Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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40.68070°N / 111.043°W |
Route Type:
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Hiking, Mountaineering, Scrambling, Skiing |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Difficulty:
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Class 2 |
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Overview
This is a longer variation of the Upper Setting Route, but the road to the trailhead is good for all vehicles. If you drive a passenger car, and don't want to walk any access roads, you will have the choice between this route and the Crystal Lake Route. The trail joins up with the Upper Setting Route near West Shingle Creek Lake.
Skiing up the west ridge of Peak 10931.Getting There
The trailhead is at a signed parking lot located on the north side of Highway 150 10.1 miles east of Kamas.Route Description
The fist part of the route is along a well constructed trail is often used by horsepackers. All major creek crossings are bridged.From the trailhead, the trail heads north through aspen and pine forest and passes several beaver dams along the way. Most of the trail climbs gradually, but there are a few steep sections. After five miles, the trail reaches a junction just below East Shingle Creek Lake. This is where this route meets the Upper Setting Route. Go straight (north) and to the lake.
The lake is in a beautiful meadow and forest setting. From the lake, take the trail east posted for Erickson Basin. The trail climbs gradually east for 0.75 mile to a minor pass. An abandoned trail (shown on the topo map) heads north and drops into Erickson Basin from the pass, but continue east on the main trail. The main trail to Erickson Basin heads downhill to the east and reaches South Erickson Lake .5 miles from the pass. The lake is in a spectacular setting with surrounded by meadows and high peaks. There is a junction at the lake that is not shown on the topo maps. The Erickson Creek/Smith and Morehouse Creek Trail is the one that heads north (left). The trail to the right that heads east is the one you want.
Continue on the lesser-used trail east to Big Elk Pass by following cairns the best you are able. To reach Peak 10,931 from Big Elk Pass, contour along the slope east to another pass. From this pass, scramble and boulder-hop east along the ridge to the summit.
Round trip distance is 14.8 miles to Peak 10,931.
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