Desert Peaks Section
By Chester Versteeg
| The Executive Committee
of the Southern California Chapter has authorized the creation of an honorary
climbing section (no dues, no officers, no meetings) to be known as the DESERT
PEAKS SECTION, membership in which is attained by the ascent of the following
seven eastern California desert peaks, two of which, Waucoba Mountain and New
York Butte, require the backpacking of a 24-hour water supply; all are best
climbed during spring and autumn; on four, winter ski climbs can be made, If
the snow be taken at "high tide." The peaks are: White Mountain Peak (14,242). Highest summit in the White Mountains, northeast of Bishop (White Mountain Peak quadrangle). Waucoba Mountain (11,127). Highest peak in the Inyo Range, southeast of Big Pine (Bishop Quadrangle). Telescope Peak (11,045). Highest peak of the Panamints, overlooking Death Valley (Ballarat quadrangle). Maturango Peak (8850). Highest peak in the Argus Range, south of Darwin (Ballarat quadrangle). Coso Peak (8156). Highest peak in the Coso Mountains, southwest of Darwin (Ballarat quadrangle). New York Butte (10,620). In the Inyo Range immediately east of Lone Pine (Ballarat quadrangle). Cerro Gordo (9217). In the Inyo Range, east of Keeler (Ballarat quadrangle). It is expected that by autumn at least a dozen members will have qualified for membership in this section, several having already made three or more of the climbs. After a scouting trip on New York Butte by Virgil Sison and Chester Versteeg (accompanied by Larry Jeffries) the first official outing to attain membership in this section was made to New York Butte on November 15-16, under leadership of Niles Werner. The following members made the climb successfully: Braeme Gigas, Harry Paley, Pat Carmical, Katherine Smith, Freda Walbrecht, Bill Crookston, Carl Durrell, James Tow, Harry Greenhood, Niles Werner. All of the peaks of the Desert Peaks Section present marvelous desert panoramas; White Mountain Peak and New York Butte present as fine views of the High Sierra as can be found. Maps and complete data including routes, classes of climbs, best climbing season, etc., are on file at the southern California Sierra Club rooms, Philharmonic Auditorium Building, Los Angeles. |
