Alpine Scramble - Red Mountain (Commonwealth Basin)

We will meet at 8:00 am at the Commonwealth Basin/PCT parking lot (take eastbound I-90 exit 52/West Summit, at the end of the exit ramp turn left and drive under freeway overpass, then take the first right exit going north on the Alpental Road -- do not continue to the end of the road/Alpental -- and then turn right again once going up the parking lot road to meet in the LOWER lot).  By "meet," please plan to be there in time to boot up and be ready to hike by eight.
If folks want to car pool, I strongly suggest eastbound I-90 Exit 22/Preston: continue up the exit ramp, turn left at the stop and cross the overpass, at the stop sign (caution: traffic coming from your right does not stop), turn left and then turn left again immediately into the small P&R lot.
Drivers note: Parking does require the usual forest parking pass or equivalent.

We will take the old Commonwealth Basin trail along Commonwealth Creek to the base of the peak at the upper end of the Commonwealth drainage, then take an off-trail ridge to the summit, then take the summer way-trail down to the base of the peak (some solid rock, some loose scree, safe loose-rock technique will be taught as necessary and adhered to).
Again, this would be a good choice for those still seeking their final graduation scramble before the 2017 regular scramble season ends.  S-3, T-3, around 9 miles and under 3,000 feet of gain, moderate pace.