Hope - McCauley - Echo

Date: 09-01-2024
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Camp2 in GPX
Summits: Hope, McCauley, Echo
Distance: 13.8m
Elevation Gain: 5445ft
Duration In: 9hrs 50min
GPX
Hope Peak 14ers.com Page
McCauley Peak 14ers.com Page
Echo Peak 14ers.com Page

My initial plan was to climb McCauley, traverse to Echo, return to McCauley then summit Hope on the way back to camp.

However while hiking up Johnson Creek that morning, I spotted some reasonable descent options from the McCauley/Echo ridge. If any of these options would work it would save significant time and effort. So I put that in my back pocket and decided to hike Hope first.

The hike up Johnson Creek was cruiser and the trail well maintained. Before reaching Columbine Lake, I left the trail and headed directly to Hope. The views from Hope were amazing and I spent some time on the summit before heading to McCauley.

McCauley's summit ridge and the traverse to Echo is fun easy 3 on solid rock. The views are amazing too. If you are in the zone... be to sure add Echo to your list.

After summitting Echo, I descended south from the Echo/McCauley saddle down to the Johnson Creek Trail. I was excited to have cut significant miles and effort from an already big day.

Mountains are extra fun when you can improvise along the way.

Grizzly C - McCauley - AztecPT13027