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| Tin Mountain - DVNP (attempt), CA | |
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| | Tin Mountain - DVNP (attempt), CA | | | |
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Tin Mountain - DVNP (attempt), CA
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| Hiking | 5.20 Miles |
3,360 AEG |
| | Hiking | 5.20 Miles | 4 Hrs | | 1.37 mph |
| 3,360 ft AEG | 13 Mns Break | | | |
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| no linked trail guides |
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| no partners | | I woke up from a long, cold night at Mesquite Springs, jumped in the car, and turned on the heat. As I rattled along Racetrack Valley Road, my drowsy eyes looked up at the seriously steep slopes of the Cottonwood Mountains which had a light dusting of snow from a storm the day before. Not feeling particularly jazzed about spending another cold night in the park, I opted to go for Tin now instead of later.
It was 26 degrees when I parked off Racetrack Valley Rd at approx 4680ft. There's a nice pull-out with room for a couple of vehicles, though you'd be hard pressed to have any company here. My Camelbak leaked once again overnight so I hastily switched to a smaller, dryer daypack and started off across the bajada around 8:30am. It was easy going with sparse vegetation. I was surprised to see how small my car was when I looked back; I was making good progress and gaining elevation fast.
The first steep section which gains the primary ridge consists of dirt and loose pebbles - classic one step forward, two back. Afterwards, pieces of a use-trail become more evident. From here on out, it's nothing but steady elevation gain. Around this time I realized that in switching packs, I failed to move my first aid kit. There was a general uneasy feeling since I woke up, but now it seemed front and center. I pushed it aside and focused on the climb, steadily working my way up. As the ridge bends to the east, it becomes more rugged. The use-trail generally stays below this rocky section. It doesn't make it any less steep.
By now, the dusting of snow was becoming more evident. Small patches in the shade turned to a consistent covering on the steep terrain. The use trail was still fairly easy to find thus far, but I still couldn't shake that uneasy feeling. My plan was to check in with family in a few days when I exited the park through Big Pine. It dawned on me that should something unpleasant happen, I'm stuck up here in the cold and it wouldn't be pretty. Again, I pushed it aside and took my time. At approx 7650ft, the route was becoming even steeper. Armed with two trekking poles, it wasn't the worst thing, but again, I didn't want to rush.
Further still, it was straight-up steep (pun intended). I would occasionally look back to keep an idea of where to go on the return. Near 8000ft, I came to chest-high piece of bedrock, let's say class 3 +.5 because of the grade - one move, okay hand holds, awkward feet. To my far right was a snowy patch of rock which seemed too slippery and to my left was an impractical drop down the slope. There was also a small duck above the move indicating it must be the route. I tossed my poles up and in front of me, grabbed what solid rock I could find, and set my left foot on a good rock about thigh high. In that moment, I decided it wasn't worth it. Even if it was one quick move, I was okay with turning around, and that's what I did. Was only expecting class 2 on this one. I didn't gamble in Vegas and I wasn't going to do it here either.
Upon doing a 180 to leave, I realized that I wasn't sure exactly which way I came up. I'd lost the use-trail in the steep, powder-dusted terrain. I dropped to all 5s and began to scoot across a snowy talus slope to where I thought I should go, planting my poles as firmly as possible to keep from sliding anymore than I had to. I knew not to panic, but let me tell you, I haven't felt so on the brink of an emergency in over a decade than during those few minutes. I continued to work my way to what looked like a familiar section of solid ground. Route Scout was a godsend here as well. I could see a duck visible below so I knew I was getting there. It may not have been the exact way I got up there, but I was finally back on track. Such a relief!
I slowly worked my way down the ridge, my car still a little speck 3000ft below. Once I was out of the snow and beyond the rugged section, it wasn't too bad. The stakes felt so much higher being this remote. Maybe this was just my excuse to go home and sleep in a warm bed. I will be back for Tin Mountain one day, but for now, it and Death Valley in general, have my utmost respect. |
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