Glacier Mountaineering Society

Sat, May 20 2006 - Metis Peak & Arches Mountain (View Original Event Details)

Coordinator(s):		Ralph Thornton
Participants:		Tim Horan, Ralph Thornton

Write Up:
Our climb began with a cold quick wade of the South Fork of the Teton River followed by a steep ascent to the north ridge of Arches Mountain. Spring wildflowers including some orchids and Jones Columbine decorated the route. We soon reached the first scenic highlight, two huge arches carved through the mountain by wind and weather. After a short luncheon with time for climbing and exploring the rock formations, we traversed the east face of Arches Mountain. This brought us to the south ridge of the peak which we followed to the summit (7,376 feet). On top the sun warmed our group and we lounged around enjoying the rest. Views there were fantastic with snowcovered Old Baldy Mountain (9,156 feet) dominating the view to the west. Then someone mentioned that it was unusual for the wind to be so calm on the Front Range in spring. Those words were barely uttered when the wind came up, the temperature fell and clouds started moving our way. We dashed off the summit and headed for our next objective, Metis Peak a mile or so away. The route crossed a saddle and followed a ridge fully exposed to the cold west wind. Several of our group wondered about the sanity of the climb coordinator when brief rain showers dampened us, but all continued on. Before long we posed on the summit of Metis Peak (8,280 feet). The hardy mountaineers huddled behind the summit ridge to escape the wind. After a brief stop and some snacks, we retraced the last part of our route. Another rain shower passed over but it was accompanied by sunshine and a magnificent full rainbow arched over our intended route off the mountain. Our final challenge was another wade of the South Fork of the Teton River now in full spring runoff mode. The water rushed along as I recounted a previous crossing attempt where a member of the party was knocked down by the rushing water. That didn't cheer anyone up at all. We sucked it in, changed into wading shoes and shouted encouragement to each other as we crossed the cold swift stream. Soon thereafter we were back at the vehicles enjoying some post climb refreshments.

Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Tim Anderson at twamontana@gmail.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.