{"id":23295,"date":"2019-07-14T08:10:22","date_gmt":"2019-07-14T14:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=23295"},"modified":"2019-07-18T12:33:40","modified_gmt":"2019-07-18T18:33:40","slug":"on-off-the-international-falls-trail-to-peak-6053-british-columbia-canada-9-11-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=23295","title":{"rendered":"On & Off the International Falls Trail to Peak 6053, British Columbia, Canada (9-11-18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 39 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

6:30 AM, Nares Mountain trailhead, Blattas Point Road<\/em> – Nooooo!\u00a0 Late last night, silver stars had shone overhead as the tired American Dingo settled in for a long snooze.\u00a0 The sky had been 80 to 90% clear!\u00a0 Hopes had been high for Peak<\/span> 6053<\/span><\/a><\/strong> this morning, but that was then.\u00a0 Lupe had just woken up to a dreary uniformly overcast day.\u00a0 SPHP was dismayed.\u00a0 Loopster’s final chance for an ascent of Peak 6053 on this Dingo Vacation appeared doomed.<\/p>\n

At least it wasn’t raining.\u00a0 Maybe the situation would improve in the next hour or two?\u00a0 Seemed unlikely, and certainly no sense sticking around if Peak 6053 simply wasn’t going to happen, but Loop could wait a little while before hitting the road home.\u00a0 While SPHP straightened out the G6 and made breakfast, the Carolina Dog explored a nearby grove of trees.<\/p>\n

8:00 AM<\/em> – Hmm.\u00a0 The clouds seemed higher and thinner than before.\u00a0 Didn’t look like rain was likely at all.\u00a0 Provided the mountains remained beneath the cloud cover, an attempt on Peak 6053 was actually worth considering!\u00a0 Even if the sun never came out, Lupe might still enjoy some incredible views.\u00a0 Now or never!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP piled into the G6.<\/p>\n

Hopes soared during the drive S from Carcross on the South Klondike Highway.\u00a0 Expecting darker skies closer to the Alaskan coast, conditions were improving instead!\u00a0 Far from a perfect day, but the cloud cover was getting higher, lighter, brighter, and even tinged with blue!<\/p>\n

9:41 AM, 41\u00b0F – <\/em>Upon arriving at the International Falls trailhead just N of the Alaska border near White Pass, even the highest regions of what could be seen of Peak 6053 were out in the open.\u00a0 That settled it!\u00a0 Lupe was going give it a shot!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
SE slopes of Peak 6053<\/strong> from the International Falls trailhead. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The International Falls trail starts out with a short descent to Captain William Moore Creek.\u00a0 The last part of this descent being nearly vertical, SPHP was glad to find 4 ropes in place to help prevent a fall.\u00a0 Lupe had first taken the International Falls trail a year ago.\u00a0 Back then, there had been only 1 rope.\u00a0 4 was better!\u00a0 Not that Lupe needed any help.\u00a0 As usual, the American Dingo managed to get down all on her own.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the bottom of the short, steep descent at the start of the International Falls trail. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This late in the season, Captain William Moore Creek was very low, an easy rock hop for SPHP.\u00a0 Loopster easily waded across.\u00a0 Beyond a delta created by a tributary coming in from the W, the International Falls trail started up a slope full of bushes and stunted conifers.\u00a0 After gaining 200 feet, the trail continued higher along the N side of the tributary taking Lupe past a series of waterfalls.<\/p>\n

The waterfalls weren’t as impressive as they had been in early August, 2017.\u00a0 The volume of flow had been much greater then, but they were still charming.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Captain William Moore Creek<\/strong> was an easy rock hop this time of year. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
One of many waterfalls along the International Falls trail. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail kept climbing at a moderate pace.\u00a0 Somewhere along the way, Lupe left British Columbia and crossed into Alaska, but exactly where wasn’t clear.\u00a0 The border was unmarked.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing up the slope, probably in Alaska by now. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
None of the waterfalls were terribly high, but Lupe went by lots of them.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the tallest waterfalls. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This is it! The biggest waterfall along the International Falls trail!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just above the tallest of the waterfalls along the International Falls trail, the stream flowed over a wide area of exposed bedrock.\u00a0 The water was so spread out, it was only inches deep, if that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the biggest waterfall. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The trail went on and on.\u00a0 Lupe kept coming to more waterfalls, but the steepness of the slope she was climbing was diminishing.\u00a0 The waterfalls were becoming smaller, and eventually deteriorated into mere rapids.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking back after getting beyond the biggest waterfalls. The South Klondike Highway where Lupe had started out from is in sight. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Smaller waterfalls ahead. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Loop stayed on the International Falls trail until the terrain leveled out so much that the South Klondike Highway could no longer be seen back to the SE.\u00a0 Ahead, the trail continued on to the NW, still following the stream and gradually gaining elevation.<\/p>\n

Lupe had seen what was up there a year ago.\u00a0 The trail would eventually disappear in a region of beautiful little lakes and small rocky ridges all down in a vast saddle between Feather Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,889 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and other high ground to the S, and Peak 6053 to the N.\u00a0 At the far NW end, a gigantic boulder sat atop a final ridge.\u00a0 Beyond it, the land sloped steeply away into the seemingly bottomless Taiya River canyon, where the famed Chilkoot Trail<\/span><\/strong><\/a> lay hidden below.<\/p>\n

And beyond that?\u00a0 An inaccessible vast wilderness of seldom seen, much less explored, mostly nameless glacier-clad Alaskan peaks.<\/p>\n

Yes!\u00a0 More than a year ago, Lupe had journeyed to that magical region of sparkling ponds and spectacular views on a sunny day of soft breezes.<\/p>\n

As enticing as that magical place was, it wasn’t her destination today.\u00a0 Lupe was leaving the International Falls trail here to climb Peak 6053, where, if successful, she would see those same incredible views from a lofty summit 2,000 feet higher than where she’d been before.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6053<\/strong> from close to where Lupe left the International Falls trail. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on some of the territory Lupe was going to be exploring. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
If you ever come to the International Falls trail and don’t feel like climbing mountains, just keep going this way to the magical land of sparkling ponds and spectacular views!<\/em> Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
A final look back to the SE before leaving the International Falls trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving the International Falls trail behind, Lupe began a long, easy trek NNW toward Peak<\/span> 6053<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Wandering a boulder-strewn plain of spongy tundra, the American Dingo gained elevation steadily.\u00a0 Upon reaching the SE end of the mountain, she came to a tiny rock-filled creek.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the way across the boulder-strewn plain. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the tiny creek at the SE end of the mountain. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crossing the stream, Looper started climbing NNW much more steeply toward a big ravine coming down from the W.\u00a0 Following narrow ramps and benches, Lupe gained a fair amount of elevation rather quickly.\u00a0 She was already getting to some worthwhile views!\u00a0 Feather Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,889 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> in particular was looking awesome!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Feather Peak<\/strong> (L) and Mount Cleveland<\/span><\/a> (6,362 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Feather Peak<\/strong> (Center) and Mount Cleveland<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back. The South Klondike Highway is on the L. The broad valley the International Falls trail follows goes from the highway all the way to the R and well beyond. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Upon reaching the S side of the big ravine, Lupe could see a steep, rocky gully entering the ravine from the N.\u00a0 High above and beyond this gully was a line of dark cliffs.\u00a0 Near the upper end of the gully was a lower line of cliffs, but it looked like there were ramps leading up through breaks in this cliff wall.\u00a0 Once above the lower cliffs, Loop ought to at least be able to scramble up to the base of the dark cliffs.<\/p>\n

Crossing the ravine, Lupe climbed to the upper end of the gully without difficulty.\u00a0 Here she turned W looking for an easy way to get above the lower cliffs.\u00a0 However, this area was rougher than it had seemed from below.\u00a0 What had appeared to be the best ramp higher, actually ended with a bit of an exposed scramble.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the upper end of the gully after crossing the big ravine. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below the lower line of cliffs looking for an easy way up. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still along the base of the lower cliffs. Lupe went up to the R from here. Feather Peak<\/strong> (L) and Mount Cleveland<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP hates exposure!\u00a0 After all, should a mishap occur, it takes very little exposure to kill or seriously injure, which might easily amount to the same thing way out here.\u00a0 However, the exposed section appeared to be very short, and Lupe had no better prospect in sight.\u00a0 Didn’t look that bad, so up she went.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog showed off, easily scrambling above the tricky spot.\u00a0 A couple of cautious moments later, SPHP joined her up on the brink.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the short exposed climb. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Excellent news!\u00a0 No more exposure to deal with!\u00a0 Breaks existed in the line of dark cliffs that still loomed considerably higher along the upper rim of a steep rocky slope.\u00a0 Lupe had no problem scrambling clear to the top.\u00a0 Above the dark cliffs, a rumpled flat area provided access to a somewhat easier climb NW up another slope.\u00a0 Exploring ever higher, Lupe managed to get up to where this slope began to level out.<\/p>\n

By now the American Dingo had gained a great deal of elevation!\u00a0 Lupe had reached a world of rock, sky, and little else.\u00a0 Lichens and sparse clumps of tundra were the only vegetation.\u00a0 Magnificent views were on display!\u00a0 Lupe could see much of the Tormented Valley to the NE and E, and fabulous mountains to the SE and S.\u00a0 However, incredible snow and ice-draped peaks beyond the Taiya River canyon to the SW caught the eye more than any other scene.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
In the rumpled area atop the dark cliffs. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Heading higher yet! Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking W upon reaching more level territory after a big climb.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Same view with more help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Jagged peaks to the SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To the NW, Lupe could now see an enormous rocky slope rising toward Peak 6053’s massive main ridge.\u00a0 Getting to this upper ridge proved more complicated than it looked.\u00a0 A series of gashes running SW\/NE sliced across this region perpendicular to the direction Loopster needed to go.\u00a0 Exploring this rugged area was fun, but time-consuming.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog often came to small cliffs, and had to go back and forth looking for ways into and out of the gashes.<\/p>\n

Two steps up, one step down!\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP repeatedly gained and lost the same elevation during a long, winding ascent.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
An enormous rocky slope leads up to Peak 6053’s massive main ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On rugged terrain. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down one of the gashes. Mount Cleveland<\/strong> on the L. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Crossing the same gash.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Searching for a way down into one of the deepest gashes. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
At the bottom. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finally nearing the E end of Peak 6053’s massive upper ridge, Lupe came to another sizable gash.\u00a0 On the far side was a wall of white rock.\u00a0 Loop crossed the gash, and found a way up onto it.<\/p>\n

From a distance, more gashes had been evident up on the main ridge, so SPHP had been thinking maybe Lupe ought to skirt along the S side to get closer to the W end before climbing to the top.\u00a0 That way Loop would gain the upper ridge much closer to the true summit of Peak 6053, which the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a> showed at the far NW end of the mountain.<\/p>\n

However, from the wall of white rock, it was clear that this notion was totally impractical.\u00a0 The terrain S of the main ridge was simply too steep and rough.\u00a0 Loop’s only realistic option appeared to be to climb straight to the top of the E end of the main ridge, and take her chances from there.\u00a0 A gully of light-colored rock looked like a possible route up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to Peak 6053’s main ridge, Lupe comes to the gash with a wall of white rock on the opposite side. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Up on a darker part of the next little ridge connected to the wall of white rock after crossing the gash. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The E end of Peak 6053’s massive main ridge<\/strong>. Looked like Lupe could get up there via the light colored gully on the R. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Staying on top of the wall of white rock, Lupe headed NNE toward the promising gully.\u00a0 The wall ended near a snowbank next to a big pool of meltwater.\u00a0 Loop had to down climb and work her way past these minor obstacles before scrambling up the gully.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the NNE end of the wall of white rock. Lupe had to get past the snow bank and its meltwater before climbing straight up the gully on the L. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the top of the gully, Lupe found herself in a fairly flat area an acre or two in size.\u00a0 Venturing N brought her to the edge of towering cliffs.\u00a0 For the first time, Lupe could see the gigantic canyon between Peak 6053 and Taiya Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,844 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> to the N.\u00a0 She now also had a view to the NW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking NW from the E end of Peak 6053.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Similar view with more help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A tall dark rock outcropping sat at the NE end of the flattish area.\u00a0 Lupe went over and climbed it.\u00a0 Views of the Tormented Valley from here were fantastic!\u00a0 Loop could again see the International Falls trailhead she had started out from way down at the South Klondike Highway.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Tormented Valley<\/strong> from a high point at the E end of Peak 6053. Summit Lake<\/strong> is on the R. Bernard and Shallow lakes<\/strong> are farther away L of Center. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back toward the International Falls trailhead (just about dead Center) along the South Klondike Highway. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One view in particular from here was of paramount importance.\u00a0 For the first time, Lupe could see along the length of the N side of Peak 6053’s main ridge.\u00a0 The mountain’s true summit was clear over at the far NW end completely opposite of where the American Dingo was now.<\/p>\n

The view was worrying.\u00a0 Felt like Lupe had already been climbing for a long time.\u00a0 Peak 6053’s summit was a little less than 500 feet higher than where she was now, but it still looked far away.\u00a0 Much closer, a big fin of rock jutted skyward.\u00a0 Would Loop be able to get past it?\u00a0 A deep gash might easily be on the other side.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking along the length of the N side of Peak 6053’s massive main ridge. The summit still looked far away, and SPHP was concerned about whether Lupe would be able to get beyond the big fin of rock on the L. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Similar view from the NE high point. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No choice, but to head over there and find out.\u00a0 The terrain leading to the fin was rocky and sloped higher, but not difficult.\u00a0 The N end of the fin was close to the gigantic cliffs, and trying to go over the top seemed a poor choice too.\u00a0 However, going around the S end looked quite feasible.\u00a0 The big question was what Lupe would find on the other side?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Another look NW before heading for the fin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking back down at the way Lupe had made it up to the E end of Peak 6053’s main ridge. The snow bank she had passed before coming up the steep gully is seen below on the L. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe got quite high on the S end of the big fin.\u00a0 Going this way was a cinch!\u00a0 Nothing to it!\u00a0 Best of all was the view Loopster had once she got to where she could see the area W of the fin.\u00a0 No big gashes or drop offs!\u00a0 In fact, once beyond the fin, it didn’t look like a fin at all from the W.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog now made rapid progress journeying WNW along the broad main ridge.\u00a0 She crossed a series of gashes, but none presented any real difficulties.\u00a0 Lupe actually lost elevation approaching a final big drainage that sloped down toward the SW.\u00a0 Staying toward the N edge near the cliffs, Lupe had little difficulty getting past it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
WNW of the fin approaching the last big drainage. Lupe stayed to the N (R) near the cliffs to get past it. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taiya Peak<\/span><\/a> (6,844 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R) from the N edge. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Near the last big drainage. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking NE toward the Tormented Valley<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens. Part of Summit Lake<\/strong> on the R. Bernard and Shallow lakes<\/strong> on the L.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the last big drainage, Lupe roamed freely heading NW on a broad slope.\u00a0 A maze of benches and ramps led higher and higher.\u00a0 This climb wasn’t hard at all; no more going down into gullies!\u00a0 Loop was having fun, and SPHP was joyful knowing that the summit couldn’t be much farther.\u00a0 Lupe was actually going to get to the top of Peak 6053!<\/p>\n

The terrain finally leveled out in a rough area.\u00a0 What?\u00a0 Oh, no!\u00a0<\/em> This wasn’t the top!\u00a0 Quite close by, the highest point on the mountain was clearly visible a short distance off to the N.\u00a0 Definitely higher, though not by much, than where Lupe was now, the true summit of Peak 6053 sat isolated beyond one more good-sized drop.\u00a0 Whether the Carolina Dog could get over there or not wasn’t initially clear, but the situation didn’t look good.\u00a0 Gah!\u00a0 All this way, only to fail!<\/em><\/p>\n

Some old wooden boards were toward the SW end of the rough area, part of a collapsed wooden tripod.\u00a0 SPHP lifted a couple of rocks off a pile beneath the boards to reveal a survey benchmark dated 1936.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Loop by the wreck of a wooden tripod. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The survey benchmark hidden beneath rocks under the tripod.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lovely.\u00a0 Apparently the surveyor hadn’t thought it possible to get over to the true summit, and had settled for this location instead.\u00a0 Discouraging!\u00a0 After replacing the rocks over the benchmark, Lupe and SPHP went over to the edge of the final drop off to take a better look.<\/p>\n

30 feet lower, a snow bank rested in a gash shorter than any others Lupe had come to.\u00a0 Both ends dropped away into fearsome chasms.\u00a0 At first, it didn’t look like there was any safe way to scramble down.\u00a0 Loop had to do it, though, if she was ever going to get to the top of Peak 6053.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Overlooking the final short gash preventing Lupe from getting to the true summit of Peak 6053<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was a way down!\u00a0 Looked like Loop ought to be able to get back up it again during the return, too – critically important, if there ever was going to be a return.\u00a0 A quick, careful scramble, and Lupe was standing on the snow bank!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Success! Safely down on the snow bank in the last gash. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The snow bank was more like ice than snow.\u00a0 Staying away from the NE edge where the drop was almost vertical, Lupe crossed only a short icy section before completing her long journey to the top of Peak<\/span> 6053<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 The true summit was a light gray boulder.\u00a0 The American Dingo hopped up onto it to claim one of her most remarkable peakbagging successes ever.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the true summit of Peak 6053<\/strong>! The main ridge Lupe had come up is visible on the R. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Taiya Peak<\/strong> (L of Lupe) from the true summit of Peak 6053<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still at the true summit. Mount Cleveland<\/strong> is beyond Lupe.\u00a0 Mount Carmack<\/span><\/a> (6,808 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> is the high point in the distance on the L.\u00a0 Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

SPHP praised Lupe highly, but the Carolina Dog didn’t seem impressed.\u00a0 Looper willingly participated in a few photos of some of the incredible glacier-clad peaks in Alaska to the W, but after that she just wanted to rest.\u00a0 Using a jacket and a pullover, SPHP made a little bed where she could doze more comfortably on the rocky ground.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking W into Alaska. The summit of Peak 6053 is barely inside British Columbia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
View to the NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe had been politely begging SPHP to stop for hours. Several short breaks had been taken, but this was her first real chance to snooze a bit. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lupe’s 4th day of big climbs in a row, and it had taken 7 hours to get here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While Lupe rested, SPHP gazed at the unbelievably beautiful remote peaks toward the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The high point toward the L at the upper end of the glaciers in the foreground may be Mount Hoffman<\/span><\/a> (6,079 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. The even higher mountain beyond it may be the Skagway High Point<\/span><\/a> (8,239 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The telephoto lens revealed an incredible world of spectacular peaks so inaccessible few have names.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 6053’s summit area was about 40 feet wide E\/W and 70 feet long N\/S.\u00a0 A similar sized area about 20 feet lower extended farther N.\u00a0 So there was plenty of room to move around.\u00a0 At the N end of the summit area, 35 feet from the boulder Lupe had been on, a less conspicuous rock looked equally high.\u00a0 Might even be a tad bit higher?\u00a0 SPHP went over to check it out, came to no definite conclusion, then ventured down to the lower region to the N where it was possible to look down on a glacier.<\/p>\n

As tired as Lupe was, she wasn’t completely out of it.\u00a0 Fearing she was being left behind, Loop came looking for SPHP.\u00a0 Weary or not, the loyal American Dingo stuck closely to SPHP from then on.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rock at the N end that was in competition for title of true summit of Peak 6053. Taiya Peak<\/strong> beyond Lupe. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Still on the N high point. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking down on the glacier. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Upper end of the glacier and Taiya Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Looking over the Taiya River canyon<\/strong> and the glacier’s toe. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Nearly the whole glacier with a bit of help from the telephoto lens. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe was so lucky!\u00a0 Although the sky had remained quite cloudy all day, conditions at the top of Peak 6053 weren’t bad at all.\u00a0 Cool (low 40’s \u00b0F)<\/em>, but calm.\u00a0 Importantly, the cloud deck was high enough to permit clear views of even the highest and most distant peaks.\u00a0 Nothing was hidden.\u00a0 Every now and then, the Carolina Dog stood in glimmers of sunshine.<\/p>\n

Getting late.\u00a0 Should be moving on, but Lupe and SPHP lingered in the splendor of Peak<\/span> 6053<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Glory at every turn!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 6053’s narrow SW ridge in the foreground. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
What is that monstrous peak looming on the far horizon? It must have a name! Photo looks SW with maximum help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Carmack<\/span><\/a> (6,808 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> (R of Center) looks dramatic through the telephoto lens. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Way down at the bottom of the Taiya River canyon<\/strong>, the famed Chilkoot Trail<\/strong><\/span><\/a> from gold rush days passes from Skagway, Alaska to Chilkoot Pass at the Canadian border, then on to Carcross in the Yukon Territory. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another look at Peak 6053’s SW ridge<\/strong>. Mount Cleveland<\/strong> (L) with Mount Carmacks<\/strong> (far L) more distant. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Simply no end of stunning peaks and glaciers!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7 hours to get here.\u00a0 50 unforgettable minutes gone by up at the summit of Peak 6053!\u00a0 3 hours until sunset.\u00a0 Sadly, time to go.\u00a0 Past time, actually.<\/p>\n

Not far from the summit boulder, Lupe stood perched by the W edge of the mountain overlooking the unseen depths of the Taiya River canyon.\u00a0 Beyond the gaping chasm, a fabulous world of pristine peaks cloaked in glacial ice – ancient, creeping ice still locking in the frigid cold of countless dark winters eons ago.<\/p>\n

Fleeting last moments at the top of Peak 6053!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking into Alaska<\/strong> from the edge of British Columbia<\/strong> atop Peak 6053<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Moment of glory!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The race against time was on!\u00a0 Back down to the short gash and its icy snow bank.\u00a0 A careful scramble up to the rough area where the survey marker lay hidden beneath rocks and old boards.\u00a0 Down the ramps and benches to the big drainage to the SW.<\/p>\n

Now, a calculated, crucial gamble.\u00a0 If it didn’t succeed, Lupe was going to be stuck on Peak 6053 all night.\u00a0 No way on earth could she get down off the mountain before dark going back the way she had come up.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP turned SW heading down the big drainage.\u00a0 If the American Dingo cliffed out, a very long night was ahead.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Starting down the big drainage near the W end of Peak 6053. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Far, far below, Lupe could see the little lakes of the magical region she had visited beyond the end of the International Falls trail on a beautiful evening more than a year ago.\u00a0 The lakes weren’t sparkling today, but if she could get down close to them, Loopster ought to be able to find the International Falls trail again before dark.<\/p>\n

Down steep ramps and gullies, down rough loose rock, down scrambling around rock formations trying to avoid getting cliffed out.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Getting there, but still a long way to go.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another chute. The far W end of the International Falls area at the edge of the Taiya River canyon is in sight.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At last, success was certain.\u00a0 Loop’s gamble was going to pay off!\u00a0 Once she made it down to where the slope became more gradual, SPHP turned and looked back up.\u00a0 Lupe hadn’t cliffed out, but it sure looked like she should have.<\/p>\n

The Carolina Dog was thrilled to be out of all the rock!\u00a0 She wasn’t nearly as tired as she’d let on up on Peak 6053.\u00a0 In fact, Lupe was energized!\u00a0 She raced across the soft tundra far ahead of SPHP joyfully exploring a land of ridges and little streams, glancing back now and then to make sure SPHP was still coming.<\/p>\n

Lupe never did get close to most of those once sparkling little lakes again.\u00a0 However, in the distance, she did see the huge boulder on the far W ridge that she had visited a year ago.\u00a0 Instead of going all the way to the lakes, Lupe took a shortcut turning SE as soon as it was practical.\u00a0 The American Dingo roamed a long way.\u00a0 She finally stumbled upon the International Falls trail again, as she passed by a couple of little ponds reflecting the last glowing beauty of the dying day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the International Falls trail again.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
International Falls trail, Alaska.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Peak 6053 was the final and most difficult of 4 climbs on 4 consecutive days.\u00a0 SPHP’s feet had become sore on the rough terrain even before Lupe had reached the summit.\u00a0 Although the return trip was the easiest possible route back, it was still a long march.\u00a0 Hobbling along, each step became more difficult to bear.<\/p>\n

Darkness fell.\u00a0 SPHP sometimes lost the trail.\u00a0 Loopster usually found it again in just a minute or two.\u00a0 The roar of the now invisible waterfalls the trail went by went on and on.\u00a0 At last, it was over.\u00a0 Across Captain William Moore Creek, and up the ropes.\u00a0 The G6 sat waiting alone at the dark trailhead.\u00a0 (10:46 PM, 47\u00b0F)<\/em><\/p>\n

So sore!\u00a0 So weary!\u00a0 Yet, what a day!\u00a0 As it turned out, Lupe had likely taken about the longest, hardest route to the top of Peak 6053 possible.\u00a0 Clearly, the way she had taken back was the fastest, easiest way to go.\u00a0 What an experience it had been though – the long treks higher on all that rough ground, wandering the wild gashes and gullies, then exploring along the whole massive main ridge.<\/p>\n

And at the end of it all, the American Dingo had done what she had set out to do – Lupe had once more gazed over the depths of the enormous Taiya River canyon into a world of ice, snow, and jagged peaks, a world in sight, but forever beyond reach, this time seen from the lofty heights of Peak<\/span> 6053<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Peak 6053<\/strong>, British Columbia, Canada 9-11-18<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Directions to the International Falls trailhead: <\/strong>The trailhead is a pullout less than a kilometer inside the Canadian border along the W side of the South Klondike Highway.\u00a0 This pullout is located 7.5 miles (12 km) S of Canadian Customs.\u00a0 Coming from Skagway, the trailhead is the 2nd pullout on the L shortly after crossing the high point of the highway near White Pass.\u00a0 A small lake is visible down in the creek valley W of the highway.<\/em><\/p>\n

There are no facilities or information at the trailhead other than a sign about avalanche dangers.\u00a0 The trailhead is located between US Customs and Canadian Customs, so it will always be necessary to pass through one or the other on the way back to either Skagway or Carcross.\u00a0 Remember to bring appropriate documentation!<\/em><\/p>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

International Falls, Canada to Alaska (8-8-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Fraser Peak, British Columbia, Canada (8-9-17)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

W<\/em>ant more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose\u00a0from\u00a0Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska Adventure Inde<\/strong>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>,\u00a0Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 39 of Lupe’s 2018 Dingo Vacation to the Yukon, Northwest Territories & Alaska! 6:30 AM, Nares Mountain trailhead, Blattas Point Road – Nooooo!\u00a0 Late last night, silver stars had shone overhead as the tired American Dingo settled in for a long snooze.\u00a0 The sky had been 80 to 90% clear!\u00a0 Hopes had been high … Continue reading On & Off the International Falls Trail to Peak 6053, British Columbia, Canada (9-11-18)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23285,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[997],"tags":[704,105,79,30,1160,106,26,1107,104,1161,11,904,1162,907],"class_list":["post-23295","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2018-yukon-northwest-territiories-alaska","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-british-columbia","tag-canada","tag-carcross","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-international-falls-trail","tag-lupe","tag-peak-6053","tag-peakbagging","tag-skagway","tag-taiya-peak","tag-white-pass"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/IMG_2177.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23295","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23295"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23742,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23295\/revisions\/23742"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/23285"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}