| the peak. If one
uses canyons further to the left they will get into a severe pinnacled ridge,
which we crossed later in going from Peal to Tukuhnikivatz. At the head of this
right canyon, follow ridge to summit. On top we found the only register on the
8 peaks we climbed in Utah. There were few names, and mostly those of people in
the vicinity. The only Californian's name back to 1925, was Stan Midgely, the
only other person up the peak this year. (3 hours climb to summit). Two and a
half hours were needed to follow the ridge to Tukuhnikivatz. Most of this time
was spent crossing three jagged pinnacles with exposure. They can be by-passed
on the south but with loss of several hundred feet, and much scree.
Tukuhinikivatz, which means in Indian "where the sun shines longest", I felt
had the best view in the range, with Tomasaki second. This concluded our La Sal
Climbs. One point of interest on Peal - 50 ft. below the summit, we found a
dead hawk which looked like it had cracked up a day or so before. On a little
grassy area here at 13,000 ft., just 50 ft. from the hawk, we found a 3 ft.
black and yellow striped snake. Did the hawk bring the snake up there? Our next objective was the Abajo Mtns., twelve miles west of Monticello, Utah. We reached the pass at 10,500 ft. on an excellent mountain road. Camp was established among the pines. The next day a faint trail was used along the ridge going south. We used it nearly all the way to South Peak (11,120', 3 hours). From here we headed back north, this time using the high ridge toward Abajo Peak, the highest peak of the range. Along this crest we observed many deep mine pits, and old fallen-in cabins, remembrances of the gold rush of the last century. Abajo Peak (11,357') gives a fine view of these beautiful mountains and is well worth a visit. Though the maps don't show it, this road west of Monticello which we used, continues through the mountains and connects with the road into Blanding. The next morning we continued on the road toward Blanding until we reached a small saddle about a mile south of Indian Creek Ranger station (B.M. 9691. ft. on Elk Ridge Quadrangle). From here the trail loads west to Mt. Linnacus (10,955') which gave the finest view from the Abajo. It looks down onto deep canyons and colored cliffs from the base of the mountain to the horizon. Mt. Linnaeus would make a splendid one-day side trip for anyone in the Blanding Area. Also the mountain road between Blanding and Monticello is just as good as the main gravel highway, but much more picturesque. That afternoon after the Mt. Linnaeus climb we visited the cliff dwelling several miles south, shown on the Elk Ridge Quadrangle. A good road (approximately where the trail is shown on the map) saves a lot of time. The dwellings are completely unpublicized, and nearly impossible to get a look into their deep interior, high on the cliff. The masonry work seemed well preserved. If a storm hadn't been closing in we might have roped down from above to look into the dwellings, which still contained their supplies of fire wood. * * * * * * * * * * * Many I direct your attention to several good articles on some of the Mountains of Arizona. In the July 1950 Westways, Weldon Heald has written a very enticing article on the Pinaleno, Pinal, Santa Catalinas, Santa Rita, Huachuca, Chiruahuas, and Rincon Mtns. of Southeastorn Arizona. Weldon describes them as having beautifully forested tops, and due to their elevation, they are quite delightful in summer. His article is entitled "Oases in the Sky". In the August 1950 issue of Arizona Highways is a very detailed account of a climb of Agathilan Peak in the Monument Valley area of Arizona. The ascent was a thrilling and difficult rock climb. Don't miss these trips: Cerro Gordo Peak, Pleasant Mtn- September 30, Oct. 1. I am sure this trip should be a lot of fun. Both climbs are easy, and Pleasant is a very pretty little mountain with fine views east and west. Also shindigs are planned. The following is by Jess Lang: Cerro Gordo Ghost Town Party Willard Dean, Bob Bear, and Jess Lang have gotten together plans to have a Ghost Town party in and around the main office building of this ghost town, the richest silver producer in California's history. This party will also be a celebration of our California Centennial. We have planned for enough activity in case no one brings along their ideas and help on the trip. If any of you have any good ideas just bring them with you on the Cerro Gordo trip September 30 to October 1, so we can make this a beautiful memory. If each one would bring along a small armful of wood we will have plenty for the campfire. We also need a few good camping lanterns so bring yours if you have one. Keynot Peak (Monarch), 11,125' Oct. 21, 22. Now that this peak has been scouted by two parties this summer, it has been scheduled for October. Both parties considered this second highest peak in the Inyo Mtns. a very delightful climb. The summit is forested, and all along the route a grand view of the Sierra stretches before the eye. The route used by Fritz, Marie, and Eleanor will be used for this trip. It is trail all the way. I know you will be sorry if you miss this one. It has all the charm of New York Butte, and is somewhat higher. Thanksgiving Trip- Avawatz Peak, Tin Mt., and Ubehebe Peak. Be sure and save this date. Peaks to climb will be Avawatz south of Death Valley, and Tin and Ubehebe Peaks northwest of Death Valley. More dope on them in the next newsletter. |
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