Granite Mountain #2, Whale Peak

20-21 March 1971

By: How Bailey

Leader: How Bailey
Asst.: Al Campbell

Fourteen HPSers met at Scissors Crossing on a lovely spring morning for the scheduled climb of Granite #2. We parked at the highest pavement in a new development area (trailers only, so far) just 3 mi. south on Hwy. S2; but one would do better to follow Great Sandy Trail from the highway to its end, turn left and follow a sandy but passable track up another half mile and 200 ft. to the road head shown on the topo. From here the route cuts diagonally upward toward the first saddle in the ridge on the right, and then more or less follows that ridge to the summit. The route is steep all the way, with some rock scrambling, but it is direct and we enjoyed a fair breeze most of the way. All 14 were on top by 1:00 pm.

We came down by the next ridge to the south, leaving the peak directly toward the east. After a very steep drop into the first pronounced saddle, we turned NNE over a shoulder and dropped down into the main wash at a point about 3/4 mi. from the end of the dirt road. This is not a good up-route, but it made an enjoyable loop for us.

We camped at the Little Pass Primitive Campground at the head of Blair Valley; but, since camping is now permitted throughout the State Park in that area, one can find much pleasanter spots -- for example, the road head for Whale Pk. We caravanned to that point in the morning, and enjoyed a very relaxed hike to the top. Much of the route is now a pretty good and well-ducked trail. We were back to the cars by noon. Several took off for more peak-bagging in the area, while others just got home early for a change.