"Cone-shaped Sombrero Peak rises head and shoulders above the east lip of the McCain Valley plateau, overlooking a hundred-square mile expanse of rock-strewn mountains and gorges, sun-baked valleys, and distant badlands. Conversely, the peak itself is a prominent and familiar landmark widely observed from the desert below.
Climbing Sombrero Peak is a feat attempted by relatively few
people, but not because of its height (4229 feet above sea level), which is
quite modest. Rather, the peak is remote from paved roads, and its
boulder-guarded flanks discourage those who are not willing to put up with
either a long march to its base (from the west) or a shorter but sweaty eastern
approach up from the desert floor." -Jerry Schad
December 1st, 2012 was my second and first successful hike to the summit of Sombrero Peak from McCain Valley. On this trip I was accompanied by Steve and Tyler. We met up in Alpine early Saturday morning and made our way east. For a while it seemed like we would be hiking under overcast skies but as we neared our destination we were greeted with sunny weather.
Heading east along I-8.
Making our way through Boulevard.
Passing an old homestead.
An old cattle corral.
Passing peak 4553, listed on the map.
Steve, taking a break.
Tyler- "Are we ready to get moving again?"
Our first glimpse of Sombrero Peak (just to the right of Tyler's head) and the desert below.
Time for some cross-country bushwhacking.
I had a bad run in with one of these along the way.
Continuing on and avoiding the cholla cactus.
From here the peak looks deceptively close.
Heading straight to the peak from here would have meant crossing some steep terrain so we circled northward to make our way along the ridge to the left for a more gradual approach.
Getting closer...
Are we there yet?
Old cow pies littered the area. The only thing more plentiful were all the sheep and/or deer tracks.
We made it! I guess they need a new sign.
On our way up, looking back west where we came from.
View from the summit!
Tyler, getting settled.
Steve, taking in the views.
See, I really was here!
There was a flat, sandy spot on the summit that would make for a nice campsite.
Making our way back down.
Passing peak 4553, listed on the map.
Steve, taking a break.
Tyler- "Are we ready to get moving again?"
Our first glimpse of Sombrero Peak (just to the right of Tyler's head) and the desert below.
Time for some cross-country bushwhacking.
I had a bad run in with one of these along the way.
Continuing on and avoiding the cholla cactus.
From here the peak looks deceptively close.
Heading straight to the peak from here would have meant crossing some steep terrain so we circled northward to make our way along the ridge to the left for a more gradual approach.
Getting closer...
Are we there yet?
Old cow pies littered the area. The only thing more plentiful were all the sheep and/or deer tracks.
We made it! I guess they need a new sign.
On our way up, looking back west where we came from.
View from the summit!
Tyler, getting settled.
Steve, taking in the views.
See, I really was here!
There was a flat, sandy spot on the summit that would make for a nice campsite.
Making our way back down.
We searched for the registry but couldn't find it. It was about another 5 miles back to where we parked and the weather had definitely warmed up a bit. One of these day's I might try hiking the East approach to this peak from the desert floor. It was a great way to start off the last month of the year and I'm looking forward to getting out into the back country again soon!
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