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TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:47 pm
by lambertiana
On Friday after work I went with some friends to do a quick overnight at Monarch Lake in Sequoia NP, with the primary goal of summiting Sawtooth Peak. Sawtooth is one of my favorite summits because it is a very small point and you really feel like you are on top of something. On the road to Mineral King you can see Sawtooth standing prominently
Sawtooth.jpg
As we started up the trail we could look down on Mineral King Valley, I'd love to have a cabin there
Mineral King Valley.jpg
As we ascended we could see Sawtooth again
Sawtooth 1.jpg
Our camp at lower Monarch Lake at sunset
Camp.jpg
Then yesterday morning we got up early and headed up the wonderful sand/gravel slope known as Sawtooth Pass. Here is the summit from Sawtooth Pass
Sawtooth 2.jpg
Once we got the pass, the going was easier. Here are a few of the group on the summit. The closest two are father and son (kid is 10) on the first real hike of their lives. Both did very well and had a great time.
On the summit.jpg
Views from the top - looking toward the Kaweahs
Kaweahs.jpg
Looking east toward the Whitney group
Sawtooth 2007 028.jpg
View of the group descending from the summit
Descending from the summit.jpg
And for the final picture, we descended by a different route so that we could go by upper Monarch Lake, if you get there with the right lighting it is a very photogenic lake.
Upper Monarch Lake.jpg
It was a very pleasant way to spend a couple days, I already have someone else who wants to do Sawtooth later this summer.

Re: TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:02 pm
by windknot
Great shots, really makes me feel like I was there. Thanks for the report!

TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 9:52 pm
by Bluewater
Thanks for the TR and photos. I've been wanting to climb Sawtooth for a while. My brother has a cabin on the road to Mineral King, about 10 miles from Three Rivers. Beautiful country!

Re: TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2012 11:11 pm
by Herm
lambertiana
Thanks for sharing. Though I have never been to the peak, some of your photos along the way illuminate very familiar views. Makes me feel like I was there. And how awesome that the father and son, new to hiking, achieved such a grand vista. Good for you and them!
Last time I was in Mineral King was September 2008, and it would be nice to get back.
Cheers.

Re: TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:47 pm
by maverick
Thanks Lambertiana for the TR and Pic's. I would love to have a cabin with that view too.
Love the views of the Kaweah Ridge, never get tired of seeing it.

Re: TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:41 pm
by SSSdave
Back in its mining period there were cabins in that valley. But during big El Nino years people found out the hard way there are few trees down at the bottom for a reason.

Re: TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2012 1:46 pm
by sparky
Such a beautiful peak, and the whole area is really great. Thanks for the great pictures!

Re: TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 2:07 pm
by giantbrookie
Great post that brings back very fond memories for me. In 1969 I celebrated my 10th birthday on the summit of Sawtooth Peak. That still ranks as one of my three favorite birthdays of all time (other two: 1986-met my wife, 2008 a great day of off trail hiking to Tunemah Lake and basin below Tunemah). My ten year old is not strong enough to climb Sawtooth yet.

Re: TR - Sawtooth Peak

Posted: Sat Jul 21, 2012 3:10 pm
by Mradford
WOW, that looks like a great trip! The view of the summit from the pass is SWEET!! Also, that last shot is pretty classic. Thanks for posting!

-Mike