[Sadie's Driver]

Well, no need for the J&J Baby Powder or the Gold Bond or whatever - this was a lovely, cool, day for a hike up Pugh. Not an early start - just a little before 10:00 a.m. when we got started. Already about a dozen cars parked near the trailhead. Gus got to take his obligatory dive into the little lake about a mile or so in - of course, it was stick chasing that he wanted! We forged on - passing a couple on their way up - reaching the 3000' climb to the basin in pretty short order.

Stujack Pass from the basin

On we pressed towards Stujack and about mid-way up we came upon three guys on their way up and breezed on by on a mission to Stujack. We reached Stujack (~ 3800') in 2 hours. Looked a little different than it did in March when Barb E, Elle, DHM, the Driver and Gus made the trip (thinking that we were going to Bedal )

Happy dog at Stujack Pass!

Barb E @ Stujack Pass March, 2010

We grabbed a quick snack here and then traversed the ridge that would lead to the "crux" of the climb to Pugh.

Looking towards the summit of Pugh from ridge above Stujack

Ridgeline above Stujack Pass

Sadie summited Pugh twice and had no trouble scrambling the one spot that climbs from the ridge to the upper trail that leads to Pugh. This would be a test for Gus - and he passed with flying colors! In fact, he raced right up the trail waaaay ahead of us and looked back down at us almost as if he was saying, "Come on you guys!" From here, the rest of the trail is just a walk-up.

Last 1/2 mile to summit

Barry heading to the summit of Pugh

Looking back down toward ridge and Stujack Pass area

Sloan and Bedal in front

As we were approaching the last portion just below the summit, a group of four were coming down - one guy was obviously "special"

Birthday boy coming down off of Pugh

What a great way to spend your birthday - atop Mt. Pugh! Happy 36th Birthday, (Frank)(Hank)(Fred) - I can't remember! The rest of the way to the summit was insignificant. It took us about three hours to reach the summit from the trailhead (and 5200' of gain!). We had thought that there might be snow, so we hauled ice axes and micro-spikes, but we didn't need them. A nice lunch on top - spending about 30 minutes. There were a few others, too (but we still couldn't account for all of the cars at the trailhead - where was everybody?). One of the guys on top said that the clouds had just lifted - so our timing was perfect. However, there were clouds moving in - they didn't look friendly.

Not a lot of snow on Glacier

Driver and Gus on Pugh summit with Sloan and Bedal behind Aug. 2010

Company on the summit

Looking south/southwest on the top of Pugh

Yup - that's where we are

Barry on classic Pugh summit rock

On summit with Glacier behind

Lots 'o clouds

After about a 1/2 hour, we headed down - passing several folks on our way. Gus was just as comfortable on the way down as he was on the way up. A mountain dog, for sure! We made quick work of the descent to Stujack and back down to the basin.

Still quite a few flowers left

It definitely was different today than it was in March as we reached "The Rock."

Barb on "The Rock"

Barb, Driver and Gus on "The Rock" in March 2010

"The Rock" August 21, 2010

In case you're curious - there's a total of 40 switchbacks from the trailhead to the basin (only about 4 or 5 before you reach the lake); and there are another 20 switchbacks from the basin to Stujack Pass! Plan accordingly. We got back to the lake - Gus got another stick-fetch break and then it was back to the car in around 2 hours 15 minutes from the summit! Not bad. Good day to be out and Pugh was a good choice.

[cartman]

Great that the weather worked out. Pugh is a fun peak.

[TrailPair]

geez, if you had gone to Hibox, we could have waved at you! That is quite a quick pace to get up Pugh!!!!

[BarbE]

[the Zachster]

Love this shot, too!

On summit with Glacier behind

Fun to see the comparison shots. Gus is quite the rock hound now isn't he? Maybe with a harness and some pro he can take you up some 5.10's