Glacier Mountaineering Society

Wed, Jul 24 2013 - Pinnacle Wall Goat Trail (View Original Event Details)

Coordinator(s):		Craig A. Swatland
Participants:		Craig A. Swatland, Cindy Johnson, Joel Vignere, Ken McDermott, Jim Young, David King, Randy Peters, Jeremy Rossman, Alan Wiley

Write Up:
Coordinator: Craig Swatland The Pinnacle wall goat trail also know as the Ptarmigan traverse had been my first ever climb with GMS five years ago. The exposure had scared me to death. So what better way to conquer my fears than to coordinate this climb five years later? Eight climbers left the trailhead at 7:30 a.m. on a beautiful, sunny day. We cruised to the Ptarmigan Tunnel in a little over two hours and then headed up to the goat trail after checking out the tunnel. WOW, what views and exposure we saw. Lake Helen was so calm that Ahern Peak was reflected in it. We lost the trail several times but were able to rediscover our route each time with all members of the group communicating well. Lunch below the Ptarmigan Spire was wonderful (jalapeno/garlic stuffed olives were enjoyed) and the rest of the traverse did not disappoint — sheer drop-offs and awesome views improving with every step. The snowfield at Ahern Pass was impassable so we climbed up an earlier gully and slogged up to Iceberg Notch. The classic descent from the Notch to Iceberg Lake was very challenging but we all made it down safely. The worst part was the final scree field down to the trail near the lake. It was wet and very loose and I think we all took a fall or two but nothing serious. Local Bozeman beers and salsa were enjoyed back at the trailhead parking lot 13 1/2 hours after we started. We were tired but everyone truly enjoyed the climb. What a classic trip. I look forward to doing it again. Climbers were: Craig Swatland, Laurie Lintner, Cindy Johnson, David King, Jim Young, Joel Vignere, Ken McDermott and Randy Peters.

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.