⛰️⛰️ Summit Season Finale? ⛰️⛰️
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With possible mountain snow in the forecast this weekend, I wanted to make sure I ended the season on a positive note in case this is it for the year. I made it to the top of two unnamed Wasatch 11ers on the Cottonwood Ridge - Peak 11,033 and Peak 11,040.
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Elevation: 11,040 ft.
Trailhead: Mill B South.
Route: Lake Blanche and Sundial Peak.
Start Time: 9:15am.
Time to Summit: 4.75 hrs to Peak 11,033, 5.25 hrs to Peak 11,040.
Total Time: Approximately 7.25 hrs.
Distance to Summit: Approximately 5.9 miles to Peak 11,040.
Elevation Gain: 5,210 ft.
Notes: Start out hiking to Lake Blanche, then follow the approach for Sundial Peak. There's lots of information available online so I won't cover much here. I will say make sure you work your way around to the southwest face and it might help to stay middle to high on the slopes to reduce elevation loss. Doing this might keep you on boulders for a little bit longer. Once you reach an accessible point on the saddle between Sundial and 11,033, head south up the ridge until you reach 11,033!
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From there if you choose to head to 11,040, just follow the ridge eastward. There are a few knife edge ridge lines so you may need to drop below the ridge at times. I chose to drop to the north / the Big Cottonwood Canyon side and it served me well. For the descent I returned back the way I came skirting the high points. There was loose skree above a semi-exposed drop as I reapproached 11,033. Be safe on this and all parts!
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🗑️ Trash Haul: Wrappers, tissues, gum, chapstick, lollipop, and a piece of metal. My friends, let's keep it wild by picking up after ourselves and each other. 🗑️
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🧭 Thanks summitpost.org for the information from your site and @alltrails for the Sundial Peak approach information. 🧭
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