Cadet Peak was my first trip to the Monte Cristo area this season. Since I wanted to bike to the ghost town, I left the pup at home. But I bet he enjoyed having more time off after last week.
See more trip photos here.
Cadet Peak at a Glance
Access: Gothic Basin Trailhead
Round Trip: TBD
Elevation Range: 2340′-7186′
Gear: helmet
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: on the trail
Getting to Glacier Basin
The crux of the trip was crossing the South Fork Sauk River with the bike. But without one, the walk to Monte Cristo Ghost Town would have taken longer. The pups and I walked the whole way when we visited the ghost town.
The hike from Monte Cristo up to the Glacier Basin was straightforward. Even after the trail faded, cairns guided my way. Once I went into the basin, the path reappeared beside Glacier Creek. Then it took me to the upper basin.
See more trip photos here.
Cadet Peak Southwest Slopes
The trail later dwindled. Then at the top of the basin, I moved northeast up the steep southwest slopes. I was also moving beside the red gully feature. So my goal was to go up on the southwest ridge to finish the climb.
Cairns and some flagging guided the way. Later at 6600′, I went north on the class 3 terrain beneath the cliffs. Then I swung back around and moved southeast, aiming at the summit.
See more trip photos here.
Cadet Peak Summit Views
In hindsight, I could’ve stayed on the southwest ridge for the rest of the climb. But it would’ve involved some needless class 4 to low 5th moves. The final bit up to the top was on loose, rocky terrain.
It was the closest I’ve seen Sloan Peak. Cadet Peak was also another vantage point to view the beautiful massif. Then to the south was the entire lineup of the Monte Cristo group.
See more trip photos here.
Outro
I went back to Monte Cristo at sunset. Then a fast ride took me back to Barlow Pass right before dark.