Distance

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Elevation

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Vertical

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Time

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This turned in to a great day! I went out to the west Gale Hills to wander around, with no real goal in mind. I drove out West End Wash, which has very deep sand & gravel right now. I headed toward some beautiful formations directly north first, hoping to gain the ridge from there. Near the top I encountered a short class 3 wall with many foot & hand holds. Unfortunately, I really messed up my rotator cuff & scrambling is not an option right now. Turned & dropped into a stunningly gorgeous canyon, not sure if I'd be able to find a way to the top of the ridge. A pair of eagles flew not too far over me in the canyon. Happily, there was a really nice route up through the cliffs & pinnacles. I first headed across the ridge to Skywalker (so named because it a narrow catwalk of sorts & it feels like walking on the sky). From there, I could see The Mandalorian & headed across the ridge next. Saw a ram up there & sat for awhile & had a snack. From The Mandalorian, I could see Baby Yoda & it seemed like I could drop off its ridges into the washes below. Went out there next. I dropped off the east ridge which was really nice. From there, it got really rough. I had to work around dry falls in the wash & drop through several cliff bands. At one point I was hiking down huge, steep conglomerate slabs. Luckily there was always a way & I enjoyed the canyon & wash very much. The hike was incredibly scenic & a great surprise.

Route to summit

None

loop
Obstacles

road/access issues, routefinding, bushwhacking, rockfall/loose rock

Key gear

trekking poles

Other peaks climbed on this trip