With just the mention of doing a 14er, and some quick planning we put together a group of 4 and were on our way a couple days later. Leaving CB around 8:15 AM and driving about an hour out towards Pearl Pass, we parked just before the first major switch back below Pearl Mountain. The 4 of us, Robbie, Hailey, Adina, & Myself got out of the vehicle, threw our packs on, and were ready to go!
The first couple miles of the trip were up a gradual gradient and through some overgrown scrub brush that would eventually take its toll on our legs. As we hiked upwards, we could see Castle Peak looming in the distance, and surrounded by towering cliffs. Near the top of the basin we found some old mining equipment, which of course, we had to climb on. The girls did their miner poses while Rob & I checked out the old equipment. Once we were done playing around there, it was time to find the mine itself.
The first couple miles of the trip were up a gradual gradient and through some overgrown scrub brush that would eventually take its toll on our legs. As we hiked upwards, we could see Castle Peak looming in the distance, and surrounded by towering cliffs. Near the top of the basin we found some old mining equipment, which of course, we had to climb on. The girls did their miner poses while Rob & I checked out the old equipment. Once we were done playing around there, it was time to find the mine itself.
We found the it just up a little ways from the equipment. The entrance had some rocks around it that had fallen from the ridge above. Inside though, it was fully intact, and tempting us to go in and explore. So, Robbie & I decided to go for it. I have been in lava caves before, but never in an mine. On the ground in the middle was a small set of tracks, which we found a cart (completely rusted in place) just 10 ft or so inside the entrance. As we pushed on, it got dark, then completely pitch black. I used my camera, which had an LED mode on it to light the way. It gave off enough light to Illuminati a few feet in front of us as we made out way about 150+ ft back. We found another cart, some bones, and as we went further in, it actually opened up to where it was nearly 10 ft tall x 8 ft wide or so. Without a proper light though, we decided to turn back and explore it again another day.
From a deep, dark mine to a sunny, open mountain vista. We continued upwards. Rather than attempt the ridge from the left side of the basin (which is the normal way), we opted for the steep scree filled chute. At times climbing on all fours just to keep momentum as the rocks would push us back down. When we made it to the saddle, we found a very steep rock face. As Robbie, Adina, & I began climbing the rock face, Hailey opted for another route and went around the east side. (she picked the best way). Eventually though, we all made it onto the ridge and had our first real look at the nearly 360 degree view.
We were now getting close to 14,000 ft, and as expected, it was cold and windy. After a quick break to layer up, we were ready to push on. Once we started climbing the final ridge line, we had to choose between two routes. Either up the steep ridge with some technical looking sections, or traverse over to the adjacent saddle and scramble up the loose scree. Robbie chose the scree, while I chose the ridge. Hailey & Adina chose to follow me up the ridge as well.
Adina making her way back down to the saddle. After about 20 or 30 more minutes of scrambling, Robbie was well ahead of us. Hailey & Adina were getting cold, Hailey was lacking tights and Adina forgot to bring gloves. It was also slightly daunting thinking about getting back in time. The time changed and we now were short one hour of daylight and had just 3 hours before the sun set. None of us brought a light.
After some discussion, Hailey & Adina decided to start making their way down. I would continue on and try to catch up to Robbie and reach the summit before hurrying down and joining back up with the girls. I quickly scrambled the remaining distance and summited in just 15 minutes. That last section was actually one of the easier parts and it would have been nice if we all made the summit. Either way, everyone was well above 14,000 ft and very satisfied with the effort.
After spending just 5 minutes or so on the top, Robbie & I made our way back down. We first caught Adina, who was having a hard time traversing the loose, snow covered scree without gloves and cold. I gave her mine, and it made a huge difference. She was able to navigate the ridge much easier and we were quickly back to the saddle above the scree filled chute.
After some discussion, Hailey & Adina decided to start making their way down. I would continue on and try to catch up to Robbie and reach the summit before hurrying down and joining back up with the girls. I quickly scrambled the remaining distance and summited in just 15 minutes. That last section was actually one of the easier parts and it would have been nice if we all made the summit. Either way, everyone was well above 14,000 ft and very satisfied with the effort.
After spending just 5 minutes or so on the top, Robbie & I made our way back down. We first caught Adina, who was having a hard time traversing the loose, snow covered scree without gloves and cold. I gave her mine, and it made a huge difference. She was able to navigate the ridge much easier and we were quickly back to the saddle above the scree filled chute.
On top of the chute, we took a few last looks around and then started the down. At times we could "ski" on the rocks, and in no time flat, we were down to the main scree field. Robbie, Adina, & I re-grouped at a sunny spot while Hailey was making her way along the higher ridge to our right.
Before we continued on though, Adina ran up onto a flat, sunny ridge and did some yoga. It looked pretty sweet against the blue sky and and next to the cliffs that surrounded Castle. Robbie & I waited there in the sun, and when she was done, we made our way down to where Hailey was waiting. Back to the mining equipment, and across the upper basin and into the scrub brush. A few scratches later and we were within a mile of where we parked. Hailey & I got a little ways ahead, and to kill some time we decided to check out the frozen beaver pond.
To our surprise, it was completely frozen and solid! After hiking, playing on mining equipment, spelunking, rock climbing, summiting a 14er, foot skiing down some snow, we found another fun thing to do... ice skating! Needless to say, this hike turned out to be quite a fun adventure. It was only about 10 miles total,but we were out there for over 7 hours and got to experience a lot. Good times, good friends, great day!
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