[ragman and rodman]

Esmeralda Peak is a huge mountain… with several prominent high points along a ridge that stretches for more than two miles… from the west end above Gallaher Lake to the east end above the Esmeralda Basin Trailhead at the end of the North Fork Teanaway River Road. We found the Boulder DeRoux Trailhead (~3800’) at the north end of the DeRoux Horse Camp… where the 28 degree temperature got us moving quickly up the trail… as we hustled along the trail for ~3 miles to a switchback (~5440’) that is next to a huge boulder (the size of several cars)… where we opted to leave the main trail and follow a band of trees up to the ridge (~6700’), arriving between the twin summits at the west end of Esmeralda… leaving a short hike to the western-most summit (6765’). Views from the summit were outstanding… though brief… as 30-40 MPH wind gusts drove us off of the summit after a short visit. There was a dusting of snow at the trailhead… with an inch or two around 5000 feet… and 3-5 inches above 6000 feet. 8.25 miles roundtrip, gaining 3131 feet of elevation. We carried micro-spikes, but did not use them. GPS Track and photos of our trip to Esmeralda Peak. ..

[the Zachster]

Chilly day, eh?! Is Izzy OK?

[Snowdog]

Yes Zachster, her paws were balling up so I had to periodically clean them off. She had a fabulous day- winter is her favorite season!

[mbravenboer]

Love it!! Cold and beautiful.

[Chico]

From your group selfie I take it you were not exactly warm. Wind chill about a -30 probably. Brr!