{"id":46986,"date":"2023-06-02T08:10:31","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T14:10:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=46986"},"modified":"2023-07-04T12:01:45","modified_gmt":"2023-07-04T18:01:45","slug":"west-galbraith-peak-brooks-range-alaska-8-30-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=46986","title":{"rendered":"West Galbraith Peak, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-30-22)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 1 of Day 32 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska!<\/em><\/p>\n

9:58 AM, 42\u00baF, Galbraith Lake campground –<\/em><\/p>\n

Think everything’s about ready, Loopster!\u00a0 Shall we?<\/em><\/p>\n

We shall, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Full of enthusiasm, Lupe left the campsite trotting SW through the tall, yellow bushes, heading straight for the nearest mountain, the one SPHP had finally decided to call West Galbraith Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,560 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out for West Galbraith Peak<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The sky was still almost entirely overcast this morning, but the fog that had rolled in late yesterday evening was gone, and the mountains were below the clouds.\u00a0 An unexpected, but happy turn of events.<\/p>\n

Lupe was ecstatic!\u00a0 She raced away across the tundra, exploring and sniffing far ahead of SPHP.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving the Galbraith Lake campground<\/strong>. Lupe<\/strong> (R). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shortly after crossing the campground access road, Lupe made it to the stream that passes S of it on its way to Galbraith Lake.\u00a0 This stream was bigger than SPHP expected and rather rocky.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Approaching the stream. West Galbraith Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
West Galbraith Peak<\/strong> (Center) from the big stream. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following the stream toward the mountain on the exposed streambed was more trouble than it was worth.\u00a0 Too rocky!\u00a0 Returning to the bank overlooking the stream, the Carolina Dog discovered a use trail, which made life easy.<\/p>\n

Before long, the floodplain broadened out a great deal.\u00a0 The lip of the bank Lupe was on turned W.\u00a0 Climbing steadily, she was soon quite far from the stream, although she could still see and hear it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading W along the upper lip of the floodplain. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Approaching West Galbraith Peak, the stream curved SSW.\u00a0 Several glaciers were visible at the far upper end of the valley in the vicinity of Mount Kiev<\/span><\/a> (7,775 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, which was high enough to be up in the clouds.\u00a0 That whole region looked mighty enticing, but much more rugged and beyond the scope of anything SPHP was prepared for today.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Glaciers near Mount Kiev<\/strong> (L), West Galbraith Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Kiev region<\/strong>. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the opposite direction, rolling hills led toward Alaska’s North Slope, which was out of sight, but not all that far away.\u00a0 Bits of blue sky, and the vastness of the open terrain beckoned there, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Alaska’s North Slope<\/strong> is just over the horizon. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking NE back downstream, Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Peak 5308<\/span><\/strong> were in sight, as well as part of Galbraith Lake.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 5308<\/span><\/strong> (R), Peak 5430<\/span><\/strong> (far R), Galbraith Lake<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The edge of the high ground Lupe was following swept around in a wide arc, eventually turning S, too.\u00a0 Gradually gaining elevation, the American Dingo explored a bench of tundra below West Galbraith Peak’s NE slopes on the R (W) that overlooked the stream on the L (E).<\/p>\n

Continuing S for more than 0.5 mile, this bench began to narrow before shriveling away.\u00a0 A steep E ridge coming down off West Galbraith Peak was directly ahead.\u00a0 The intention was to at least get to this ridge to see what might lay beyond it, but by the time Lupe was starting to get close, she was having to traverse rock slides.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Nearly to the E ridge<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe could have made it to the E ridge.\u00a0 She was nearly there when, looking up the mountain, a nice long stretch of brown tundra appeared on the R.\u00a0 It was steep, but extended hundreds of feet up the mountain.<\/p>\n

You know, Loop, might be easier to head up right here.\u00a0 Tundra looks good, and the rockier region above it doesn’t look bad, either.\u00a0 Appears we can intercept the E ridge somewhere up there without much trouble.\u00a0 Doubt we’ll see a better route around the next bend, anyway.\u00a0 Want to try it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine with me, SPHP, but what does the topo map say?<\/em><\/p>\n

Don’t have any maps of this area, Loopster.\u00a0 West Galbraith Peak is just one of those spur of the moment “Bet we can climb that one!” peaks.<\/em><\/p>\n

Turning W, Lupe started up the tundra.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up West Galbraith Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It was a long, steep climb, but perfectly doable.\u00a0 Lupe had plenty of time to study the intricacies of the tundra, or admire the views during SPHP’s frequent breaks to gasp for air.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The always amazing tundra.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tundra eventually became scarce, reduced to small tufts and occasional larger patches.\u00a0 Lupe continued higher, angling WSW toward the E ridge on good-sized scree that was rough and irregular in shape.\u00a0 It generally held together well, rarely shifting much and providing good support.<\/p>\n

Back to the NE, Lupe could see nearly all of Galbraith Lake now.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Amid the scree, heading for the E ridge<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Galbraith Lake<\/strong>. Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center), Peak 5308<\/span><\/strong> (R), Peak 5430<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time Lupe reached the E ridge, she was already at 4,100 feet with less than 500 feet to go.\u00a0 The views to the S were even better now, and a bit of blue sky raised hopes of sunshine before too long.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The glaciers<\/strong> (Center) from West Galbraith Peak’s E ridge<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Blue sky near Mount Kiev<\/strong>. Photo looks S with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Another view was more disconcerting.\u00a0 Much of West Galbraith Peak’s long summit ridge was now in sight.\u00a0 A high point way over at the SSW end looked like it might well be the true summit.\u00a0 Getting to it appeared potentially problematic.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
SSW high point<\/strong> (L), NNE high point<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Scrambling WNW, Lupe continued higher.\u00a0 Scree all the way!\u00a0 Still quite steep, but parts of the ascent weren’t bad at all.\u00a0 Almost no talus up here, only a little near an outcropping of bedrock that was easily avoided.\u00a0 Soon Lupe was closing in on the mountain’s NNE high point.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading for the NNE summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
NNE summit<\/strong> (L of Center). Almost there! Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1:37 PM, 51\u00baF, West Galbraith Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,560 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Lupe’s perch on the NNE summit was sufficient, but certainly not any bigger than it needed to be.\u00a0 Looking SSW along the long summit ridge, SPHP was satisfied.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the NNE summit<\/strong>. SSW summit<\/strong> (L). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hard to say for certain, Looper, but I think we’re golden!<\/em><\/p>\n

So we’re already at the true summit of West Galbraith Peak, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Believe so, Loop!\u00a0 Might be an illusion, but if that SSW high point is any higher, it can’t be by much.\u00a0 Think I’d actually bet on this being the true summit.<\/em><\/p>\n

Kind of a narrow ridge, SPHP.\u00a0 Are we going there, anyway, to make sure?<\/em><\/p>\n

Naw!\u00a0 Don’t think it’s worth the trouble, Loopster.\u00a0 Looks like we could get there, if we’re careful, but seems unnecessary.\u00a0 If this ridge was <\/em>wider, we’d do it.\u00a0 Would be interesting to see how things look from over there.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, good!\u00a0 I’m ready for a break anyway, SPHP!\u00a0 Can we just hang out here then?<\/em><\/p>\n

Why, of course!\u00a0 Right after I shake your paw, Loopster!\u00a0 Congratulations on your successful ascent of another fabulous peak in the Brooks Range!<\/em><\/p>\n

An eagerly accepted chocolate coconut bar and beef jerky were shared in celebration of the joyous occasion.\u00a0 Although the absolute high point was small and rocky, patches of tundra nearby were sufficiently large to provide a selection of comfortable perches.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At what appeared to be the true summit of West Galbraith Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 5308<\/span><\/strong> (Center), Peak 7090<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The views were incredible!\u00a0 Off to the S, the glaciers in the Mount Kiev region were disappearing among rain showers, making the silvery peaks in that direction even more mysterious.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Rain showers toward Mount Kiev<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Loopster catching a few winks, apparently not overly concerned. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Skies were sunnier toward the E.\u00a0 Galbraith Lake and the Atigun River were in sight.\u00a0 Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/span><\/a> (5,000 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was the highest point N of the river beyond Galbraith Lake.\u00a0 The series of peaks farther S were progressively higher toward the SE.\u00a0 Peak<\/strong> 7090<\/strong><\/span> stood out, but both Peak<\/span> 7200<\/span><\/a><\/strong> and Wellsung Mountain<\/span><\/a> (7,580 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were more daunting.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Galbraith Lake<\/strong> and the Atigun River<\/strong>. Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/strong> (L), Peak 5308<\/span><\/strong> (R), Peak 5430<\/span><\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/strong> (Center), Peak 5308<\/span><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 7090<\/span><\/strong> (L of Center), Peak 7200<\/span><\/strong> and Wellsung Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Imnavait Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,702 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Slope Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,010 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were in view way out on the North Slope.\u00a0 To the NW, a line of silvery peaks hid whatever was beyond it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (L edge) and Slope Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) both on the horizon. Lake Benchmark Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Imnavait Mountain<\/strong> (L of Center) and Slope Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although cloudy, conditions were near perfect.\u00a0 Comfortably warm, and no bugs despite no breeze at all.\u00a0 With beautiful sights in all directions and plenty of time to enjoy them, SPHP began daydreaming about other peaks Lupe could climb in this region some day.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on West Galbraith Peak<\/strong>. Photo looks WSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early enough, SPHP.\u00a0 Maybe we could climb another mountain today?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, but we’d get back mighty late, if we did that, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

So what, SPHP?\u00a0 Look at where we are!\u00a0 Surrounded by amazing territory on a perfect day on the N side of the Brooks Range!\u00a0 How often do we get an opportunity like this?\u00a0 We could at least do some more exploring!<\/em><\/p>\n

Maybe you’re right, Loop!\u00a0 Your traditional summit hour will be over here pretty soon.\u00a0 Should we pick out another objective?<\/em><\/p>\n

At first, the line of peaks to the NW seemed to offer the best possibilities that were reasonably nearby.\u00a0 The American Dingo ought to enjoy a truly spectacular panoramic view of the North Slope from over there!<\/p>\n

How about that pointy peak off to the SW, SPHP?\u00a0 It’s even higher!<\/em><\/p>\n

You mean the one on the R side of that pass, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peak 5050<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SW with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yes!\u00a0 Kind of steep, but it’s not as rugged as the stuff on the other side of the pass.\u00a0 I’m almost positive we could climb it, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I believe you’re right, Loopster.\u00a0 If we can get down to the valley W of us here, we should be able to follow it all the way to that pass before scrambling to the top.<\/em><\/p>\n

Gazing down West Galbraith Peak’s NNW slope, 1,000+ feet of scree led down to the valley in question.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peering down West Galbraith Peak’s NNW slope<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

So, what do you think, SPHP?\u00a0 Can you do it?\u00a0 I know I can!<\/em><\/p>\n

Steep, but clearly manageable, Loop.\u00a0 It’ll take me a while, but we can get down to the valley alright.\u00a0 Don’t think we’ll have a problem from there.<\/em><\/p>\n

Want to try for that pointy peak then, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Sure!\u00a0 I like this idea, Looper!\u00a0 In fact, that mountain might even be within the NE corner of Gates of the Arctic National Park<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, are we that close to the Gates of the Arctic, SPHP?\u00a0 How awesome would that be, climbing a mountain there!<\/em><\/p>\n

Super awesome, Loop, but I’m not sure exactly how far we are from the park.\u00a0 Can’t be too far from it, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

If that mountain turns out to be inside the park, or even on the border, we could call it Gates of the Arctic NE Peak<\/span><\/a> (5,050 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, couldn’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, that would probably make sense, Loop.\u00a0 Would have to see a map to be sure.\u00a0 I’m all stirred up about it now.\u00a0 Want to go for it?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but not until my summit hour is done, SPHP.\u00a0 West Galbraith Peak is an incredible place, too!\u00a0 Let’s enjoy our time here.\u00a0 Then we’ll go.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fair enough, Loopster.\u00a0 Sounds like a plan!<\/em><\/p>\n

Surrounded by splendor on all sides, Lupe relaxed on the soft tundra as her final precious minutes up on West Galbraith Peak<\/span><\/a> (4,560 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> ticked away.\u00a0 Meanwhile, SPHP enjoyed the fabulous Brooks Range views, now drawn especially to the magnetic one off to the SW.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Next objective and potential Gates of the Arctic NE Peak<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Enjoying summit hour on West Galbraith Peak<\/strong>, Brooks Range, Alaska 8-30-22<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lupe’s West Galbraith Peak GPS Track (Ascent)<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Lake Benchmark Mountain, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-19-17)<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

BLM Dalton Highway Visitor Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2022 Dingo<\/span> Vacations to Wyoming, Canada & Alaska Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/em>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Part 1 of Day 32 of Lupe’s 2nd Summer of 2022 Dingo Vacation to Canada & Alaska! 9:58 AM, 42\u00baF, Galbraith Lake campground – Think everything’s about ready, Loopster!\u00a0 Shall we? We shall, SPHP! Full of enthusiasm, Lupe left the campsite trotting SW through the tall, yellow bushes, heading straight for the nearest mountain, the … Continue reading West Galbraith Peak, Brooks Range, Alaska (8-30-22)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":46984,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","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":[1585],"tags":[704,105,723,106,26,920,104,1637],"class_list":["post-46986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1585","tag-alaska","tag-american-dingo","tag-brooks-range","tag-carolina-dog","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-galbraith-lake","tag-lupe","tag-west-galbraith-peak"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/IMG_0148-scaled.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\/46986","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=46986"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46986\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49370,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46986\/revisions\/49370"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/46984"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46986"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46986"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46986"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}