Conditions check 2020 on Duck Peak.
- June 18, 2020
- Team: me
- 3.6 mi, 1396' gain, 2:14 car-to-car, Class 2
- Peak: Duck Peak, 7995'
Note: click images to see a larger version in a new window
I was solo today, wondering what things were like on Goose Creek Road. So while I enjoyed today's hike, it was as much about conditions as it was about getting up a peak. Conditions report: That's Granite Mountain. For comparison, I climbed it on June 21 in 2015, but admittedly that was an unusual low-snow year. |
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My original plan was to hike to Grassy Twin Lakes. And here's what changed the plan: the millennial trap at the saddle above the Granite trailhead. I had four-wheel and a big truck, but decided not to test my truckma. |
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So we were off through the slightly-soggy hillside meadows. It didn't take long before we were looking down on what my father calls "Other Ducker." Other Ducker it is. And this time, 'straight up'. The high point to the right is Duck Peak, our goal for today. |
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Looking south-easterly, that's Slab Butte. I should point out that this was a bad camera day, so all photos were shot with my phone. Apologies. |
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Looking southerly at Goose Lake. There were still a few snow patches on the road down there, and the campgrounds were mostly covered in snow. |
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Looking up French Creek toward Blacktip Mountain. |
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Granite Lake on the far right, with most of the best Lick Creek peaks in view.
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Summit shot. Despite what my wife thinks, I was not in pain. My phone was being a pain. |
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Some Seven Devil love. On the far right and below most of the snow, you can see Pollock Mountain. |
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Granite Mountain again. Wax those boards! |
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And before we head down, here's another look at Other Ducker. Immediately behind it, Corral Peak. And behind that, the ridge west of Grassy Twins. |
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