I intentionally kept this peak as a backup for the trip since it’s relatively close to the airport. If I run out of time, I can save it for next time—it’s not going anywhere. I woke up early, a bit south of Bishop, and drove towards the Mount San Antonio trailhead. It was a bit…
Tag: hike
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240623140059-850x381.jpg)
Arc Dome
Arc Dome was on my to-do list last November, but too much snow and limited time got in the way. This time, I was determined to tackle it and add another ultra-prominent peak to my list. After finally hiking Arc Dome, I can say it’s a fantastic trek with lots of open space and stunning…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240622105122-850x381.jpg)
Wheeler Peak
There are 455 peaks in the world with 300 km or more isolation, and Wheeler Peak is one of them. It boasts over 2000 meters of prominence, nearly reaching 4000 meters, and features on at least 60 different peak lists. That’s the reward you get after climbing this majestic peak. But wait, there’s more! It…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240621145357-850x381.jpg)
North Schell Peak
Hurrying towards North Schell Peak, sunlight bounces off something in the distance. My brain screams “reflection,” but a nagging voice whispers, “roll down the window, buddy, is that thunder?” Turns out, the little voice was Einstein today. Another flash, then a rumble confirms it – storm’s brewing, maybe 6 km out by the sound of…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240620152341-850x381.jpg)
Flat Top Mountain
This peak wasn’t in my original plan. But again, I check my calendar, I check the map, and bang… I have time and there’s an unclimbed-by-me ultra-prominent peak in relative proximity. Such a coincidence. Of course, I find a way to the peak. At the trailhead, there’s a big parking area (no overnight stays mentioned…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240619145608-850x381.jpg)
Pilot Peak
This peak is officially my favorite of the trip. It’s remote, has challenging access, and is wonderfully wild. No real trails mar its landscape. The views are captivating, and it’s just hard enough to remember yet easy enough to conquer in a day. By my standards, it’s almost ideal peak. Getting to the trailhead is…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240618165921-850x381.jpg)
Mount Lewis
After an easy hike to Star Peak, I still have plenty of time and no plans for today. Consulting maps and satellite images, Mount Lewis looks like an easy target and is more or less on the way to Pilot Peak. Obviously, I head towards it and soon park on the unpaved roadside, not far…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240618103949-850x348.jpg)
Star Peak
Waking up in Reno and drove a couple of hundred kilometers to the geothermal plant. I then turned right onto a reasonably good unpaved road, which soon became steep and then even steeper. A few sections really required a high-clearance 4WD car. Although it’s not impossible with a mini SUV (I switched to manual gear…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240617181510-850x381.jpg)
Virginia Peak
Early afternoon, after a few hours’ drive from Mount Rose south of Reno, I approach Virginia Peak, northwest of Reno and near Pyramid Lake. It’s the second Ribu today. I drive up unpaved Microwave Rd., and the road name hilariously matches the warning sign at the top about potential radiation—maybe I’ll shine today like casino…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240617132752-850x368.jpg)
Mount Rose
Checking the calendar and map of the peak I want to climb, it becomes obvious that I have a buffer day. Since I appreciate the price and comfort of the casino hotel in Reno, I decide to stay an extra night. I plan to bag two Ribus and spend the rest of the time catching…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240616110819-850x381.jpg)
Mount Eddy
There are three ultra prominent peaks in relative proximity: Mount Shasta, Lassen Peak, and Mount Eddy. After a successful Lassen Peak climb, my attention turned to Mount Eddy. Like with most of the other peaks on this trip, there was a risk of being inaccessible due to snow. I gave it a try and relaxed…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240615111940-850x381.jpg)
Lassen Peak
At this season Lassen Peak is a bit of a lottery. It is high enough and far north enough to be covered in snow in mid-June. After reading some month-old reports, I concluded it was worth trying. It was still unclear how high I could drive or how much of the national park road would…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG20240614160239-850x381.jpg)
Telescope Peak
Last year, I aimed to hike Telescope Peak in November, but storms had closed the route a long time ago. This time, Death Valley National Park’s website says nothing about road closures. Time to try again! Mihai mentioned it hit 45°C in Death Valley last week, so I expect little snow on top. At the…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG20240407210514-850x381.jpg)
Pico do Facho
After a glorious sunny day of exploration, I detoured to a small bump on the road for a final adventure before dinner. The sun dipped below the horizon, transforming Madeira into a magical landscape. I climbed a short flight of stairs (just 10 meters!) to a trig pillar. But the true peak, nestled amongst the…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG20240407193635-850x381.jpg)
Penha d’Águia
The setting sun ignites the sky in fiery hues as I dash towards a cool rock formation jutting out from the coast, the one I scoped earlier from Pico da Coroa and Pico do Arieiro. Penha d’Águia towers ahead, its impressive cliffs guarding all sides. But thanks to Ben’s tip on the Peakbager app, I…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG20240407155039-850x381.jpg)
Pico do Castanho
Looking for a peaceful alternative to Pico do Furado’s hustle and bustle? A relaxing drive on winding Madeiran roads (don’t worry, the switchbacks are manageable!) leads me to the Pico do Castanho trailhead. This cozy parking lot, sized for a small adventure crew (think 3-4 cars!), welcomes me with open asphalt. Looking back, I see…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG20240407131145-850x381.jpg)
Pico do Furado
The Cabo São Lourenço peninsula caught my eye during a rather harrowing landing two days ago. Well, “landing” might be a bit of an understatement—let’s say I “fell,” “dropped,” or even “plummeted” onto the runway. Kudos to the pilots though, they did a stellar job—I even gave them a round of applause. After three attempts,…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG20240407103732_01-850x381.jpg)
Pico do Arieiro
Expecting a speedy drive to the top, we hit a roadblock three kilometers out due to police intervention. We found ourselves in a bustling parking lot nestled between two hills, filling rapidly. As newcomers circled in search of spots, I changed shoes and swiftly moved ahead of the pack. As I climbed up to the…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG20240406203100-850x380.jpg)
Pico da Torre
Pico da Torre is another drive-up peak. When I arrived, there was a barbecue party at the top, complete with music, which made the climb more enjoyable. Otherwise, it’s just a parking lot with a cross and a viewpoint. The views of the urban areas below are decent. I snapped a few photos before heading…
![](https://p600.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG20240406195503-850x381.jpg)
Pico do Galo
Pico do Galo is located right next to Cabo Girão, a tourist hotspot that claims to be “one of the highest cliffs in the world.” I’ve seen at least three taller cliffs: Croaghaun on Achill Island in Ireland (688 m), Cape Enniberg in the Faroe Islands (750 m), and Preikestolen in Norway (604 m). And…