Exposed Trail

Dragontail Peak, near Leavenworth, WA, is a committed and remote alpine climb - it can't really be considered a hike. This trip report can only give an impression and some basic facts - you will need to prepare carefully and appropriately by reading guidebooks and climbing websites, and making sure you have the necessary skills, experience and equipment. You will need to be able to handle wilderness route finding, high angle snow ascent and descent, rock climbing, and challenging terrain.

Mount Baden-Powell is 2,865 meters, 9,399 Feet High.  Blue Sky & Rarified Air.

On a brief vacation in Southern California to visit family, I managed to activate three (3) SOTA peaks.  This is report 1 of 3 for this trip.

San Gabriel is 1,878 Meters, 6,161 feet elevation.  It is a 6 point SOTA Summit.

Here's a six point summit to tackle on a nice summer day - we tried it with lots of snow and found a blizzard at the top in mid-April. The trail is on a road of about 7 miles round trip and about 1800 feet of gain.

A very long day to get ten points - the usual for the Northwest.

Gales Peak is probably on the "not recommended" list for activations near Portland. Although access is possible, you are not allowed to do it with a motor vehicle, making the six mile round-trip on a logging road fairly unattractive.

A near "drive-up" two-point summit in the Clackamas River drainage with good views. This area is likely busy in the summer but it was mostly quiet on this December day.

A pleasant activation nearly any time of year near Draper, Utah.

Activation of Tahquitz peak, Riverside County, California - 8,828 Feet, 2,692 Meters.

On vacation with my wife in Southern California, it was possible to combine hiking with Amateur Radio / SOTA.  Based in Palm Springs, California, we ranged throughout the San Jacinto Mountains and Joshua Tree National Park for several days of excursions.

Activation of San Jacinto Peak, High Point of Riverside County, California - 10,843 Feet, 3,305 Meters. 

On vacation with my wife in Southern California, it was possible to combine hiking with Amateur Radio / SOTA.  Based in Palm Springs, California, we ranged throughout the San Jacinto Mountains and Joshua Tree National Park for several days of excursions.