Started the hike on the McClellan Butte Trail and left it where it crosses over to the west side of the ridge near the summit. Then dropped down through some brush and talus to the col between McClellan and Kent and started a rising traverse to Alice Lakes on the north side of the ridge thinking that it would be easier than climbing up and over the point marked 4684 on the map. It turned out to be a tedious affair with lots of mossy talus and steep, slippery duff.
I finally made the lakes and took a lunch break before the 45 minute hike up to the summit from here. You can take the talus or go up a line of trees, which is what I did, to the saddle west of the summit. From here it's a short walk through trees and a few easy scramble moves to get to the top. It's a nice summit to lounge a while but I got a late start and didn't linger long.
On the way back I did go up and over 4684 and found it easier than the traverse I had done earlier though there are some tightly packed small trees to push through in places. Just follow the line of watershed signs and it will get you back to the col.
Don't be tempted to take the road because this area is patrolled. I saw a vehicle creeping around below.
McClellan Butte Trail.
I saw a 2 but didn't pay attention if each mile was marked.
Nice forest on McClellan Butte.
Creeks are all running.
Defiance and Bandera from the trail.
A goat on McClellan Butte.
One of the Alice Lakes. Mt Kent is to the right of center.
Interesting showing my daughter the peaks that I have climbed from Bandera and having her be impressed by Kent’s North aspect . I did it via the east ridge which was easy when snow covered
Interesting showing my daughter the peaks that I have climbed from Bandera and having her be impressed by Kent’s North aspect .
Might be time for a repeat. There are just enough challenges on this route to keep it interesting and your daughter sounds like she would do just fine.
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