[Bloated Chipmunk]

For the 1st hike of 2018, I decided to bag a little peak that sits on a ridge separating Cool Canyon from Hornblende Canyon in ABDSP. I'd been up both canyons before but not the peak, so there was still an element of surprise to make this hike worthwhile. I had 2 takers this time, incl. my brother who was in town visiting for the holidays. After dropping my car off @ the ending point @ the mouth of Hornblende Canyon, we took the other car to the trailhead @ Cool Canyon & geared up.

Web @ the TH

We started up Cool Canyon, enjoying having the place to ourselves.

Brittlebush

@ the 3-way fork, we went left. Then left again, & again. Basically we just kept left @ all the forks.

Mortero

When the gully coming off the pk. got too steep, we topped the ridge & followed that the rest of the way to the summit. This section was pretty steep & open, so I refused to look behind me as i slowly but steadily made my way up to the top. My companions joined a few minutes later.

Tequila shots

Summit shots

Atop Pk. 4,163' w/tequila shots

Summit pano

Secret Peaklet?

Summit register

After a snack & chat, we continued on, dropping to the saddle to the north of the pk. & then down a slope full of agave until @ long last reaching Hornblende Canyon.

Looking back up @ the pk.

Juniper (female)

Hornblende Canyon has lots of dry waterfalls, but I knew ahead of time they'd all be passable since I'd been there twice before.

Morteros

Looking back @ the big fall

Feathers

We reached my car @ the other end, picked up the car parked @ Cool Canyon, & headed to Wynola for some pizza that was purported to be really good. Alas, my companions weren't particularly impressed.

Stats

Route

Post-hike marg

Band