big four mountain
dry creek route
2/12/2022
Weather Forecast
Mon, 25.09
Tue, 26.09
Wed, 27.09
Gaia Map
Approximate Route Map
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After some struggle and navigation through the woods, I finally made it to the dry creek route, took a deep breath, and decided on a route up the hill. These kinds of places where people rarely venture are where I find my peace. Heading up the gully I felt a strange type of silence inside. The kind of silence that comes with real comfort. The comfort of not knowing what is about to happen. The excitement of knowing it is only me.
The first section to climb up the Dry creek on Big Four Mountain was an incredible experience in navigation, momentary fear, and perseverance I have rarely experienced in my life of climbing. Simply pure joy and solitude. That strange feeling of knowing no one is there to save you or help you. It’s just you (if solo like my crazy ass). If my explanation lacks definition, it is intentional. If you want to climb this route, it is you (or your team and you) only. Figure it out. If you are not ready for that, you are not ready for Big Four Mountain. It is a beast.
Out of the entire climb, this section is by far the crux. Walking the road, navigating the woods, and getting to the summit after the gully is child’s play. Any hiker with a Gaia map can do it.
Oddly enough, my GPS failed me twice on the way up. Once in the parking area when it didn’t start recording me and again when it failed just before the summit (because I didn’t charge it). Either way, I finally made the summit of this renowned peak and I am proud to say I did. But, I will also say that I will never do it again for any reason. It is a nightmare. Especially that down climb. I could have sworn I was going to die several times. Yet I live to climb another day due to skill, experience, and a calm centered nature amongst total fear. This is not a peak for a pretender. Please know what you are capable of before getting up there. Your life honestly depends on it….