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#766 03/12/03 06:13 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 29
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 29
Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone has any information regarding the Northwest chute on Lone Pine Peak. I'm thinking of taking a group of people up to do some climbing, but they are all beginners and I don't want to get them in over their heads. R.J. Secor's book says that this route is class 2. I've read elsewhere that it could be almost a class 3. So I'd be very interested in hearing from anyone who has done the route and could speak about its difficulty. Thanks!

Aaron

#767 03/12/03 08:30 PM
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 597
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Posts: 597
The talus in the chute going up to the final ridge is quite loose. It is especially tedious on the descent because there is quite a bit to negotiate. About 10 years ago, I was on a section of scree that started sliding (slowly); that was no problem until one foot got caught between rocks that stopped while the rest of me kept moving downhill. My knee "popped" and, while I was able to walk out, I ended up with arthroscopic surgery afterwards.

Other than that part it's a very nice climb, and if you're careful picking your way up/down the chute you won't have any problems with beginners. The approach on the trail is pretty, the finale northeast on the ridge to the summit scenic.

It's class 2. I do very much prefer favoring the right side of the chute on the way up, and scrambling on the solid rock there when it comes into reach. Parts of this section could be considered class 3, and where your stories may have come from, but it's optional.

I recommend paying heed to where the chute joins the ridge when you get there. It can be tricky to find on the way back if you haven't committed it to memory. Maybe place a duck (knock it over once it's served its purpose).

#768 03/13/03 12:03 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 785
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About 8 years ago I climbed the Northwest chute of Lone Pine Peak with a full backpack, thinking it would be fun to sleep up on the top. Beautiful up there with a great view of Langley, the Corcoran Mountains and LeConte. Being summer, it was mostly dry and took us about 4 hours to slog up the loose screw 1700 vertical feet. From the small lakes just below Meysan Lake, it is easy to pick out the chute, big and wide. It is not technical but the loose rock makes it slow. Enjoy


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Mt. Whitney Weather Links


White Mountain/
Barcroft Station

Elev 12,410’

Upper Tyndall Creek
Elev 11,441’

Crabtree Meadows
Elev 10,700’

Cottonwood Lakes
Elev 10,196’

Lone Pine
Elev. 3,727’

Hunter Mountain
Elev. 6,880’

Death Valley/
Furnace Creek

Elev. -193’

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