Graycap-Damsel*-Turtlehead from Calico Basin

pics by Harlan W. S.
Dec. 12, 2007

 

15.5 miles, 6000’ accumulated elevation gain.  I started at 9AM, took 7.5 hrs; it would be smarter to start at 7AM to deal with these short days.

The traditional routes to Damsel are now legally closed because of construction; but there are fresh car tracks to 4600’ in Brownstone Basin, so there must be another unofficial access off Rte 159.  Jim E had signed in for Oct 12, 2007, noting that he had taken the E ridge…. after walking from his house!

 

*Damsel is also called “Pincushion”

 

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GPS trace in red.

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As one crests Calico Pass, there is a good view of Turtlehead.  Graycap is to right, out of sight.

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The wash forks, and one takes the branch that heads straight for Turtlehead.

 

 

 

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This dryfall can be passed on the left (out of view).

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1st tinaja near top of Graycap.

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2nd tinaja near top.

 

 

 

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On top of Graycap.  Ta-da!

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I’ve found several of these elaborate chairs near Calico. Perhaps they are meant for a summit bivy?

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Damsel as viewed across a tinaja near Brownstone Basin. The sandstone trek, from Graycap to Brownstone Basin, is way cool.

 

 

 

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Water behind the weir; partly frozen. La Madre in background.

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Petroglyphs.

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Heading NW up wash.  Turn R at the red rock.

 

 

 

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Mine at 5650’.

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Out-of-sequence photo.  This is the 2nd right turn, near a steep slope on the right.

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View back at La Madre. This peak offers really good views of La Madre and friends.

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Approaching the main summit of Damsel.

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On top of Damsel.  There were very few entries in the register (by the way, the peak needs a new register container).

On top of Damsel, I took off my wet poly shirt, dried my body, and put on a sweater.  The temperature was below freezing; there was dry snow on the ground, and the talus chunks were frozen together, making the slope more stable.  When it was time to leave, I picked up my damp, now partly frozen shirt, and made a decision: I’ll go bare-chested until I absolutely have to put something back on.  And that time occurred  3.5 hours later, when I was back at my car.  There was no wind, and I was astoundingly comfortable, as long as I was burning calories.

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My next goal: Turtlehead, from an unusual approach.

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At 6000’ on Turtlehead, I look out E over Graycap.

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My car is down there on the far side of Calico Basin!

 

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I kept warm by burning calories.  Temps were below freezing.

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View back NNE to Damsel Peak. I left Turtlehead, and descended on the trail.  Here I met the only people I saw all day; a couple heading for the peak at 3:10 PM, 1:20 before sunset. By this time I had forgotten I was shirtless, and definitely startled them, not in a good way.

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After I had descended to about 4800’ on the W side of Turtlehead, I left the official trail and headed toward “Redcap” (Turtlehead Jr.) via this pleasant use trail.

 

 

 

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Next I climbed over a pass by “New Peak” (named by Eva Pollan) and cut left down a wash, again on a use trail.

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The use trail was cut by deep channels from recent rains.

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As I climbed out of Gateway Canyon and approached Calico Pass, I turned around.  I could see the sun lighting up Turtlehead.