Just completed a busy week, the headline of which was a backcountry trip into Stormy Gulch for a climb of the E. Ridge of Storm King Peak, along with the E. Ridge of E. Trinity with Andrew K. and Marty L. The trip began with a road trip into Beartown via Silverton and Stony Pass. This burly 4 wheel drive road offers excellent access to the peaks in the Grenadier Range via Hunchback Pass.
We rounded out the day with relatively short (approx. 5.5 miles) approach into Stormy Gulch which offers great views of The Guardian, Mt. Silex, and Storm King Peak. Stormy Gulch is decidedly more remote than Vestal Basin and is host to a combination of great camping and awesome climbing.
The following day we climbed the E. Ridge of Storm King Peak (1500′, 5.4). Engaging climbing on typical Grenadier quartzite, leads to the crest of one of the most sought after peaks in the Grenadiers.
Next it was on to E. Trinity, part of the Trinity Peaks which include Middle and West Trinity. Climbed less frequently than it’s neighbors (Vestal, Arrow, Storm King), this is a great climb and the summit affords great views of Balsam Lake and the 10 Mile Creek drainage, one of the more remote spots in the Weminuche.
Great backpacking, great climbing, great views, and even great weather. What more to ask for from a trip in the San Juans? Great job Andrew and Marty!
NTD
5 miles to the trailhead in 45 minutes on rough road
Climbing on Storm King Peak
That's us on the ridge nearing the summit
Andrew and Marty on the summit of E. Trinity
View of Middle Trinity from Trinity Pass
