Diamond Peak Graduation Climb

May 18, 2002

We had reports of rain all week, but when we got to the trail head, we saw just a few low clouds with blue sky above. We started up the Pioneer Gulch Trail at 8:45, and after about ¾ of a mile we hit snow at about 5200 feet. From here we headed toward the false summit. The trees got thinner at about 6000 feet, and we got a good look at the mountain. It was clear and sunny all the way to the top. At 6200 feet we stopped at a good spot to take a break and have a snack. We had a great view to the south, and could see Mt. Thielsen, Mt. Bailey, Sawtooth Mountain, and Cowhorn Mountain.

The trail got steeper as we headed up. About halfway to the false summit, we noticed a layer of high clouds coming in from the west, so we charged for the top. We reached the true summit by 1:55 and ate lunch. The views were good and the wind was light. The Three Sisters to the north had cloud caps on them, but Bachelor was clear. At about 2:30 we left the summit and headed back. We got some short glissades, but mostly we did heel plunges in the soft snow. We returned to the cars by 5:10. This was a great group and a fun climb. Climbers were: Brooke Balkwill, Eric Bonnet, Mary D’Aversa, Wayne Deeter, John Hegg, Tim Heist, Andy Jobanek, George Jobanek, Ben Lyddon, Peggy Lee Mathes, Juli McGlinsky, Doug Nelson, Bill Spurling, Lori Tierney, and Mark Slipp (Leader).

A late lunch on the summit