67. Pitcher Peak, 5941' (S)

Pitcher Peak, north of the park, is one of the few of the 100 peaks outside of park borders. It involves a brush bash through a swampy meadow. All in all, not a pleasant trip. It may be more doable later in the season, when things are drier. The origin of the peak’s name is unknown.

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Driving

Head toward the Carbon River Entrance and just before the park entrance, turn left on FS 7810 and cross the Carbon River. The bridge is not signed, nor is there a sign for FS 7810, but the bridge is the only one crossing the Carbon River in this area. In 0.25 mile past the bridge, go right at a fork in the road—the road initially parallels the river. At 5.5 miles from the bridge, reach FS 7820. Turn left and drive about 0.5 mile until you come to a sharp U-turn at approximately 4000'. Park here. If FS 7820 is not drivable, park on FS 7810. FS 7810, though bumpy and slow going, does not require a high-clearance vehicle.

Route

From the sharp U-turn (approximately 4000'), you may find an overgrown spur road heading northwest; if so, follow it to an open meadow. Head northwest through the meadow to a gully. The meadow is slow going. It is somewhat swampy, particularly in early summer and filled with logs difficult to pass over. Follow a wooded gully up to the saddle on the ridge. From the saddle, turn right to reach the summit.

Pitcher can also be approached from the town of Wilkerson. From town, head east on Railroad Avenue. Turn right on Quinnon and continue on this road until FS 7710. Turn right and continue until a major Y intersection. Turn left on FS 7720. Continue until the road becomes impassable and park. Gain the ridge and follow it to the summit. This approach is brushy and might go better with snow cover.

Comments

Early in the season, check with the ranger to see if the road is open. The final approach from the saddle to the summit may be steep; you could consider dropping down on the other side of the saddle and heading northeast to the north ridge of Pitcher. From the north ridge, head south to the summit. Don’t be fooled by this scramble. It is nasty, brutish and short. We consider it one of the, if not the worst of the 100 climbs.

Vital Statistics: Pitcher Peak

• Skill: Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 2

• Effort: 7

• Round-trip distance: 4 miles

• Elevation gain: 2100'

• Total time: 5 hours

• Best season: June through September or first snow

• Equipment: Scramble gear