High Sierra Topix

Decided to go up another ogul peak Devils peak today. Have been looking at it from every direction for years and finally went. Only 4 miles with an elevation gain of 1129 feet, started from the Palisade creek trail and then found the old trail to logging roads, to the base of the north side. Up a class 2 gully around the west side to what looked like a good way to the summit, it was class 2-3. Summit was swarming with some kind of flying ant/fly? So much so that you could not open your mouth at all. Did not find the register but did not look very hard because of the bugs hard to keep your eyes open even. Walked/scrambled along the ridge just to check it out. Went down a different gully, then should have traversed to the trail I had found but instead went straight down to a willow infested hell. Found the logging road and hiked out. Left the truck at 8 back at 11. Nice quick peak that I should have done years ago, want to go back to spend some more time up there as the views where obscured today due to the smoke.

Nice trip! Was just up there myself a few weeks ago - REALLY fun scrambling up there, although I think we climbed different routes in comparing the pictures. Can't wait to get back to this one

Which way did you go? Any bugs at the top? Is there a register?

Kristine

Kristine,

I'm glad you were able to get out. This is a peak we need to summit.

"...willow infested hell"

We know what you mean!

Thanks for the report!

-Russ

Yuberiver wrote:Which way did you go? Any bugs at the top? Is there a register?

Kristine

We found the use trail that ascends the Northern shoulder and then took the first gully as you traverse around to the west. It is a really fun approach and nothing more than loose class 2 until you gain the ridge. From there, you can work your way south until you hit the gap separating the northern ridge from the actual summit. Picking your way through the gap is class 3 work with reasonable exposure (we found that a MUCH easier route is found if you simply descend down to the treeline and finish the ascent from the SW aspect (this is also what most guides suggest, but when on the rock, I usually end up picking my own (foolish) route )

Never saw a register on top but I didn't look all that hard either. No bugs either, but saw the start of flies and ladybugs this weekend up at Sierra Buttes.

Northwest Gully


Crossing the Gap


On top

That's a neat little climb. I used to hike around that area a lot to fish the lakes (many of which are now fishless) and I always thought Devils Peak was a fine looking summit that looked potentially fun. I may have to scramble up there the next time I'm in the area.