From a pull-out on CA-88,
Stevens Peak is a steady climb through sparse woods and open
snowfields.
Nate appreciates the ethos
of "earn your turns."
Jenn hikes up the steep pitch
below the summit. The Sierra Crest rises in the background.
Perfect terrain opens up west of
the summit. Our descent route began in the saddle just right of the
cornice and dropped straight down into the bowl.
The last pitch is a challenge
for ski-bearing humans or their four-legged companions.
From the summit, we sit in the
warm California sun and enjoy views of Kirkwood, the Sierra Crest, and
Lake Tahoe to the north.
Hope Valley
Just over
Carson Pass from Kirkwood.
Paul skins up above treeline
toward the summit cone of Stevens.
Carl surveys the fine terrain
below the peak.
Above the snow-covered slopes,
the rocky summit cone rises for another several hundred feet.
Seriously steep terrain is
available on the north-facing slopes. Lake Tahoe appears on the
horizon.
