A beautiful ridge walk toward Old Hyndman
We have just returned from a couple of days in the Pioneers. The goal of the trip was to get the yurt ready for the oncoming winter season and to climb a new route on Old Hyndman. For years, SVT guide Joe St.Onge, has been dreaming on climbing a route along the skyline of Old Hyndman Peak. Old Hyndman rises like the Matterhorn with steep rock walls guarding the summit. There are a couple standard routes to the summit, but we were unaware of anyone having climbed the steep NW ridge. Having spied this part of the mountain on many ski tours over the years, the time seemed right when local ER doc, Terry, called Joe with the goal of climbing Old Hyndman. A great adventure climb was had and success in exploring a new line to the summit of this iconic peak. Terry suggested calling the route “Old Goat” or “OG” to honor the bearded old goat we wandered by on the approach. Enjoy the pics and the mountains!
approaching the Pioneer Yurt
Cobb Peak and the upper Hyndman Basin
The line on Old Hyndman roughly follows the left skyline
ah, alpine views!
Peering down the big drop toward Wildhorse
Beginning the rock section with some 4th class climbing
Approaching the business
transitioning to 5th class climbing and belays
snack break mid route on spacious ledges
Mid-route looking toward the summit
solid climbing on somewhat solid rock
Terri and Joe, stoked.
Wow, the view from the summit of Old Hyndman!
Joe on the summit
Beginning the descent, the Triple Crown connects the ridgeline with Cobb in the distance
After extensive down climbing, we made 3 rappels to get back to the basin
Enjoying the view back up toward a beautiful mountain skyline
The Pioneer Yurt ready to opened for the approaching winter
Rambling back toward the village in autumn beauty