First off here is a list of things you will need to know when you are attempting this summit. This is all based on my experience, it may be different for others.
1. There is no clear route going up once you pass the 1.4 mile mark. There are several routes that lead up First Creek and are marked with cairins.
2. Do not attempt this solo unless you are a highly experienced hiker.
3. Make sure you take 5-7 liters of water with you.
4. GPS on a smart phone is tricky when you are in the canyon hiking up. Due to the canyon walls, the signal struggles to locate you accurately. Recommend Garmin InReach for accuracy. I used Alltrails on phone and half the time it showed my location halfway up the canyon wall and not on trail.
6. Plan for a long day. Anywhere from 10-12 hrs. Also recommend starting this hike at 5:30 am. This will give you enough daylight for the descent.
Now for the hike. My wife and I started this hike a little after 6am. We have done the First Creek trail section so many times I can’t put a number on it. This gave us the confidence to leave early even if the sun wasn’t up yet.
Once we got to the 1.4 mile mark we stayed to the left as we knew there were routes on the left hand side. As long as you stay to your left you will see cairins that mark your path until you have to cross down into the wash then that will put you on the right side of the route. Continue to follow the cairins as this will be your only way to find your way up the wash to the top (Keep in mind you will have several routes that intersect and will not necessarily lead you to the top of the creek) before you make a right hand turn and up, up, you will go.
When you get to the top of the creek you will see cairins that head to the right, this will start the hardest 2 miles of this hike. This section is pretty straightforward as you can see a trail and cairins that lead to the top of the false summit then over to Mt. Wilson peak. During this section you will come across scree, so be mindful of that. Enjoy the well rewarded views once you are at the top.
During your descent fatigue will play a factor so make sure you take your time watch your steps carefully. If anyone has any questions about this summit please feel free to reach out to me here or on my IG @tjlasvegas.
Responses
Your pictures are incredible!! Thank you for taking the time to write this thorough review! I haven’t attempted this one yet so this is helpful, especially since my hiking partner and I are both directionally challenged. We will definitely be following your advice to stay to the left!
If you have any questions reach out at anytime. Always here to help out.
Great photos and details!
Thank You! ????
Hey @TJLasVegas could you elaborate a bit on the scree sections? Would trekking poles help or hinder?
Of course! The scree sections in the last two miles going up are manageable without trekking poles. Now, with that being said they definitely would help coming back down those scree sections. By the time you get to the scree sections on the way down you will be feeling the burn in your legs from the descent. Trekking poles would definitely help through that whole down section.