Trip Report
Alpine Scramble - Not Hinkhouse
Fantastic day scrambling up Not Hinkhouse with clear skies, endless views, snow AND larches! We decided to go up from Ingall's Pass, and return the same way after our summit due to the icy rock and snow on the route.
Mija Lee
- Tue, Oct 29, 2024
- Alpine Scramble - Ingalls Peak/South Peak
- Ingalls Peak/South Peak
- Scrambling
- Successful
- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Cold but snow free at the trailhead. Trail up to Ingall's Pass was frozen when we started, dusted with snow after the first mile, 2-3 inches at the peak. We opted to put on spikes just past the split to Long's pass. There was a ice and snow on the rock after leaving the pass, so we stayed to the right of the ridge, traversing most of the time, cutting up the second gully. Rather than running the ridge to Long's pass, we opted to follow our tracks back to Ingall's pass, which ended up making the descent quick and safe.
First car at the trailhead at 8:30 AM which was surprising after hearing stories from just the week before of larch parking madness. The dirt road had ice filled potholes but we made good time with Rory's steady driving.
It was just the three of us, given the last minute posting of a weekday scramble. Good conversation and a group with plenty of rock climbing experience made for a great day. This was a new route for all of us, and we to come back in the summer to do it again on dry rock. We saw 10 or so other hikers throughout the day.
The forecasted break in the weather delivered clear blue skies. From the top, the views of Stuart and Ingall's were spectacular and we could see a healthy patch of larches glowing down Ingalls creek (and later at the base of Esmeralda). By the time we got down it was melting out and warm in the sun.
