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Adventure.Rocks

The Enchantments and Prusik Peak

Owens, Stacy and I spent four days backpacking and climbing in the Enchantments. Stacy and I climbed Prusik Peak via the West Ridge (5.7) which was an absolutely amazing climb in an amazing place. 83 photos
July 12, 2018

Thursday, July 12



Three fresh faced gumbies
12 Jul 2018 - 09:09

Starting out at the trail head
Starting up the switchbacks
12 Jul 2018 - 09:40
Snow Creek Wall
12 Jul 2018 - 10:09

We stopped to gaze up at Snow Creek Wall and try to pick out Outer Space (5.9) that we climbed last summer.
Goats!
12 Jul 2018 - 11:54

This family of goats grazes along the trail here every morning
A small bridge
12 Jul 2018 - 12:18

Small well maintained bridge on our way up to Snow Lake.
Taking a breather
12 Jul 2018 - 12:32

The day was getting very hot and this part of the trail switched back, up and and up this boulder field.
Filtering sweet sweet water
12 Jul 2018 - 13:15

In order to save weight and space, Stacy and I each only carried 1 Litter of water, which meant we had been running dry for some time on this very hot day when we made it to Nadda Lake. We stopped and filtered some life giving water before continuing to our destination for the day.
It's Nadda Lake!
12 Jul 2018 - 13:19

Yes it is. Stacy and Owens filtering water and cooling off.
Trail sign at Snow Lake
12 Jul 2018 - 14:32

After quite a hot day of hiking, we arrived at Snow Lake.
Log jam on Snow Lake
12 Jul 2018 - 14:34

The log jam separating upper Snow Lake from lower Snow Lake was quite huge.
Adam crossing the small dike
12 Jul 2018 - 14:36

A huge log jam and small dike separate upper Snow Lake from lower Snow Lake. The only way across is to walk along the dike. Or I suppose you could try your luck on the logs.
Stacy eating a block of cheese
12 Jul 2018 - 15:50

There were no open campsites around Snow Lake the first night. We were forced to bivy in what amounted to a fairly dry swamp. Besieged with mosquitoes, we spent most of our time in our bug nets.
Water Logged
12 Jul 2018 - 15:54

A huge old stump under water just out from our first campsite
View from our first campsite
12 Jul 2018 - 15:58

Once you pushed through the over grown brush and out into the lake, the view was actually quite nice.
Owens out on Owens rock
12 Jul 2018 - 16:01

Owens did a bit of exploratory swimming, and claimed some new "land" for his kingdom.

Friday, July 13



Mosquito Camp
13 Jul 2018 - 09:31

Our sad campsite beset at all hours with mosquitoes
Day 2 camp!
13 Jul 2018 - 11:46

Our campsite for the next two night was incredible! An amazing view, easy access to the water for filtering and swimming. A complete 180 turn around from the swamp from day one. Still mosquitoes everywhere though.
Lunch time
13 Jul 2018 - 11:52

Adam and Owens getting settled into our new camp and getting ready to prepare lunch.
Shades of blue
13 Jul 2018 - 13:25

Snow Lake was unbelievable clear and beautiful
Tree, Lake, Bug
13 Jul 2018 - 13:32

A typical view from our campsite
View from my hammock
13 Jul 2018 - 13:42

This of course before I put my bug net on. Couldn't stay like this for long.
Stacy's hammock
13 Jul 2018 - 13:46

With out a doubt Stacy got the best hammock spot.
Stacy enjoying her sweet hammock spot
13 Jul 2018 - 13:47
Owens and his "raft"
13 Jul 2018 - 14:42

Snow Lake was predictable VERY cold, but it was hot and we were stinky, so swim we must. Owens and I attempted to make a Raft out of drift wood, it didn't work so well, but one super floaty piece worked well enough on it's own.
Camp
13 Jul 2018 - 15:27

One of the more scenic places we've camped.
The Temple
13 Jul 2018 - 18:27

We took a evening walk around Snow Lake, The Temple looming large over everything. The last rays of sun light catching on a small island.
The Temple
13 Jul 2018 - 18:39

Deep greens around Snow Lake as the sun set on a very relaxing day.
Small underground stream
13 Jul 2018 - 18:55

Moss growing over where a small stream ran just inches under the dirt.

Saturday, July 14



Night arriving on Snow Lake
14 Jul 2018 - 00:11

I started taking some night shots around 11:30pm, the last night still dieing away in the sky.
Stars over our hammocks
14 Jul 2018 - 00:42

As the sky finished darkening we were treated to a truly aw inspiring canvas of stars.
New Moon
14 Jul 2018 - 01:01

It was the first day of a new moon, which meant that other than the stars, everything around us was perfectly dark.
Headlamp accident
14 Jul 2018 - 01:13

I forgot and turned my headlamp on during an exposure, however it ended up being pretty cool, so I used it.
The Milkyway Galaxy rising over Snow Lake
14 Jul 2018 - 01:29

My favorite night shot so far. The Milkyway rising over the peaks around Snow Lake. I was so happy when I got this shot.
Reflections
14 Jul 2018 - 05:25

Morning sun on the peaks reflects in Snow Lake
Morning View from Camp
14 Jul 2018 - 05:28

Morning alpenglow on the mountains greeting us as we get ready for the day
Hollow Log
14 Jul 2018 - 06:51

This old log was hollowed out in the center
Morning Hike up From Snow Lake to the Core Zone
14 Jul 2018 - 07:18
Walking up Slabs
14 Jul 2018 - 07:28

A lot of the trail from Snow Lake to the Core Zone is just cairns placed on granite slabs
Snack break
14 Jul 2018 - 07:49

We need calories after doing A LOT of up
Adam and Owens Arriving to the Core Zone
14 Jul 2018 - 07:54

Can't stay still too long or the bugs will get ya!
Lichen on A Log
14 Jul 2018 - 07:58
Stacy and Owens Reached the Core Zone
14 Jul 2018 - 08:06

Lots of early morning elevation gain to get to this Point from Snow Lake
Gorgeous Lakes in the Core Zone
14 Jul 2018 - 08:08
Bug Armor
14 Jul 2018 - 08:21

Stacy covering as much of herself as possible to keep the bugs off
Snow Crossing
14 Jul 2018 - 08:38

The only patch of snow we found on the trip
A Stroll in Nature
14 Jul 2018 - 08:49

Hiking up to Prusik Peak
A Great Place to Filter Water
14 Jul 2018 - 09:06

Ice cold glacier melt run off, yum!
Adam Jumping the Creek
14 Jul 2018 - 09:10
Adam not sticking the landing
14 Jul 2018 - 09:10

He was alright, just got his butt a bit wet.
Owens Jumping the Creek
14 Jul 2018 - 09:11
Route Finding is a Good Excuse to take in the Views
14 Jul 2018 - 09:44

Where are the cairns...?
Granite Slabs
14 Jul 2018 - 09:48

Walking across granite slabs on the way to Prusik Peak
Prusik Peak
14 Jul 2018 - 09:59

Walking up to our Objective
Stacy leading away
14 Jul 2018 - 11:42

Doing this toe traverse with lots of exposure felt sketchy
Belay Selfie
14 Jul 2018 - 12:04

Gotta take selfies when the background looks this good!
Stacy at the belay
14 Jul 2018 - 12:29

Adam just finished the psychological crux of the route, the unprotectable 5.7 friction pitch
Waterfall and Lake
14 Jul 2018 - 12:42

With an injured shoulder, Owens stayed behind and played photographer while Adam and Stacy climbed Prusik Peak
Third Class Boulders
14 Jul 2018 - 12:45

The easy part
Views from the Last Pitch
14 Jul 2018 - 13:41

Adam multi-tasking, taking photos while climbing
Finger Crack in a Dihedral
14 Jul 2018 - 13:48

This lie back/finger crack was the crux of the route
Finger Crack
14 Jul 2018 - 13:48

Hard crack Stacy led near the summit of Prusik Peak
Cascading Lakes
14 Jul 2018 - 13:56

The glaciers melting in the sun drain into the mountain lakes, then turn into rivers and waterfalls and drain into the next lake
Summit Views
14 Jul 2018 - 14:00

The views from Prusik Peak are stunning in every direction
Coiling Rope
14 Jul 2018 - 14:00

Making a neat pile of rope for our traverse over to the rappel block
Adam & Stacy on the Summit of Prusik Peak
14 Jul 2018 - 14:03

This was the hardest alpine trad route Stacy had ever led. Woo!
We did it!
14 Jul 2018 - 14:04

Proud Mountain lady on the summit of Prusik Peak
Summit Celebration
14 Jul 2018 - 14:04

Stacy's standard summit stance
Adam on the Summit of Prusik Peak
14 Jul 2018 - 14:05

Those mountains tho
On Rappell!
14 Jul 2018 - 14:46

Stacy rappelling down from the summit of Prusik Peak
Wild Flowers
14 Jul 2018 - 15:50
Stacy of the Wilderness
14 Jul 2018 - 15:51

Enjoying the mountain views, grassy meadows and solitude on our hike out from Prusik Peak
Prusik Peak
14 Jul 2018 - 15:56

We climbed the West Ridge of this peak (up the left side, to the summit) during the 4 days we were in the Enchantments
Granite, Trees and Water
14 Jul 2018 - 15:59

Beauty in every direction from the Core Enchantment Zone
Hydrating with Beautiful Mountain Views
14 Jul 2018 - 16:38

After climbing Prusik Peak, we stopped at this lake to filter water on the hike back to camp
Mountain Goat Leaps
14 Jul 2018 - 17:17

This goat deftly jumped from rock to rock to cross this stream and get a nice cold drink
Evening Views from Camp at Upper Snow Lake
14 Jul 2018 - 19:20
Cozy Hammock Views
14 Jul 2018 - 20:16

Adam hiding from the infinite hordes of mosquitoes on our last morning in camp

Sunday, July 15



Last Breakfast in Camp
15 Jul 2018 - 09:04

Adam and Owens on our last morning before hitting the trail to head home
Barefoot Stream Crossing
15 Jul 2018 - 09:21

Owens took his shoes off to save his feet from getting wet on our 8 mile hike back to the car
Pretty Wild Flower
15 Jul 2018 - 10:57
Back at the Trail Head
15 Jul 2018 - 12:21

Just to mess with you, the last bit back to the trail head is uphill again
Three amigos at the end of the trip
15 Jul 2018 - 12:31

Back at the car after 4 days in The Enchantments
Celebration beers!
15 Jul 2018 - 13:24

Celebrating the end of our trip with burgers and beers at The Loft