Finnegan Peak

Partner: Solo
TH: New York Mountain Trailhead
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 4700ft
Duration: 7hrs 15min
GPX

The drive from Dillon to the trailhead took longer than expected and I was feeling a little rushed when I arrived. The roads in this area can be a bit confusing and they are fairly remote. The trailhead is close to 90 minutes from Eagle if you don't get lost along the way.

I normally clip my keys into my pack, but today I zipped them into the side pocket on my pants and started the hike.

Just above treeline, I came to a sign that pointed north for the New York Mountain Trail and east for the New York Lake Trail. Given that New York Lake is at the base of Finnegan, I now knew I had route options for the way back. However my approach plan was to summit New York Mountain then descend east to New York Lake. I could descide if I wanted to come back on the New York Lake Trail later.

Climbing New York Mountain was a bit hum drum however the views of Gold Dust Peak were breath taking. The view of Finnegan was pretty cool too but the haze and sun made pictures nearly impossible.

After walking New York Mountain's south ridge, I spotted a gully that looked prime descent. The down climb was straight forward at first but I eventually encountered some steeper class 3/4 sections.

When I was close to the valley floor, I came across trail segments and cairns that made up the New York Lake Trail.

As I got closer to the lake, the chossy mess that makes up Finnegan's western slope became apparent. I was not looking forward to the climb.

About halfway up I descided to take a snack break. It was then that I noticed that the zipped pocket on my pants was open and my keys were not there! I was immediately filled with anxiety. Not only was I a long way from the trailhead, but the trailhead was remote in and of itself... and the extra food and water I had was locked in the truck.

I put my phone into battery save mode, got out my inReach and messaged Kristi. I continued the climb to the summit.

Close to the north summit ridge I escaped the choss and scrambled up some slabby class 3 rock. Once on the ridge the scramble to the summit was on blocky class 3 rock.

The summit register was cool and had some well know local names... however it was clear that Finnegan doesn't get climbed much. Not surprising given the nasty nature of it's western slope.

On the summit Kristi filled me in on the plan. Our Summit County friend Ally Gravity was going to pickup my extra keys in Dillon and deliver them to the trailhead. A tall order! If I wasn't back to meet her, she would put they keys in the bed of the truck. I felt like such an idiot and also fortunate to have such a good friend.

Feeling releived, I made my way down the choss pile and followed the New York Lake Trail back to the car. I wasn't in the mood to re-climb the steep terrain I used on approach.

I am not sure if the New York Lake Trail route was any faster, but the views and wildflowers made it rather pleasant. In addition loops generally more fun than out and backs anyway.

When I got back to the trailhead, the word 'keys' and an arrow had been written into the dirt on the truck's back window. I was stoked... however I could not find the keys. I looked everywhere. I felt a little frustrated that they were hidden so well. After looking around for 20+ minutes I finally spotted them under the windshield wipers. Relief!!!

As I got into my truck two vehicles came up the road. The first was Ally and the second was a forest ranger. The ranger had escorted her to ensure she didn't get lost on the way. I was excited to see Ally and immediately expressed my gratitude. She was quick to inquire how I had gotten into my truck. I laughed and responded that I used the keys that she had dropped off. Ally gave me a confused look and held out her hand showing me the key she had picked up in Dillon. Oh my God!!! Someone had found my lost keys and put them on the windshield!!! I was mortified and felt so bad that Ally had gone through so much to rescue me... and she was missing work to boot.

Thank you so much Ally... I can't say that enough. You are amazing!!!

Lessons?
- Keep to the same routine for storing keys
- Added a small battery to my emergency kit for phone/inReach recharging