South Peak (12,892) & UN 12454 by Brian Schultz Monday July 22, 2019

Roundtrip mileage: 8.15 miles from Weston Pass (elev 11,935')
Elevation gain: 1,970'
Start to finish: 5 hours 5 minutes

I camped last night at the Weston Pass campground south of Weston Pass. This is a nice campground and not too far from Weston Pass. I drove up to the pass this morning and began at 7:10 AM under sunny skies. Hiking an old road was handy before departing it and heading for South Peak's south ridge. The local elk numbered around 150 as I headed up easy grassy slopes to the ridge. They kept a safe distance from me and scampered over the saddle before I got too close. I passed by a small tower in the flats below the summit and despite large snow patches on the ridge, it was easy to get around them and I arrived on the summit at 8:20. Views from the summit were nice on this clear day and I stayed for fifteen minutes.

The terrain to UN 12454 was also grassy with a stream crossing to manage before heading up to the summit. Again, the travel was very easy but there were willows to contend with. I arrived on top at 10:10 and shared it with hordes of mosquitoes. Even so, I stayed 20 minutes before descending. I headed back up to the broad area between South Peak and UN 12454 but instead of returning toward South Peak, I set a bearing to Weston Pass. It was a time saver but I got caught in a wet area from the recently melted snow and had to bushwhack through more willows again. I squished my way through until reaching dryer ground but it was quick and easy after that to the pass. I got back at 12:15.