 The USGS topo map is deceptive... |
 This is the section between 2a and 2b on the topo map; it is composed of huge boulders perched on cliffs. Though the formal peak prominence is ~150', you cannot reach the peak with <400' accum. gain. |
 This is the Google Earth elevation profile, which gives about 4200' accum., but which very likely underestimates because it is based on the USGS digital elevation model. |
 On top of Peak 1 on the map, called South Calico |
 I'm on a nameless nubble, viewing peak 2 (Calico Hills I). The shortest route involves a class 5 climb on an overhanging ledge on the SE corner. |
 On way to peak 2, Paula climbs up a slot like a cat. |
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 We climb another intermediate lump, up a steep but steppy chute on E sie |
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 S side of peak 2, Paula rebags rope |
 We then spiraled around W side to N of peak 2, where there is a 10', very steep but grippy wall with a center crack. |
 I climbed the crack then anchored a handline. NOTE: there is a class 2 chute to the top! Just continue east on this shelf, around the corner. |
 Once again Paula quickly bags rope at base of N wall |
 The convoluted escape to ENE involved this very steep chute |
 Paula's view back on peak 2 (Calico I) |
 A random view |
 Paula prepares for a pic on top of Peak 3 (Redbook). To the R is the famous climbing route where Randy G died from a mis-tied retrievable anchor. |
 View N from Redbook; the light tan peaks are S and N Calico Tanks Peaks (L and R respectively). There is a direct way, but it is faster to climb down the N side of Redbook. These will be our peaks 4 and 5. |
 Descending N side Redbook. |
 Now we head for a fun climb up the slot on the E side Calico II (S Calico Tank Peak), our Peak 4. |
 We met Diane Wilson and her crew (at R) |
 Now we head up to the slot. It's tricky to find the correct branch. |
 There is some class 3+ climbing, but one feels enclosed and "safe" |
 View of Redbook from slot |
 There is a way around this tight rabbit hole, but it is easiest to climb through |
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 A very tight but steppy slot allows one to escape the canyon. |
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 View W to some of the features on S side of Calico II (S Calico Tanks, our peak 4) |
 We'll take the easy way today. This ravine is usually filled with water by spring. |
 Paula comes up our peak 4, view NNW to Turtlehead. |
 View NE to Kraft, over dry tank. |
 Folks at E end of a dry big Calico Tank |
 We're on top of peak 5 ("North" Calico Tanks Pk), view over Redbook and South Calico |
 Paula on our Peak 5, RedCap (to be peak 6) in back. The way over is not simple. |
 Creepy corner |
 Steep climb up a crack |
 Red Cap actually has two summits separated by a deep cleft. Today we'll go over both. The limestone peak in back is El Bastardo. |
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 I haven't seen water in this tank since 2004. |
 This is the entry to easy way up E Red Cap peak. |
 Our peaks 5 and 4 at R |
 Paula on E Red Cap, slightly higher W summit in back. |
 Paual climbs up wall from valley bewteen two summits. There is face to my R that I'll protect with a handline. |
 Paula goes up last crack to Red Cap summit block. |
 Top of Red Cap (our peak 6), New Peak is that gray mass in back (will be peak 7) |
 Paula heads W off Red Cap summit block |
 Paula's pic on me heading off summit. |
 White Gully route down |
 Paula's view of me in White Gully, Turtlehead in back. |
 Heading up New (to be our 7), view W to Red Cap |
 Summit block New |
 Paula's pic of me en route to New (peak 7) |
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 Red peaks in back are 1,2,3 |
 Red Cap in back of Paula |
 Pointing to beach, Kraft Mt in back |
 Paula on sharp crumbly rock of New |
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 More Paula on surprisingly tricky downclimb |
 Now Paula comes up W side Kraft (peak 8) |
 Paula on peak 8 (Kraft); our peak 9 is Big Bird, the quasi-technical 20' boulder on the E summit in back. |
 Turtlehead in back of Paula |
 New (pk 7) from Kraft (pk 8) |
 ridge in back is rough, steep-sided S Calico |
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 This is a big boulder that Barb once free- climbed and down-climbed v-e-e-r-r-y carefully |
 An intermediate nubble we call "Parted Pants Peak" after an incident with Michelle |
 Big Bird blends into the chaos |
 That's Big Bird, just a big boulder |
 The E side is maybe 75 degrees, and has enough texture to free-climb (IF YOU ARE CAREFUL) |
 Paula on top of Big Bird, our peak 9 |
 I just arm-rapped down. I know that this is not ideal from, but it works for me because my arms are strong enough, and I'd rather not invert |
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 Oops. out of order. I'm looking down at Paula who just batmanned down peak 9 |
 Now we're on peak 10 (Horse) looking back (L-R) at 3,4,5,6,7,8,9 |
 Top of Horse. I've never been prouder of a peak. I just noticed that Paula's shorts are shorter than mine. |
 Collateral damage: catclaw marks |