TRIP REPORT: Dragon Peak to Gould

3rd Class, Summit 12,995ft, mileage varies depending on route

Trail Head:

Onion Valley out of Independence CA

Approach:

You have the option to make this a climb into a circle.  I chose a counterclockwise circle heading to Dragon Peak first, traversing to Gould and then dropping down to Kearsarge pass to hike back to the trail head.

 

To reach Dragon Peak from the east you start out on Kearsarge pass trailhead but promptly veer right onto golden trout lakes/dragon pass trailhead.  While an official trail, expect to focus on navigation at times, as you make your way to the dragon basin.  Sections have been damaged by erosion and flooding.  Once you gain the upper lakes you will be rewarded by great views.  Dragon peak and Dragon tooth are both very striking and worthy of their names.  You can read about my ascent up dragon tooth HERE.

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TRIP REPORT: Hurd Peak

This is a little quick report on a backcountry scramble up Hurd Peak.

Trail Head:

The trail starts out of South Lake in Bishop CA.

Approach:

If you have ever been at south lake before Hurd Peak is likely the first mountain your eyes will be drawn to.  It poses a striking presence at the back end of South Lake and dominates a lot of the skyline from this vantage point.  The hike begins out of south lake proper.  You will eventually take a trail spur towards treasure lake.  Hurd peak is in view for much of this approach and when you decide to turn off cross country towards the peak is really individual preference.

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