Access & Route:

The approach is via the Rutherford FSR and the Menzel Trail, a route used by snowmobilers in winter. The proposed summer route is described here.

The route reportedly involves some bushwhacking, although apparently nothing like as bad as it once was, plus a creek ford (bring Crocs or similar footwear). From there, it’s an easy scramble to the summit. This is a non-glacier summer route, so there’s no need for ropes or other glacier-travel gear.

Stats & Itinerary:

Depending on the exact route, estimates range from 16–21 km round trip with up to 1,500 m of elevation gain.

Rather than trying to knock it off in a single push, I’m proposing a 2-day trip (1.5 days technically) to make the most of the setting. There’s a small lake just ESE of the summit that looks like an ideal campsite. The plan would be to reach the summit on Day 1, descend to camp for the evening, then enjoy a leisurely hike back out on Day 2.

Access / Transportation:

The road to the trailhead is 4x4 high-clearance. I can drive and transport three others plus myself. The two rear seats in my truck aren’t exactly first-class, but they’ll get us there!