A climb on the sentinel that overlooks Markleeville

With cool crisp autumn weather ahead it's time to consider climbing a peak. There is no better time to appreciate the Sierra than in October, when the light is thin and the sky sparkling blue. The majesty of the mountains comes into crystal focus calling us to stand on top and view all that is around. Not to mention that the insects have mostly disappeared (except those pesky yellow jackets), there are fewer people on the trails and it's easier to push muscles at a higher rate in the cool, denser air.

High and jagged Raymond Peak, overlooking Markleeville, is perfect for a fall excursion. If you're coming from the Carson Valley south on Highway 88 it's at 1 o'-clock in your field of view. The taller peak that's almost lined up with the highway is Silver Peak. Raymond's easiest route is class 2, so bring gloves and hiking poles " the last 1,000 feet is off-trail. Allow about three hours up for the 2,100 feet of elevation gain and two-and-a-half hours down with adjustments for your fitness level and break times.

Examine Raymond with binoculars or if you're in Markleeville drive up to the museum and take a look. Notice two bands of trees ascending nearly to the top. You'll climb in the leftmost band or better yet in the gully just left of that band.

Take the left toward Tamarack Lake off Blue Lakes Road, continue, as the road becomes dirt, to a T, turn right, cross a creek (high clearance recommended), then stay left to the Wet Meadows Pacific Crest Trail parking area. This road has been periodically closed this summer for restoration so check first.

From Wet Meadows take the trail south (actually heading east here), initially climbing easily to a small ridge, then descending to the headwaters of Pleasant Valley Creek, before beginning a series of climbs and levels as it contours steep gullies on the north side of the peak. Enjoy the excellent views of Pleasant Valley and Markleeville. The trail climbs more steeply to a broad open shoulder where a right turn takes us south to Raymond Lake. Take a break at this beautiful lake tucked in a cirque and then continue the climb, off trail, around the left side of the lake.

Continue climbing, steeply now, through a hemlock band, jog left into a small gully and begin the thigh burning "staircase" portion of the climb. As you stop to catch your breath turn around and notice what a steep slope you're on. This will give you the energy to continue. Nearing the summit, keep left to arc around and climb the last few feet from the south.

At 10,114 feet, the view is superb. Jewel-like Raymond Lake, Pleasant Valley, Markleeville and the Carson Valley stretch northward. Numerous lakes lie to the west and the peaks of the Carson-Iceberg wilderness dominate the south. Cathedral-like Peak 9700 and Reynolds Peak are immediately southwest. Sign the register, do the usual summit things and then figure out how you're going to get down.

Retracing your steps is one obvious solution. Just go back down the stairs or move into the trees part way down and lurch from tree to tree to arrest your descent rate.

Fit climbers without fear can make a loop by going off the southwest ridge. This is easy for about a 1⁄2 mile until a nearly vertical rock drop-off blocks the way. Go off on the right or northwest slope and gingerly work your way down the very steep loose rock, switch-backing as necessary. Those poles and gloves come in really handy in this section.

Once down in the trees, descend northwest, dip in and out of several small gullies while resisting the temptation to veer northeast down the creek drainages. Keep left, without climbing the lower slopes of Peak 9700, to intercept the Pacific Crest Trail on that small ridge near Wet Meadows.

The usual precautions apply. Bring clothing appropriate for the weather and check the NOAA's Reno forecast Web site. Thunderstorms cancel, snow on the peak cancels (unless you have the skill and equipment necessary), don't forget the 10 essentials and enjoy the climb.

The Alpine Watershed Group's annual Creek Day celebration is Sept. 27 at the Alpine County Library Park. The event gets under way at 9 a.m. with lunch provided at noon.

There will be activities for all ages and physical abilities. Join us to celebrate your watershed. Learn about fly tying, invasive weeds, how to use a GPS, do storm drain stenciling, story time, arts and crafts or some restoration work.

Live music by Acoustic Solution at noon. Bring clothes you can get dirty in, hat, gloves, sunscreen and a GPS if possible. Contact Chris Katopothis at (530) 694-2327 for more information.