High Sierra Topix

Friday, 8 February 2008 (day 1 of 3)
Virgin Springs to Desert Hound Peak

PHOTOS: http://snownymph.smugmug.com/gallery/43 ... #253345916

Rachel e-mailed as I was leaving work, to say she could hike this weekend but wasn't packed. We started hiking a little late, but I also got a good nights sleep. Steve Hall said he left a special message for me on this peak, so it was incentive to get there. We had the option of going to the Desert Hound Mines or going for the summit at our turnaround, so we chose the summit. Then we tried coming back a different way, down a wash with dry falls that added to our hike. But then we got to one that was way too big so we climbed a steep ridge and dropped into Virgin Springs Wash and hiked out in the dark. Great geology and views. I'm going back to see the mines next time.

Wandering thru the desert looking for Desert Hound Peak


Made the summit!


Went back a different way that we thought was shorter


and finally cliffed out


We climbed up a steep slope to get to the next canyon and hiked out in the dark


A fun day in Death Valley!!!!

HEY! Who let the girls out????

Looks like you two had a doggone good time!

I'm glad we didn't have to call out the hounds for you this time!!!!!

P.S. Like the orange. VERY visible!!!

Can't wait to see the Stewart pics, as you know have plans to do that in March. Hurry up and post
Yeah the orange is very good on you!

You won't lose me with the orange!

Saturday, 9 Feb 2008 (day 2 of 3)
Pahrump Point dayclimb

PHOTOS: http://snownymph.smugmug.com/gallery/43 ... #253741695

We decided to do an easier peak since yesterday was a long day, and chose Pahrump Point. This is one of those peaks that looks really intimidating and vertical from below, but I knew there was a way up there. Great climb!

desert colors


flowers are blooming


it was steep and looked intimidating


but we made it!


the trip back was easier, we found some sheep trails to follow down


A great day of hiking in the desert!

Sunday, 10 Feb 2008 (day 3 of 3)
Mt Stewart dayclimb

PHOTOS: http://snownymph.smugmug.com/gallery/43 ... #254097499

We picked an easy peak for day 3, took a wrong turn but was rewarded with a bighorn sheep sighting. We weren't too far off, and on our way down saw 3 guys climbing up another way. There's a deceiving high point to the north that looks like its higher, but its not. On the way down, stay away from the cliffs! Fun weekend in the desert!


silly girls in the desert



cool rock



a little climbin'



and the reward



on to the summit



we got to spend some time up here this time!



went down some cliffy areas



we weren't the only ones that took the wrong route up



End of an awesome weekend of peakbagging!