Ascent of Mount Tamalpais-West Peak on 2007-10-30Other People: | Solo Ascent
| Date: | Tuesday, October 30, 2007 | Ascent Type: | Successful Summit Attained | Motorized Transport to Trailhead: | Car | Peak: | Mount Tamalpais-West Peak | Location: | USA-California | Elevation: | 2576 ft / 785 m |
Ascent Trip ReportWhen I first tried to access the generally flat area of the West Peak’s radar facility , I found it surrounded by a well maintained, sturdy chain link fence topped by barbed wire. The vehicle entrance through the fence is normally securely locked, prohibiting access. I didn’t see any obvious way of sneaking in, although I inspected much of the perimeter for some way in and looked for any competing high ground on the outside. The site is easily reached on foot up a gated paved road from East Ridgecrest Blvd. So much for my first try.
Today, hiking solo in the area, I stopped for another look at the fenced facility, which houses operating equipment in several sheds. Much to my surprise the lock on the gate was open! No person or vehicle was in sight; so I let myself in and walked the area. Then I spotted an open door in one of the buildings with a car parked in front. I observed someone at work inside, but he never saw me. As good fortune would have it, I had arrived at a time when a technician was busy on site and had not locked the gate behind him. I kept a low profile as I walked around inside the West Peak’s fenced area, then left through the usually locked gate and returned to my car, satisfied that I had “done” the West Peak’s HP, which appears to be in the southeasterly end of the fenced area.
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Summary Total Data | Total Elevation Gain: | 176 ft / 53 m | Route: | Access road | Trailhead: | East Ridgecrest Blvd 2400 ft / 731 m | Grade/Class: | Class 1 | Route Conditions: | Road Hike | Weather: | Pleasant, Calm, Clear Sunny |
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