Boundary (NV), Montgomery, San Joaquin, & 2 Teats

“A Four Peak weekend: Boundary Peak, Montgomery Peak, Two Teats, San Joaquin Mountain

PHOTOS: http://community.webshots.com/album/410205341epaXhA

Calhiker and I had planned on doing this trip last October on my birthday weekend, but an early snow season made it impossible to even reach trailheads. The Sierra got so much snow Mammoth Mountain opened that weekend, making a lot of skiers and snowboarders very happy.

Friday, 29 July 2005: Calhiker and I carpooled to Queen Canyon Mine in NV to meet up with Bishophiker and Astrohound (he was not there). We arrived in the dark, so we didn't try to drive up the 4WD road. We hiked the extra 1.2 miles the next morning while it was still dark, and the whole time I kept thinking, "I could have driven up this!" At the saddle, we saw Astrohound waiting. He had arrived the day before and was able to see that the road was drivable.

Saturday, 30 July 2005: The goal was to dayclimb Boundary Peak (13,140') and Montgomery Peak (13,443'). It was tough with altitude sickness, but I'm glad I pushed on to make the 2nd peak. After 10 min on the summit of Boundary, I felt pretty good so I continued, first over the NV/CA boundary, and then to Montgomery Peak. I think this required a 300' drop and 600' gain, and since I was so close, and had to give it a try. Near the top, I wasn't sure which way to go. I was in loose steep scree, and couldn't see the summit where the guys were trying to direct me using 2-way radios. Jay came down to help guide me to the top. I bonked 50' from the summit, pounded down some Gu and crawled up on all fours! Very cool summit! A lot of old entries in the register, including Galen Rowell's first winter traverse of the Whites in '74. Saw another name below Galen Rowell's on the same trip, who turns out to be Dana's dad! (a friend from skiing). We went back to Boundary Peak, and hung out with a hiker named Mitch for awhile before heading down. Beautiful sunset and rainbows!

Sunday, 31 July 2005: Calhiker and I hiked Two Teats (11,387') and San Joaquin Mountain (11,601'). This ridge probably has the best views you'll get of Ritter, Banner, and the Minarettes! Great views looking down at the 1000 Island lake loop . . . Shadow, Ediza, Garnet, 1000 Island . . . June Mtn, Mammoth Mtn, Reds Meadow . . . Mono Lake, June Lakes loop . . . Red Slate Mtn, Bloody, Laurel . . . Boundary-Montgomery, White Mtn and Glass Mountain (June 5th hike). The flowers were still plentiful along the steep and sandy trail. We almost turned back at Two Teats when we saw San Joaquin was still another descent and ascent away, but since we were so close, we decided to go for it! On the summit, I looked around but couldn't find a register. When we came back to the Teats, I climbed half-way up the class 3 section of the west Teat. We were getting short on time, so I came back down.

We were fortunate that we didn't get hit by the storms that were forecasted this weekend. We saw rain coming down all around us, and some rainbows and lightning. But all we got were a few sprinkles driving to Mammoth after Boundary/Montgomery. Great weather, strenuous hiking and fun times with friends!


working on photos from Sunday's hike
last edited: 8/02/05 11:33:28 PM”

“Great pics as usual. Looks like a great trip. We saw those Alpine Gold on Lamark Col last year but I never could identify them. Waiting for the Sunday shots.”

“Hey, what? No pics of the two teats? :)”

“Two Teats (11,387’) and San Joaquin Mtn (11,601’)

Photos: http://community.webshots.com/album/410205754UgGTRh”

“Beautiful pictures SN!
How cool you all got to Montgomery peak that day too! Thats wonderful.
I love the alpine gold with the cute bumble bee on one of them..the colors in the rainbow pictures are amazing. The one calhiker took of you is really neat, all the colors..and with your red jacket look really cool with all the other natural colors going on.

Love the cooling off your feet in the yellow bag! what a great idea that is.

Thank you for sharing!”