Four Peaks - Motherlode

syoung · Post by **syoung** » Dec 02 2015 8:53 am

How crazy would I be to think about attempting this on Sunday? Are the conditions too unfriendly this time of year to pull that off? If not, anyone interested in going?

chumley · Post by **chumley** » Dec 02 2015 9:10 am

The limited amount of daylight is often an issue at this time of year, but that's not relevant to you since you can probably do the whole thing in under 6 hours!

Snow and ice accumulate in the shaded/protected areas but I think the fall storms this year haven't deposited enough yet to make it an issue for this weekend.

For most people, a December attempt is probably crazy, but somebody with your experience can probably do it with few issues.

I'd consider joining, but already have plans this weekend. Have fun!

BobP · Post by **BobP** » Dec 02 2015 7:51 pm

I would go in a minute but i have plans both days

.

traildirt · Post by **traildirt** » Dec 02 2015 9:35 pm

im planning to do it saturday. if we encounter any specific challenges that are worth noting i will check back here and post them

traildirt · Post by **traildirt** » Dec 06 2015 10:57 am

lack of sunlight was our only issue. we didnt start til 830am and made it to the top of peaks 4,3 and 2 by sunset...opted not to also climb browns in the dark since we had all done it before...descended the nastiness on the west side between 1 and 2. prob still safer than continuing the route. 12 hours car to car with 3/4 done...one member of the group reached exhaustion somewhere around the second summit and our pace dropped dramatically. still a great outing for a first attempt at the ML. will be back in spring!

big_load · Post by **big_load** » Dec 06 2015 11:12 am

Wow, I don't think I could get to all that with an 8:30 start!

traildirt · Post by **traildirt** » Dec 19 2015 6:41 pm

Went up el oso road (from the east) and could only make it 7 out of 11 miles to the trailhead due to snow. We were in a regular clearance 2wd with no chains, could do it with chains and or 4x4. But otherwise plan an extra 4 miles before and after the hike. The snow was thick on the part that stopped us and it was shaded...I don't see it melting for a month or so

Tough_Boots · Post by **Tough_Boots** » Dec 19 2015 6:44 pm

if you can't get up El Oso-- you ain't Motherloding...

AZDigger · Post by **AZDigger** » Dec 21 2015 7:39 am

Sounds insane, I guess youth has its advantages, good job.

Four Peaks - Motherlode

Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode

Re: Four Peaks - Motherlode