Indecision Peak (East Ascent) - 11/12/24

At the Summit

Approach from First Creek Trail

Up the Rockslide

Scramble Transition

              Bruno in the Rabbit Hole

Indecision Peak rises to the south of Wilson Peak in the Sandstone Bluffs, aka the Red Rock Escarpment. It is a fun hike / scramble to get to it from the west side. But, the east side is a little more "fun" and challenging. Jerry and Cheryl brought a group of hikers who were ready for the challenge on the seldom done route that begins from the First Creek Trail going to the left. It looks like they had a lot of fun! The photos are from Jerry, Cheryl, Ralph, Bruno and Brian. The narrative is from Jerry and Cheryl. Thanks!

Seven hikers met at the First Creek trailhead for a strenuous day of hiking. According to weather forecasts the temperature was supposed to be cool with little wind. Well, as is typical only half the forecast was correct. It was cool but very windy. So, we bundled up and started hiking west towards the escarpment along the familiar First Creek Canyon trail. At the first juniper tree on the left side of the trail we started hiking off trail following some cairns through a small boulder field and up onto an ascending ridge. The ridge got steeper and steeper as we hiked until we reached a cliff band. Here some hikers left their poles and we started scrambling up a well cairned route through the cliff band and brush.

Down then Up

Sandstone Climb

Hmm

Reaching Indecision Peak

Starting Down

We emerged from the rocky cliff band onto a slope where there was a distinct social trail which we followed up to a slot and then onto a sort of knife edge between a large gully and the east face of the mountain.  We continued up and started scrambling up to the northwest towards the first of two ledges.  The first ledge is quite wide with an interesting rabbit hole.  Then we continued up another gully to the second ledge which was quite narrow.  Everyone made it across the ledge down into the last gully leading up to the summit.  We signed the register and quickly descended to the saddle just below the summit where we had out snack break.  We descended without incident.  

~Jerry and Cheryl Thomas

Stats: 5.5 miles, 2800 ft elevation gain, 7 hours.

Down through the Mini-Slot

Ralyn Rescue

Down the sandstone Slab

Continuing Down!