SCHEDULED
TRIPSMOPAH PEAK (3514'), Jan. 4-5
23 climbers arrived Saturday evening at the campsite east of Mopah Pk. As the sun set, we admired the peak's impressive silhouette and discussed our route to the summit. From a distance the peak's sheer walls make it appear unclimbable by a non-rock climber.
Early Sunday morning, 19 of the climbers began the ascent of Mopah Peak. From the east we worked our way around to the south side of the peak. On the Keyhole Route there are some areas with exposure, but they offer secure hand and foot holds. We reached the Keyhole after climbing about one hundred feet up a narrow chimney. Here Gene Gail attached a rope and all climbers who followed him up that short but spooky third class pitch welcomed its assistance. Now the summit was only steps away. Once we reached the summit we had to find immediate shelter from the strong, gusty wind.
As 17 successful climbers sat huddled among the rocks, we ate our lunches and enjoyed a commanding view of the surrounding desert area. Near by and thirty feet higher was Mopah's sister peak, Umpah. (Umpah was climbed Saturday by two of the members of our group.) In the distance we could see the Colorado River. Because of the wind our stop on the summit was a short one. The majority of the group returned by the same route, while a smaller party descended by another route in order to look for agates.
By one o'clock all climbers had reached the cars and were preparing to return to the city after another enjoyable weekend in the out-of-doors.
18 people turned out in Shoshone, southeast of Death Valley. Saturday afternoon in clear, cool weather, several of the group enjoyed the refreshing waters of Shoshone Hot Springs (However, no bikinis were evident).. Camp that night was near an old mine a mile southwest of town.
After a warm breakfast in Shoshone Cafe, 15 of the party drove north some 14 miles to a point due west of Eagle Peak, a precipitous rock outcropping in the barren Amargosa Desert. Cars were caravaned cross-country to a point just below the prominent gully that descends the west face of the peak.
Leader Andy Smatko guided the group up a steep chute just left of the prominent gully, over to the left (north) flank of the jagged summit ridge, and along an up-and-down bench to a point just below the summit block. Several short pitches of enjoyable class three got everyone to the top. The panoramic summit view encompassed quite a number of our desert peaks. Lothar Kolbig pointed out the trickling Amargosa River, whose source in Thirsty Canyon on Pahute Mesa and outlet in the depths of Death Valley are only about twenty miles apart, although the river flows some 150 miles.
Descent was via the same route. Everyone was out by early afternoon, although some anxious moments were experienced when one climber left the group without consent and descended the mountain himself by a different route. Leaders should in the future, make if clear that the party stays together.