Peaks X, Z and Z Prime
Peaks X , Z and Z Prime
Date: 8/02/2020
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Pitkin TH
Distance: 17.4m
Elevation Gain: 6936ft
Duration: 10hrs 15min
Peak X: Class 2+
Peak Z: Class 2+
Z Prime: Class 3 (except for my optional descent route... Class 4 /low 5)
GPX
This zone is by far the most scenic trip to date I have had in the Gores. I opted against the XYZ traverse as I was solo and didn't have much beta on the route. However the day was rewarding none the less. Can't wait to be back here with skis. Afterwards, I went straight to Angry James Brewery in Silverthorn for a recovery meal... a Bahn Mi Brawt, a beer and some watermellon. I always think of Aaron when I am at this place... good vibes!
17.4m - 6940ft - 10hrs 15min
Staying above the marsh in the upper basin below Usable Pass
The upper basin below Usable Pass. The pass is on the upper right below the small snow field
Looking north to Peak X from Usable Pass. I dropped down about 100ft on the east side of the pass and traversed across to X
Looking south to Vista and Solitude while climbing X
Looking west to East Partner while climbing X
More westerly views from X
Looking south from X.... Vista, Solitude and Friends. Beaver Creek and Holy Cross top right.
Looking north from X to the next objective... Peak Z and Z Prime.
Looking northwest to Peak L, Gore Thumb and Friends
Peak Q front and center. Peak C, Powell and Eagles Nest to the right of Q
East and West Partner and the Partner Traverse
Given this was my first time in the zone and I was solo... I opted against the XYZ traverse and descended a couloir just SE from the summit
Gorgeous lakes below Peak Z
Looking east to Keller Mountain
Looking SE while ascending Z
L2R: Skier's, Climbers, Solitude, Vista
L2R: Skiers, Climbers, Solitude, Vista, Usable Pass, Peak X
Looking north to Bloodshaw Mountain from the summit of Peak Z
Summit selfie looking northwest into the sea of Gore
Z Prime in the foreground. Then Keller... then Rain... the East Thorn
Z Prime is easy 3 fun!
Peak Z from Z Prime
Peak X from Z Prime
I chose to descend a SW gully just west of Z Prime's summit. It was a decent... yet spicy descent. Especially some stout C4 / low 5 down climbing near the bottom. I was stoked that it went!
My descent route came down through the narrow channel in the center of the picture. Jam your body into the walls and look for solid feet.
Looking south from the base of Z Prime
X rated wildflowers
The east side of Usable Pass looked daunting at this point in the day... but it wasn't as bad as it looks.
Beautiful bushwhacking back to the Pitkin trail
Recovery time at Angry James Brewery in Silverthorne . Always think of Aaron when I am at this place