Azurite Peak

I expected this to be a crummy, loose scramble, but instead I found it to be a fun, loose scramble.

  • Date:
    2012/09/08 to 2012/09/09
    Elevation gain:
    5,660 feet
    Trip type:
    scramble
    USGS quad:
    Azurite Peak
    Car-to-car:
    2 days
    • 7 hours 16 minutes ascending from West Fork Methow trail head to Azurite Pass
    • 2 hours 25 minutes ascending from Azurite Pass to summit of Azurite Peak
    • 2 hours 11 minutes descending from summit of Azurite Peak to Azurite Pass
    • 5 hours 24 minutes descending from Azurite Pass to West Fork Methow trail head

    • Day 1

  • We started riding down the West Fork Methow Trail shortly after sunrise.
    We started riding down the West Fork Methow Trail shortly after sunrise.
  • After a couple miles I suffered severe tire damage and had to hike the rest of the way. I forgot to check my brake alignment before I started riding.
    After a couple miles I suffered severe tire damage and had to hike the rest of the way. I forgot to check my brake alignment before I started riding.
  • The Mill Creek Trail was difficult to follow in places, but the only time we really lost the trail was at this creek crossing.
    The Mill Creek Trail was difficult to follow in places, but the only time we really lost the trail was at this creek crossing.
  • When we arrived at Azurite Pass, we weren't sure if we had enough time to climb Azurite before dark (in retrospect, we had enough time). So we set up camp and spent an enjoyable long afternoon napping and enjoying the views.
    When we arrived at Azurite Pass, we weren't sure if we had enough time to climb Azurite before dark (in retrospect, we had enough time). So we set up camp and spent an enjoyable long afternoon napping and enjoying the views.
  • Sunset over Majestic Mountain from our camp at Azurite Pass.
    Sunset over Majestic Mountain from our camp at Azurite Pass.
  • Holliway Mountain and Golden Horn from Azurite Pass
    Holliway Mountain and Golden Horn from Azurite Pass
  • Holliway Mountain and Golden Horn from Azurite Pass
    Holliway Mountain and Golden Horn from Azurite Pass

    • Day 2

  • The next morning we headed up the south ridge of Azurite.
    The next morning we headed up the south ridge of Azurite.
  • The clouds started pouring in from the west.
    The clouds started pouring in from the west.
  • Ascending the lower gully.
    Ascending the lower gully.
  • Ascending the upper gully.
    Ascending the upper gully.
  • The final 20 feet before the summit.
    The final 20 feet before the summit.
  • "I'm the queen of the world!"
    "I'm the queen of the world!"
  • Lindsay and Carla on the summit.
    Lindsay and Carla on the summit.
  • Down-climbing the stemmy section of the upper gully.
    Down-climbing the stemmy section of the upper gully.
  • Lindsay on the traverse back to the 7,400' notch. The summit of Azurite Peak is in the background.
    Lindsay on the traverse back to the 7,400' notch. The summit of Azurite Peak is in the background.
  • It took me 1 hour and 45 minutes longer to walk back (pushing my bike for a couple miles) than it took Carla to ride back.
    It took me 1 hour and 45 minutes longer to walk back (pushing my bike for a couple miles) than it took Carla to ride back.
    • Copyright © 2024 Gabriel Deal.