Red Cap-Calico Traverse w/ Friends

pics by Harlan W. S.
March 19, 2010

 

Walter, Steve and Christina were in town on the same day.  I opted for a short trip with a lot of “features” rather than a long hike, as Steve was coming in at 1:30 PM and I knew I would be talking a lot, hence losing control of my right foot. This is a pleasant trip with interesting route-finding. My right foot was cramped the next day, so I probably exceeded the optimal talk/footwork mix.

 

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The GPS track on the topo map is very deceptive, as there are many features that are 20-30’ high, below contour resolution.

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This overview, looking east, shows our route up Red Cap. T=exposed short traverse; S=slot; C=final chimney.

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On a previous trip, I pointed my camera up, and used the timer to capture me on the first set of steep ramps below the traverse.

 

 

 

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OK, now our trip.

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Now I’m looking down the first set of ramps, shown from below in the 3rd image.

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Christina climbs.

 

 

 

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Just below the traverse, the ramp enters a steep slot. At the top, one climbs to the L in the photo.

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Bridge Mt is on the skyline at L.

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Beginning of the slot.

 

 

 

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Top of the slot.

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View W to White Rock Hills Peak, across tinaja near summit.

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Last “chimney,” really a wide crack.

 

 

 

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View E by New Peak and Calico Basin.

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We dropped down NE of the true top, by a boulder with a blind downclimb, and now pass the E summit.

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I forgot to take them by this tinaja, so here’s a pic from a previous trip, with Turtlehead reflected in the water.

 

 

 

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View back to Red Cap.

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On top of Calico Tanks Peak.

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View E to The Strip.

 

 

 

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Walking out by the big Calico Tank.