Bighorn Peak, Ontario Peak, Sugarloaf Peak

22 June 1968

By: Dick Akawie

Leader: Dick Akawie
Asst.: Carol Akawie

Fifty-four people showed up on a warm and smoggy day for a climb of Bighorn Peak, Ontario Peak, and Sugarloaf Peak. The group started up the Icehouse Canyon trail at 8:15 a.m., and after a short stop at Columbine Spring for water, regrouped at Icehouse Saddle. A climb up the north ridge of Bighorn Peak, starting at the saddle, brought 46 climbers to the top. From there, the group travelled west along the ridge to Ontario Peak which was the 100th peak for three young climbers -- Barbara Van Allen, Tom Van Allen, and Dick McLellan. After lunch, which was accompanied by the sound of champagne corks popping into the stratosphere, the group started downhill toward Sugarloaf Peak. When Sugarloaf came in view through the trees it had somehow moved over to the next ridge to the west, so we contoured through Falling Rock Canyon to the correct ridge. I won't name the two hikers who had separated from the group to answer a call of nature, and who then continued down the wrong ridge, but we were all reunited before reaching the saddle south of the peak. Then up to Sugarloaf where 41 signed the register. Afterwards, we went down about 700 feet of scree to Falling Rock Canyon, boulder-hopped down to Icehouse Canyon, and trailed back to the cars (and smog). It was almost 7 p.m. by the time everyone was out. This was the leader's fourth climb of Sugarloaf which is probably some kind of stupid record, and he still has one daughter who will have to be led up.