Lockwood Peak, San Guillermo Mountain, Thorn Point

1 October 1966

By: Bob Van Allen

Leader: Bob Van Allen
Asst.: Jim Van Allen

Chuchupate. A campground - a ranger station. Most everyone knows where they are. Hardly anyone knows how to pronounce it.

Nevertheless, 23 members and guests met at the ranger station at the scheduled time and after the usual sign-in and announcements, departed for the caravan to the end of Piano Box Loop. This was the first "led" trip of Lockwood Peak in over four years.

Three hours round trip is a reasonable time, including a half hour snack stop on the summit. Shorts are O.K. if you find the right route. If you don't find the right route, then a machete is recommended. (Not really, from the end of Piano Box Loop, continue on road to a sign stating "4 Wheel Drive Only," where there is good parking for many cars. Walk the 4WD road approximately 1/4 mile to the beginning of the Yellow Jacket Trail. Follow YJT to the third flat, then turn right (SE) up the draw and nose to the summit.)

Frede Jensen got his 200th peak on Lockwood and October 1 was Happy Birthday for Larry Salmon and Alice Akawie. For such an occasion, lunch at Pine Springs Campground also produced three cakes and a magnum of champagne. With leaden stomachs, and a slower pace, we proceeded on schedule to ascend Mt. San Guillermo. While this is not a difficult ascent, the westward views are well worth the trip. Nineteen people filled with approximately sixty-five pieces of cake made this part of the trip.

Many people had to return to town early, so only ten proceeded to ascend Thorn Point. Those who had not done this peak before agreed with the rest of us that this peak is one of the most beautiful ascents on our HPS list. We returned to the cars just at dark for the long, tiring drive home.