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Ascent of Van Diest Peak on 2012-07-25

Climber: Richard Oestreicher

Other People:

Solo Ascent

Date:

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Peak:

Van Diest Peak

Location:

USA-New Mexico

Elevation:

11223 ft / 3420 m

Ascent Trip Report

I took FR 134 to the turnoff for the Midnight MIne, and continued past the mine. At an intersection in a mile or, so bear left and follow it to the barrier at the end. About 200 yards down the hill I ran into the remnants of the Edison Mine--more left than at the Midnight Mine, worth a stop. My GPS map showed an abandoned forest road ascending the ridge to the peak. I followed the road by the creek for a few hundred yards, but it became clear this was not the right road, so then I took an abandoned track uphill to the left. Also not what i wanted, so I bushwhacked up to the road. It hits the fence line for the Valle Vidal and then follows the fence up to the peak. On the way back I followed the road most of the way except a steep downhill bushwhack near the end where the road was obstructed by many downed trees.

Nice views along the ridgeline and at the top, although I didn't dawdle because it started to rain.

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

1338 ft / 406 m

Distance:

6 mi / 9.6 km

Route Conditions:

Road Hike, Bushwhack

Gear Used:

Ski Poles

Ascent Statistics

Elevation Gain:

1056 ft / 321 m

Extra Loss:

311 ft / 94 m

Distance:

3.5 mi / 5.6 km

Trailhead:

10478 ft / 3193 m

Time Up:

1 Hours 35 Minutes

Descent Statistics

Extra Gain:

282 ft / 85 m

Distance:

2.5 mi / 4 km

Time Down:

1 Hours

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