Name: Last Peak (A-5-A+) (READ DESCRIPTION)
Start: 2024-11-23T08:00:00-07:00
End: 2024-11-23T14:30:00-07:00

**RSVP PROCESS:** Due to the difficulty of this hike, I'll be taking a different approach for RSVPs as the safety and welfare of the group will at all times be uppermost in my mind...
**All RSVP's will be done via *Text, Meetup DM, or Phone Call (My number is below).* You are free to contact me anytime. Before approval, I'll take the following factors to consideration:**
***1) Hiking Experience/Ability***
***2) Physical Fitness***
***3) Organ Mountain Hikes Completed***
***4) Scrambling Experience/Fear of Heights***
***5) Interpersonal Relations***
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**Preface:**
I recommend this hike for ***ADVANCED HIKERS ONLY with EXCEPTIONAL SCRAMBLING ABILITY.*** You'll need to be in the **"Cream of the Crop"** of the EP/LC hiking population if you want to attempt this. **You'll need to be able to hold your own and keep composure in areas with significant exposure.**

**I'd say this is definitely one of the sketchier and less summitted peaks in the Organs.**

**\*\*\*At this time, I only feel comfortable taking a group of no more than 5**

When I found the register at the top, it was only a small list of names. Even the notebook itself was no more than a small strip. I am assuming that whoever put it up there figured not many would reach the top. There are **two known "scramble" approaches** to reach the top. Unfortunately, I am only familiar with the "**waterfall" approach** albeit I am aware of what I think may be the **southern face approach.** (I may attempt it if I can make sure it's viable)

**I am usually pretty confident on most scrambles approaches but did find myself to be pretty nervous on the way up and more so on the way down due to my short stature.** There is an **awkward spot** where one has to **"chimney"** their way up and there is **no room for error** on that move. The **exposure is legitimate** and a fall would surely result in **serious injury or even death .** **Perhaps I am overexaggerating, but I cannot dismiss the sense of sketchiness that was felt.**

The peak itself is insane. Literally walking a **long, slanted, slabby plateau.** It's as if the mountain was **sliced by a sword** and we were left with what is called **"Last Peak".** The view of **CWM** nearby is also a sight to see!

\*\*\*If we make it up the approach and **ice (even just water) is present**, I will have to **call it off as it will be** **too much risk.**

***

**ADK Mountain Ratings Explained...**
**Hikes are rated for pace (A, B or C), mileage, and terrain (A, B or C), with "C" designating easier hikes and "A" more challenging ones. We recommend that new hikers should first try a "C" or short "B" hike before undertaking a more difficult one; otherwise, you may not fully enjoy the hiking experience. If you have any doubts, please contact the hike leader in advance.**

***Pace Ratings:***
**A** = Fast
**B** = Moderate
**C** = Slow
***Distance*\*:**\* Noted in miles
***Terrain Ratings:***
**A** = Strenuous, long/steep climbs and descents, abundant scrambling ranging from classes 3-4
**B** = Moderate climbs and descents, possible scrambling
**C** = Generally flat with little elevation change
For example, a hike rated “B-7-A” is a moderately paced hike of approximately 7 miles with steep climbs and/or descents and possible rock scrambling.

***

**ADK Rating Scale: A-5-A+**
This hike is **DIFFICULT** with a significant amount **class 2-4 scrambling**, **bushwhacking, steep ascents, and boulder fields.**

**The final stretch includes some exposed scrambling that I found to be sketchy\*\*\***

We'll also be moving at a **fast pace.**

***

**Hike Details:**
We'll meet at the **Aguirre Springs Campground Gate** at **0800 (when it opens)**, so I would advise showing up 10-15 minutes prior so we can introduce ourselves and pay the **$5** park fee (exempt if possessing a **NP Pass**) if need be. This **5 mile, out & back** will start at the **Baylor Pass Trailhead (East)**. The hike starts relatively easy (and boring) as we have to take the **Baylor Pass Trail** for quite some time. Eventually, we'll reach a **random gully** that will signify the start of the the approach to the saddle of **Last Peak** and **CWM.** Said gully starts off relatively clean until we reach a **half mile stretch of bushwhacking that no pair of clippers can trim....** I said I would never take this approach again, yet here I am the fool taking it once again... Main point, the **bushwhacking** really is that bad. Upon reaching the saddle, we'll semi circumambulate **Last Peak** to get to the **"waterfall" side** in which we will scramble up carefully.

As it is an **out & back route**, we will take the same way down to get back to the **Baylor Pass Trailhead (East)**. We'll accrue a **total elevation gain of 2000-2500 feet (I don't have a GPX track with just Last Peak as it's usually done with Nordspitz and I am too lazy to do math).**

I am estimating that it will take us **6-7 hours** but it I would not be shocked if it gets done in a much shorter time period.

**Point of Contact: Pabon 915-500-9740**
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**Caution/Disclaimer:**
Each individual hiker is responsible for their own personal safety/health and of their guests when participating in EP Hiking Group activities. The organizers of EP Hiking Group and EP Hiking Group are not liable for any illness, injury, accident, mechanical break-down, or unforeseen acts that may occur while you participate going to, during, or after any activity. If you have a medical condition that may be aggravated with any kind of physical activity you must make your own personal decision about attending and not hold any of the volunteer organizers liable. All organizers are volunteers and are not compensated during any activity.\*\*\*

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Last Peak (A-5-A+) (READ DESCRIPTION)

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