Slate Ridge

9 Aug 2000 - by Bob Walton

On August 9th my sons Jeremy and Jon and British mountaineer Dave Gregory accompanied me to the top of Peak 12,126 (known as Slate Ridge Peak) north of Excelsior Mountain. We ascended via the east slopes and south ridge. We found acres of loose talus and enjoyable climbing only on the steeper section of the NE side of the peak. The trail up from the Virginia Lakes was mellow and scenic. It took us about three and a half hours from the car to the top with breaks for nutrition and snowball fights. The view from the top was spectacular, especially toward Yosemite. Conditions were clear and a cold wind was blowing from the west above 11,000'. We spent less than an hour on top. We considered heading for Excelsior, but the wind changed our minds.


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