Over the last few weeks we have traveled SR-20 for hikes in the Panguitch area. While crossing the mountain divide that separates I-15 and HWY 89 we became intrigued with Sandy Peak and after talking with Tom (who had already climbed it) we decided it needed to be on our list, as well!
We were surprised when Tom said he'd come with us. In retrospect, we are so glad he did! Had he not been along to show us the way and encourage us on the very steep initial ascent, we're pretty sure we would have found an excuse to do something else. If that had been the case we would have missed out on a great hike that offered exceptional unblocked views of the area.
 |
| Traveling along SR-20 Sandy Peak is straight ahead, despite what the arrow shows! |
 |
| Tom had a little 'Extra' surprise, an easy BM from 1938 to grab on our way |
 |
| It is a perfect Fall day . . . blue skies, no wind and sunshine! |
 |
| Looking back at Upper Bear Valley where we left our vehicles |
 |
| We worked our way up this ridge |
 |
| One ridge turned into another . . . it was steep! |
 |
| See that little pointy peak in the center . . . that is Sandy Peak |
 |
We gained a lot of elevation on this hike . . . 2350 ft
(A majority of it comes in the first mile - be prepared - don't give up - it gets better!) |
 |
| We are so close, we can almost feel it! |
 |
Oregon Grape plants were growing up on the rocky slope,
while not a true grape they are edible |
 |
Here comes Allison bringing up the rear!
Maybe it's because she takes a lot of pictures?! |
 |
| The top was rocky and steep |
 |
It felt so good to reach the summit, even the dogs were happy!
Sandy Peak feels much higher than 9537 ft |
 |
| Little Creek Peak (10,145 ft) lies off to the southwest |
 |
Allison and Kent with their best hiking buddy, Chipper
You can see SR-20 in the background . . . this is where the first picture in the post was taken |
 |
| Time to head back down . . . we have a long way to go! |
 |
| Another Mylar balloon! We found one on Adams Head last week, too! |
 |
| Surprisingly, we descended pretty fast |
 |
It was fun to see a group of paragliders high in the sky above us . . .
It's very possible they launched from the Tushar Mountains |
 |
| Looking back at Sandy Peak from Lower Bear Valley |
We never thought a 9,500 ft mountain could be so challenging, but this one got ours hearts pumping! It still amazes us that Tom agreed to re-hike this 6.5 mile route with us - what a friend! If you would like to see our route, you can click
here for a link to Tom's Peakbagger.com post from two years ago when he first climbed Sandy Peak. This will give you GPS tracks and a topo map of this demanding, yet rewarding hike.
