to the lower hot springs in Saline Valley where most of us enjoyed the sun and water until mid-afternoon. Pt 2:30 we continued east and north on the rough road toward Marble Bath and the Eureka Valley. In 3/4 of a mile we past the pools of the less crowded middle hot springs and after another 3½ miles the fenced but unimproved upper hot springs. We drove beyond the upper hot springs about 8 miles and made our camp at about 3500 feet. The road was rough but suitable for high-clearance two wheel drive vehicles. Surrounding the campsite were scattered an unbe1~evable number of apache tears, small blobs of obsidian which had been ejected during a volcanic eruption sometime in the past. We managed to keep warm that evening with a good campfire and a lot of frolicking. The weather turned cloudy and windy during the night and we got an early start in the morning in order to beat any possible rain. Our route followed the obvious eastern ridge and the Summit was reached in just over three hours. The rains held off and chilly but clear views of neighboring Dry Mountain to the east, the Eureka Valley and Dunes, the east face of the Inyos, the Whites and a glimpse of the Sierra could be seen. A fast decent was made by dropping into the wash south of our ascent ridge. I think this isolated area, the views and the hot springs all combine to recommend Saline Peak for inclusion in the Desert Peaks list. It could be coupled with a climb of Dry Mountain from the west. |
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