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Client/Guide Ratio: 4:1 |
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Mt. Dade (13,600'), Little Lakes Valley Loop 2 Day
This wonderful route combines a great loop tour experiencing the best of this backcountry ski mecca with a fantastic peak ascent and ski descent. This is the valley that ski mountaineering pioneer, Norman Clyde called his favorite ski area!
Starting Point:
The Sno-Park area at East Fork Campground (8,900'). Rock Creek Road off Hwy 395, near Tom's Place.
The Route:
From the trailhead, we tour up the groomed road past Rock Creek Lake (9,700') to Mosquito Flats (10,200'), the usual summer trailhead. We follow the drainage of Rock Creek to Little Lakes Valley to Long Lake (10,450'), then climb to Treasure Lake Basin (11,500'). The following morning, we climb the spectacular Hourglass Couloir, then the upper slopes and the summit of Mt. Dade. One the descent, the Hourglass steepens to around 40° but not for long, and maintains a "user friendly" feel compared to other steep couloirs.
After we pick up our light camp, we make the climb to the saddle between Mt. Dade and Treasure Peak (12,500'). From here, it's a long, beautiful and scenic descent coneecting contours and moderately steep descents beneath spectacular granite walls down Mills Creek back to Mosquito Flats and the trailhead.
This is a long distance tour, about 20 miles round trip with a great peak so tape your heels and get ready to cover some amazing terrain.
-Routes may vary-
Preparation:
Prepare for light-weight ski camping with well selected and well fit equipment. 1-2 days pre acclimatization recommended prior to the climb.
Cost: $365
Dates:
May 2-3, 2009 (Sat-Sun)
May 9-10, 2009 (Sat-Sun) |
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 Equipment List
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