The Needles and Tumarion Peak in Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, AZ

Hike The Needles and Tumarion Peak Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, AZ

Class 4 16.2 miles 6500 gain 11-15 hrs Loop Jan 31, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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This incredible desert route visits The Needles, a group of fantastic volcanic peaks within Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, as well as the formidable-looking Tumarion Peak. The Needles are what the town of Needles, California is named after, though far more visit the town than the landmark for which the town is named. Havasu NWR is better known by boaters and kayakers for the rocky-walled section of waterway to the west of The Needles called Topock Gorge. It's surprising how close the Refuge is to I-40, and yet it gets incredibly little foot traffic. In fact, Matt and I went into the area without any information at all because it's so poorly documented. Looking back after exploring the area pretty much in its entirety, I'd go as far as to say I was obsessed with the peaks in the area, how to access them, which were doable. I uncovered a bigger desire to explore this area than I've ever felt in my life. I'll note that we kayaked into the area on another trip in order to get peaks on the west side of the Colorado River, our friend Shawn joining us to revisit the area. I squashed the two trips into this single trip report to form a cohesive route. So, in case you notice a third person in our group or weird lighting changes, that's why. The stats reflect the entire route outlined in the attached map (excluding the pink "easier" line). This trip report assumes you're only hiking and using the route described by the attached map, but if you want to kayak in and need additional info for that, please get in touch and I'm happy to help.

In order to get as close as we could, we navigated the ATV roads to the north of the Refuge, starting by exiting I-40 here: 34.719401051718265, -114.4352588369405. The roads we took were sandy and require 4WD. 2WD would add at least three miles round trip to the day since the sand begins pretty early on. The spot where we parked was the last turn-off before the road became treacherous and narrow through a wash and only ATVs could continue. However, the end of the road (the Havasu NWR border) was only a half mile or so farther, so not a big deal.

Once past the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge border we continued down the wash and headed south on burro trails through the desert. A couple of smaller volcanic peaks came into view, all looking sheer and foreboding. And then we stopped in our tracks: Gold Dome came into view and looked like an intense and impossible peak. We were thrilled/excited, and I began to question if we'd be able to summit anything based on the first glance at Gold Dome. There's a major wash draining northwest from the north side of Tumarion Peak which I'll refer to as Tumarion Wash for the sake of describing our route – I don't believe it has an official name. The burro trail led us into Tumarion Wash. We would reach this junction later in the day after descending from Tumarion Peak on our way back, but for now we headed up a minor canyon that housed "Jackpot Spring". Here we enountered a trickle of water and lots of animal tracks. We continued up the canyon, boulder-hopping on Class 2/3 terrain until we reached a lovely saddle separating Gold Dome from Havasuper Peak. Also located here is the remains of the Gold Dome Mine, consisting of an old road and some ruins.

First up would be Gold Dome. We knew from looking on maps that the south side would likely be our best option, but from the saddle the west face looked possible as well. In hindsight, I'd recommend it only if you're interested in some fun, Class 3 route-finding on mostly very good rock. However, taking the easier way to the summit area for Gold Dome would require dropping down and wrapping around to its south side. I've outlined both of these routes in my attached map, the pink line being the less-cryptic option. I'll describe the route as we did it because if you're reading this trip report, you're likely more inclined to do a fun scramble than to just find the easy way. We started to the right of a big crevasse below the saddle. The crevasse appears like it broke off and separated 1/5th of the mountain from the rest of Gold Dome, creating a 15-foot cliff leading the whole way up. Perhaps going straight up the crevasse would work as well, but I think there might have been some major obstacles within. We were able to locate a Class 3 set of moves to get over the cliffs at the base of the 1/5th piece of mountain (on the right of the crevasse), whereas doing so on the 4/5th piece had scary cliffs at its base. A few hundred feet up of fun Class 2/3 slab scrambling brought us closer to the base of Gold Dome's summit area. We would need to drop into the crevasse since the top of the 1/5th of mountain gets cliffed out. We kept a lookout on the left for a Class 3+ down climb into the crevasse. Some Class 3 moves within the crevasse brought us up onto the 4/5ths chunk of Gold Dome. I don't think there's more than one option. I provided a red-lined route map photo below of our route as seen from a distance. Once on the 4/5ths chunk of Gold Dome, we continued ascending just below the base of its sheer west face and found ourselves at the crux.

I stared dumbly at the sustained 30 feet of mostly solid rock. Matt went up first, confirming it was Class 4. It required a couple of slow moves leading to a small rest spot before pulling a couple of more difficult moves. It's not exposed, except for the fact that you're 20 feet off the deck by this point. At the top of the crux, there was a rest spot. We took in the sights and caught our breath before deciding to continue. It will be tempting to continue to the right of the rest spot where a short, loose gully leads to a sketchy ledge with extreme exposure. I quickly dismissed this option, suggesting a set of Class 3+ moves on the left of the rest spot instead. One exposed foothold and a nice pull brought us to some pleasant Class 2/3 terrain, ending on what I thought was a knife-edge and the end of our attempt. However, an easy workaround on the right avoided the knife-edge and brought us along the rest of the ridge, where we encountered a couple of Class 3 sections with minimal exposure. Miraculously we found ourselves on the summit of Gold Dome. I took my sweet-ass time on the descent, two of the three tricky scrambles giving me significant pause.

Once we were down from the crux of Gold Dome, we headed to where the 1/5th peice of mountain rose from the 4/5th piece of mountain and descended the gully caused by this fissure, down the south side of the mountain (pink line). This gully was Class 2 and a little brushy. It also avoided the entirety of the fun, cryptic scrambling we did on the ascent. We continued down the gully for 600+ feet and side-hilled to get over to the saddle north of South Dome. Gold Dome and South Dome are separated by a likely impossible pinnacle. It's an unranked peak anyway, so we skipped it since all sides appeared sheer. On our first trip we attempted South Dome from the south with no luck, the east side and west side are a wall of cliffs, leaving only the north. The route we located starts by heading up the Class 2/3 bouldery gully. We first tried going all the way to the saddle and past the saddle with no luck (I removed this from my attached map). Instead, we found two options: the first was a scary Class 4+ chute with some extreme exposure for the crux required to pull the final lip. I backed off this and looked for another option, locating one a hundred feet down the ascent gully. It required a Class 3 wrap-around to a Class 5 headwall. The headwall is about 20 feet and has decent holds, but minimal exposure. My friends dropped a line from above and I was able to get up this way. We later used it as the descent as well, since the Class 4+ gully option was treacherous. Shawn was able to down-climb the Class 5 headwall, so its definitely doable for those willing to take a little more risk than I am. Either option leads to Class 2/3 terrain on the north face of South Dome. A short Class 4 move with no exposure leads up a small grotto, and then more Class 2/3 continues. There were bighorned sheep poops up here, so there must be an easier route somewhere. I can't image they would be free-soloing this route, so if you do find a better route, please let me know where it is. Just before the summit block, an undercut lip requires a stiff climbing move, but there's no exposure and it's only 5 feet off the deck, so I'll call it Class 4+. A partner assist sufficed. The summit of South Dome was amazing, views in all directions and a pristine look at Gold Dome to the north. We returned the way we came and headed down to the drainage separating Gold Dome/South Dome from Havasuper Peak.

We started up to Havasuper Peak by working up a small drainaging leading to a break in Havasuper Peak's incredible cliff face (barely Class 2). Once over the cliff band, we stayed low, knowing the ridge could prove treacherous. We found a pleasant Class 2/3 slab that led to the ridge crest, which we followed to the summit. The views toward Gold Dome here were absolutely incredible, and Havasuper Peak's cliff face was somehow overhung and stunning when seen from above. My friend Yossi accidentally named this peak for us, wishing for us to "Havasuper day!" – it was too punny not to name this peak after it.

We got back to the drainage separating Gold Dome/South Dome from Havasuper Peak and followed it south. There was a Class 3 move at the mouth of the drainage, and then we were in the wide-open desert wash at the base of Peak 1042. To the east we could see beautiful sand dunes. We headed to a break in Peak 1042's northeast side and worked up a short Class 3 section to gain the ridge. We followed the ridge (Class 2/2+) to the summit. Along the way, we met a headwall that required wrapping around to the west. I think the views from Peak 1042 were my favorite of the area. We continued south along the ridge, hoping to find a route down and were successful (Class 2). We continued toward Peak 1144 next, which required a short desert jaunt over the sand dunes and down to the northern ridge of the peak. While I'm sure you can find a Class 2 route up this, we did encounter one stiff Class 3 pull move.

After Peak 1144, we headed back up the sand dunes and cotninued north into  the major wash to the east of The Needles. Peak 1295 was a lovely little peak worth tacking on. From its saddle with South Dome, we headed along its north ridge on Class 2 terrain. You could keep to the right of the ridge and ascend the volcanic slope, or stick to the ridge crest and scramble through a fun crack and do some minor route-finding. There are a few ways up the peak, but the summit block required a Class 3 move on solid rock, followed by a lightly exposed Class 3 move to gain the summit. We found an old motorcycle helmet up there. Tumarion Peak was in the distance, our last obective. We debated even going for this peak since it was so late in the day and we expected it to be a serious undertaking, but it wasn't.

We headed generally northeast up the wash on the east side of The Needles for a mile or so until it reached a cliff. A nice burro trail led to the right and out of the wash, bringing us to higher ground and into Tumarion Wash. We followed Tumarion Wash for a while as we passed Tumarion Peak on its right and continued south in a side-drainage to gain the east ridge of the peak. This ascent to the ridge was loose, but barely Class 2. We continued along the ridge, a social trail surprisingly leading us most of the way. We kept to the right of the ridge crest, encountering two minor Class 2 gullies at the base of the crest's cliff. We found ourselves at the summit block, a Class 3 move leading to an exposed Class 2 section just before the summit.

We backtracked from Tumarion Peak back into Tumarion Wash and followed this until our earlier departure into Jackpot Spring. We followed the same burro trails more-or-less back to the Havasu NWR border, vowing to come back for South Dome and the other little peaks in the area.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Gold Dome
1640 ft
680 rise
2
South Dome
1611 ft
351 rise
3
Havasuper Peak
1460 ft
386 rise
4
Peak 1042
1042 ft
542 rise
5
Peak 1144
1144 ft
484 rise
6
Peak 1295
1295 ft
190 rise
7
Tumarion Peak
2084 ft
744 rise

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At the end of the ATV road at the border of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Some minor volcanic peaks visible on the left.
At the end of the ATV road at the border of Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Some minor volcanic peaks visible on the left.
We headed through the desert on burro trails. The minor volcanic peaks I mentioned previously visible behind Matt.
We headed through the desert on burro trails. The minor volcanic peaks I mentioned previously visible behind Matt.
Gold Dome came into view - incredible.
Gold Dome came into view - incredible.
Minor volcanic peaks surrounding Tumarion Wash.
Minor volcanic peaks surrounding Tumarion Wash.
Heading up Jackpot Spring. There was a trickle.
Heading up Jackpot Spring. There was a trickle.
Looking back the way we came past Jackpot Spring as we head up to the saddle of Gold Dome and Havasuper Peak.
Looking back the way we came past Jackpot Spring as we head up to the saddle of Gold Dome and Havasuper Peak.
Looking back toward the unranked minor volcanic peaks as we ascend to the saddle.
Looking back toward the unranked minor volcanic peaks as we ascend to the saddle.
Gold Dome left, Havasuper Peak right. We headed to the saddle in the center.
Gold Dome left, Havasuper Peak right. We headed to the saddle in the center.
Approaching the saddle on pretty easy terrain.
Approaching the saddle on pretty easy terrain.
At the Gold Dome / Havasuper Peak saddle, view south. South Dome visible left of center. We went to the left along a mining road to get to Gold Dome. The alternative (pink line) heads down the drainage visible in this photo and wraps around Gold Dome on the left.
At the Gold Dome / Havasuper Peak saddle, view south. South Dome visible left of center. We went to the left along a mining road to get to Gold Dome. The alternative (pink line) heads down the drainage visible in this photo and wraps around Gold Dome on the left.
Mining ruins before we start up to Gold Dome.
Mining ruins before we start up to Gold Dome.
Starting up the scrambly cryptic route up Gold Dome. The crevasse I described is visible in the center. You can see the sheer west face of Gold Dome top left of center. Our route headed to the right in this photo.
Starting up the scrambly cryptic route up Gold Dome. The crevasse I described is visible in the center. You can see the sheer west face of Gold Dome top left of center. Our route headed to the right in this photo.
Class 3 move to get over the base cliffs of Gold Dome. Havasuper Peak visible in the bright sunlight.
Class 3 move to get over the base cliffs of Gold Dome. Havasuper Peak visible in the bright sunlight.
Class 2/3 fun up Gold Dome. Peak visible center.
Class 2/3 fun up Gold Dome. Peak visible center.
Looking back as we ascend Gold Dome. You can see the crevasse that separated the 4/5th of mountain from the 1/5th of mountain. We dropped into it when we found a good option, and reascended on the opposite side.
Looking back as we ascend Gold Dome. You can see the crevasse that separated the 4/5th of mountain from the 1/5th of mountain. We dropped into it when we found a good option, and reascended on the opposite side.
Working out of the crevasse and onto the opposite side. West face of Gold Dome is visible top left.
Working out of the crevasse and onto the opposite side. West face of Gold Dome is visible top left.
View of Gold Dome's summit area. The crux is on the right.
View of Gold Dome's summit area. The crux is on the right.
Matt approaching the Class 4 crux sections of Gold Dome, following the shadowline. You can see a small ledge about halfway up that marks the start of the second Class 4 section.
Matt approaching the Class 4 crux sections of Gold Dome, following the shadowline. You can see a small ledge about halfway up that marks the start of the second Class 4 section.
At the top of the second Class 4 section. The third part of the crux (Class 3+) is to the right in this photo.
At the top of the second Class 4 section. The third part of the crux (Class 3+) is to the right in this photo.
Looking down the Class 3+ section. The route comes up from the bright section left of center.
Looking down the Class 3+ section. The route comes up from the bright section left of center.
Class 2/3 to the ridgeline.
Class 2/3 to the ridgeline.
On the ridgeline, avoiding the knife-edge.
On the ridgeline, avoiding the knife-edge.
View back along the knife-edge, avoidable on the left side of this photo.
View back along the knife-edge, avoidable on the left side of this photo.
Class 3 stuff along the ridgeline.
Class 3 stuff along the ridgeline.
Final bit to the summit.
Final bit to the summit.
Gold Dome summit, view toward South Dome (right) and Tumarion Peak (left).
Gold Dome summit, view toward South Dome (right) and Tumarion Peak (left).
Close-up toward South Dome (left) and the Colorado River.
Close-up toward South Dome (left) and the Colorado River.
Gold Dome summit, view north toward the way we came into Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
Gold Dome summit, view north toward the way we came into Havasu National Wildlife Refuge.
A shot taken much later to display the route we took up Gold Dome. Red line was our approach, pink line is the less-cryptic option. They both met up at the crux, seen at the top.
A shot taken much later to display the route we took up Gold Dome. Red line was our approach, pink line is the less-cryptic option. They both met up at the crux, seen at the top.
Back at the base of the Class 4 section, we dropped down a brushy gully on the south side of Gold Dome.
Back at the base of the Class 4 section, we dropped down a brushy gully on the south side of Gold Dome.
Heading down the gully. The impossible-looking unranked peak separated Gold Dome and South Dome is visible ahead. We wrapped around it.
Heading down the gully. The impossible-looking unranked peak separated Gold Dome and South Dome is visible ahead. We wrapped around it.
Heading up the gully between the unranked peak (left) and South Dome (right).
Heading up the gully between the unranked peak (left) and South Dome (right).
Looking back at the gully we ascended. Havasuper Peak visible in the distance. You can see Matt on the Class 3 wrap-around. Behind me a bit up the gully is the Class 4+ option.
Looking back at the gully we ascended. Havasuper Peak visible in the distance. You can see Matt on the Class 3 wrap-around. Behind me a bit up the gully is the Class 4+ option.
Class 5 headwall. Shawn had no problem on it, but I certainly wouldn't have wanted to free-solo it.
Class 5 headwall. Shawn had no problem on it, but I certainly wouldn't have wanted to free-solo it.
Close-up of me on the Class 5 headwall just past the Class 3 wrap-around. (Photo by Matt Bloomfield).
Close-up of me on the Class 5 headwall just past the Class 3 wrap-around. (Photo by Matt Bloomfield).
Shot looking down the Class 5 headwall. No, we didn't leave our webbing to assist, sorry. We thought we'd need it again later.
Shot looking down the Class 5 headwall. No, we didn't leave our webbing to assist, sorry. We thought we'd need it again later.
This is a shot of the previously mentioned Class 4+ option a hundred feet up the gully from the headwall option. I chose to back down from this and located the Class 5 headwall option. My friends dropped me a line there since I didn't like this Class 4+ option. You can see me scared about to pull the exposed lip move before I decided to bail and look for another route. Both this Class 4+ and the Class 5 headwall lead to the same spot. (Photo by Shawn Pladas)
This is a shot of the previously mentioned Class 4+ option a hundred feet up the gully from the headwall option. I chose to back down from this and located the Class 5 headwall option. My friends dropped me a line there since I didn't like this Class 4+ option. You can see me scared about to pull the exposed lip move before I decided to bail and look for another route. Both this Class 4+ and the Class 5 headwall lead to the same spot. (Photo by Shawn Pladas)
Just past the Class 5 headwall, a grotto-like feature with a Class 4 move.
Just past the Class 5 headwall, a grotto-like feature with a Class 4 move.
Class 4 move up the grotto-like feature.
Class 4 move up the grotto-like feature.
Just above the grotto-like feature, Gold Dome visible top left. The unranked peak separating them visible top center.
Just above the grotto-like feature, Gold Dome visible top left. The unranked peak separating them visible top center.
Class 2/3 up the slope.
Class 2/3 up the slope.
View back as we ascend South Dome. Havasuper Peak visible top right.
View back as we ascend South Dome. Havasuper Peak visible top right.
A grassy Class 2 section. Summit visible ahead.
A grassy Class 2 section. Summit visible ahead.
View back again, Gold Dome visible top right.
View back again, Gold Dome visible top right.
Class 3 section.
Class 3 section.
Stiff Class 4+ move over a lip.
Stiff Class 4+ move over a lip.
Shot down at the Class 4+ move on the lip. It's not as exposed as it looks.
Shot down at the Class 4+ move on the lip. It's not as exposed as it looks.
Summit of South Dome, view toward Gold Dome (right).
Summit of South Dome, view toward Gold Dome (right).
Summit of South Dome, view toward Tumarion Peak.
Summit of South Dome, view toward Tumarion Peak.
Summit of South Dome, view toward Peak 1295 (center), Peak 1042 (right of center), and Peak 1144 (top left above the sand dunes).
Summit of South Dome, view toward Peak 1295 (center), Peak 1042 (right of center), and Peak 1144 (top left above the sand dunes).
Close-up  toward the Colorado River.
Close-up toward the Colorado River.
Beneath South Dome within the drainage separating South Dome/Gold Dome from Havasuper, view toward the break in the insane cliff face protecting Havasuper Peak. We headed up to the Class 2 slope ahead and followed it up to the center of this photo.
Beneath South Dome within the drainage separating South Dome/Gold Dome from Havasuper, view toward the break in the insane cliff face protecting Havasuper Peak. We headed up to the Class 2 slope ahead and followed it up to the center of this photo.
Looking back as we ascend to the weakness in Havasuper Peak's southern ridge. South Dome visible right of center. The gully we descended from Gold Dome (or you would use if taking the less-cryptic option) visible left of center. The little peak to the left of South Dome is unranked and likely difficult Class 5, no thanks.
Looking back as we ascend to the weakness in Havasuper Peak's southern ridge. South Dome visible right of center. The gully we descended from Gold Dome (or you would use if taking the less-cryptic option) visible left of center. The little peak to the left of South Dome is unranked and likely difficult Class 5, no thanks.
After passing over the break in Havasuper Peak's ridge, this was the view of the ridgeline. Keeping to the crest likely would have been scary, so we stayed low, on the left in this photo.
After passing over the break in Havasuper Peak's ridge, this was the view of the ridgeline. Keeping to the crest likely would have been scary, so we stayed low, on the left in this photo.
Looking back as we stay low, beneath the cliffs.
Looking back as we stay low, beneath the cliffs.
A nice Class 2/3 slab led to the ridge safely.
A nice Class 2/3 slab led to the ridge safely.
Looking back as we ascend the slab.
Looking back as we ascend the slab.
On the ridge of Havasuper Peak. Holy crap - the overhung cliff was stunning and vertigo-inducing. Gold Dome visible on the right.
On the ridge of Havasuper Peak. Holy crap - the overhung cliff was stunning and vertigo-inducing. Gold Dome visible on the right.
Looking back along the Havasuper Peak ridgeline. South Dome visible top left.
Looking back along the Havasuper Peak ridgeline. South Dome visible top left.
Close-up of the ridge.
Close-up of the ridge.
Havasuper Peak summit, view north. Our cars are somewhere top center. The little minor volcanic peaklets we passed earlier in the day visible top center. The drainage leading up from Jackpot Spring visible bottom right of center.
Havasuper Peak summit, view north. Our cars are somewhere top center. The little minor volcanic peaklets we passed earlier in the day visible top center. The drainage leading up from Jackpot Spring visible bottom right of center.
View toward Gold Dome (left) and South Dome (far right). The saddle between Gold Dome and Havasuper Peak (and the old mining road) visible below.
View toward Gold Dome (left) and South Dome (far right). The saddle between Gold Dome and Havasuper Peak (and the old mining road) visible below.
Heading back into the drainage, onward to Peak 1042.
Heading back into the drainage, onward to Peak 1042.
Shot back up the drainage, Gold Dome visible center, South Dome top right.
Shot back up the drainage, Gold Dome visible center, South Dome top right.
Continuing down the drainage, Peak 1042 ahead.
Continuing down the drainage, Peak 1042 ahead.
Peak 1042. We approached via the slope on the right leading to the ridge.
Peak 1042. We approached via the slope on the right leading to the ridge.
Looking back toward South Dome.
Looking back toward South Dome.
Slope approach to Peak 1042.
Slope approach to Peak 1042.
Class 3 move to gain the ridge. South Dome visible top left.
Class 3 move to gain the ridge. South Dome visible top left.
View north as we start up the ridge.
View north as we start up the ridge.
Along the ridge up to Peak 1042.
Along the ridge up to Peak 1042.
Another shot north along the ridgeline toward the Colorado River.
Another shot north along the ridgeline toward the Colorado River.
A headwall ahead. There is a ramp on the right that descends slightly, leading to a slope out of frame on the right in this photo. Class 2/2+.
A headwall ahead. There is a ramp on the right that descends slightly, leading to a slope out of frame on the right in this photo. Class 2/2+.
Headwall from the previous photo visible on the right, along with the descent ramp. Matt seen left of center along the ridge. Gold Dome, South Dome, and Peak 1295 visible center.
Headwall from the previous photo visible on the right, along with the descent ramp. Matt seen left of center along the ridge. Gold Dome, South Dome, and Peak 1295 visible center.
Continuing to the summit of Peak 1042.
Continuing to the summit of Peak 1042.
Image 75 from gallery
Continuing along the ridgeline from Peak 1042. Peak 1144 visible center behind the sand dunes.
Continuing along the ridgeline from Peak 1042. Peak 1144 visible center behind the sand dunes.
Class 2 on the way down from Peak 1042.
Class 2 on the way down from Peak 1042.
Image 78 from gallery
View back toward Peak 1042, The Needles visible top right.
View back toward Peak 1042, The Needles visible top right.
We found a route down from Peak 1042 and headed south over the sand dunes ahead.
We found a route down from Peak 1042 and headed south over the sand dunes ahead.
At the top of the sand dune, view toward Peak 1144.
At the top of the sand dune, view toward Peak 1144.
Class 2.
Class 2.
Likely avoidable stiff Class 3 move.
Likely avoidable stiff Class 3 move.
View back the way we came.
View back the way we came.
Approaching the summit of Peak 1144.
Approaching the summit of Peak 1144.
Image 86 from gallery
Summit ahead.
Summit ahead.
Summit of Peak 1144, view back the way we came. Peak 1042 top left, The Needles top right.
Summit of Peak 1144, view back the way we came. Peak 1042 top left, The Needles top right.
Peak 1144, view south.
Peak 1144, view south.
Peak 1144, view west.
Peak 1144, view west.
Peak 1144 view toward The Needles. Next up is Peak 1295, center. We went up the sandy wash on the right.
Peak 1144 view toward The Needles. Next up is Peak 1295, center. We went up the sandy wash on the right.
On the way up Peak 1295, a little arch that provided a nice viewpoint of the Colorado River.
On the way up Peak 1295, a little arch that provided a nice viewpoint of the Colorado River.
This is a shot back toward South Dome (top right). Havasuper Peak visible enter.
This is a shot back toward South Dome (top right). Havasuper Peak visible enter.
Close-up of Matt looking at Havasuper Peak's incredible cliff.
Close-up of Matt looking at Havasuper Peak's incredible cliff.
Class 2/3 to the summit of Peak 1295.
Class 2/3 to the summit of Peak 1295.
Class 3 move.
Class 3 move.
Final lightly exposed Class 3 move to the summit of Peak 1295.
Final lightly exposed Class 3 move to the summit of Peak 1295.
Peak 1295 summit, view west.
Peak 1295 summit, view west.
Peak 1295 summit, view south. Sand dunes visible in the center. I'd love to come back to check them out.
Peak 1295 summit, view south. Sand dunes visible in the center. I'd love to come back to check them out.
We dropped back to the saddle and headed east. Tumarion Peak visible top right. We took the wash visible center.
We dropped back to the saddle and headed east. Tumarion Peak visible top right. We took the wash visible center.
We descended from the saddle on the left, which separates Peak 1295 (left out of frame), and South Dome (center).
We descended from the saddle on the left, which separates Peak 1295 (left out of frame), and South Dome (center).
Ascening the long wash.
Ascening the long wash.
View back toward The Needles (Gold Dome right, South Dome left) as we ascend on a burro trail out of the wash. The burro trail dropped us into Tumarion Wash.
View back toward The Needles (Gold Dome right, South Dome left) as we ascend on a burro trail out of the wash. The burro trail dropped us into Tumarion Wash.
Within Tumarion Wash, Tumarion Peak's north face visible on the right.
Within Tumarion Wash, Tumarion Peak's north face visible on the right.
Ascending to the east ridge of Tumarion Peak on somewhat loose low Class 2 terrain.
Ascending to the east ridge of Tumarion Peak on somewhat loose low Class 2 terrain.
Starting up the east ridge of Tumarion Peak.
Starting up the east ridge of Tumarion Peak.
We stayed to the right of the ridge crest for the most part, avoiding nutty cliffs and drop-offs.
We stayed to the right of the ridge crest for the most part, avoiding nutty cliffs and drop-offs.
A couple of minor gullies.
A couple of minor gullies.
View back at our progress up Tumarion Peak.
View back at our progress up Tumarion Peak.
Final Class 2 push to the summit block.
Final Class 2 push to the summit block.
North side of Tumarion Peak. We needed to wrap around to the north side to access the Class 3 option to gain the summit.
North side of Tumarion Peak. We needed to wrap around to the north side to access the Class 3 option to gain the summit.
Tumarion Peak summit.
Tumarion Peak summit.
Tumarion Peak, view north.
Tumarion Peak, view north.
Close-up toward The Needles from Tumarion Peak.
Close-up toward The Needles from Tumarion Peak.
Tumarion Peak summit, view along the east ridge.
Tumarion Peak summit, view along the east ridge.

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