South River Peak
Date: 07-17-23
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: West Fork
Approach: 5.25m + 1400ft = 2hrs (Close to Rainbow Hot Springs)
RT Summit from Camp: 14.7m + 4800ft = 7.25hrs
This is a LONG way to go for a single summit. Intially I was not excited for this peak. However I haven't been any place like this.... it was quite unique. The dead forest is incredible to walk through and South River's summit block is exciting and fun. Add in Rainbow Hot Springs and this one is a classic in my book.
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Approach: 5.25m - 1400ft -2hrs | Summits from Camp: 14.7m - 4800ft - 7.25hrs
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Views hiking up the West Fork Trail towards Rainbow Hot Springs
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The West Fork of the San Juan River
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It was kind of magical
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Sunset near camp
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Looking back down the valley enroute to South River Peak the next morning
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Walking through this dead forest was pretty amazing
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South River Peak comes into view
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I have read that some folks go around to a saddle on the back/north side of the peak to summit
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I decided to climb and descend this crack system to the summit. Low 5 / hard C4. If you plan on descending this way it will be easier if you leave your pack at the bottom.
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Lucky Horseshoe. I found this on the way and decided to leave it on the summit
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Back down from where I came. Well kinda... I took a slightly different route on return. My return route would be better to climb than what I did.
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Back through the dead forest
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Down river from camp
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I packed up camp and hiked out after summitting
