When we were boondocking at Kool Korner, this was right in our backyard. I looked up at it and thought ‘oh yeah, I’m going to go climb that’, and never did.
Since we’re leaving Yuma, I figured I better get out there and knock it out.
C offered to drive me down to Kool Korner to make the approach shorter, but since I’m training hard for my Rainier climb I figure I can use the extra miles with the pack.
Loaded up rocks in jugs to make the pack a tad over 50lbs, and 7 miles later she’s done.
There’s nothing on AllTrails or the usual sites for a trail map, so hopefully the coordinates on these photos and my GPS track help anyone else who is looking to knock this one out.
Looks So Close
Colette was going to drop me over at Kool Korner so I’d be closer, but I figured I’d find my way from Mittry Lake down. Shoulda taken the ride!
Heading Up
There’s no easy way to get up Sugarloaf. It’s all loose scree all the way up, and footing is horrendous.
Summit So Close
I thought I made the summit, but there’s a drop between the subpeak that I’m on and the true summit. I had to double back, and drop down the east side.
Still Cold
It looks warm and sunny, but the temps in the low 50s and a 25+ knot wind made me pull out my hardshell at the summit.
Fire, Fire
Arizona Fire crews burning off some land in the Mittry Lake area.
The Spine
The spine down between the peak and the north subpeak. You can stay to the east side here just below the ridge.
Tough Spot
This requires some climbing, and the rock is all pretty loose. I dropped my pack on the left side to make is up this bit.
No Go
If you see this chunk, stay to the right.
Northwest Face
The northwest face is a no-go with all the rotten rock.
One Misstep
There’s not a huge amount of exposure, but you’re probably dead anyway with a misstep.
Sugarloaf Summit
The cross at the summit
Sugarloaf Survey Mark
There’s a survey mark at the top of Sugarloaf dated 1956.
Ridge back Out
The ridge heading northeast, and the way back home.
Sugarloaf Mountain
Google Earth visualization of the loop from Mittry to Sugarloaf and Oreo track and elevation profile
