Argonaut Peak of Stuart Range is the fifth-highest point next to Colchuck Peak. Meanwhile, the peak rises above Ingalls Creek and Teanaway Backcountry to the south. Its famous neighbors include Colchuck Peak and Sherpa Peak.
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Argonaut Peak at a Glance
Access: Fourth Creek Trail
Round Trip: TBD
Elevation Range: 3600′-8453′
Gear: helmet
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: no
The Preface
This year, I opened my climbing season with Argonaut Peak. And the weather was gorgeous! I expected a long day ahead. So I started early on Beverly Turnpike Trail.
But the downside of coming in from the south was dropping down to Ingalls Creek. So it meant having to hike back up on Fourth Creek Trail on the exit.
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Argonaut Peak South Route
I had also read about the awful slide alder at the bottom of the south gully. Though I tried avoiding it, it was unsuccessful. During this, I spent forty-five minutes swimming through a sea of thickets.
It felt like a lifetime to go through the vegetation as I threw around many colorful words, of course. The broad gully was easy to pinpoint from below. Then I was up by the steep snow before long.
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The Final Stretch
My only regret was not to bring the crampons as they were helpful in the gully. But I was able to make my way up through shallow moats. So I could at least keep away from the steep ice.
The section below the ridgeline required a couple of 4th class moves. Though, it was the extent of the overall crux on this peak. Soon, I was up near today’s goal.
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Argonaut Peak Summit Views Plus Exit
The last part below the summit required moving through a vertical gap under slanted boulders. Later I spotted recent boot prints in the snow. So I knew I was still on track.
Views to Teanaway Backcountry and Stuart Range were great. So I spent an hour on top enjoying the scenery. Later I slowly made my way down to Ingalls Creek and hiked out.
See more trip photos here.