Elevation: 10,651 ft
Prominence: 1,111
Climbing and access information for this peak is on Page 259 of the book. Livingston Douglas revised this page adding more detail, a new descent route, and new photos. Additionally, he linked this peak up with two additional 10ers. See his trip report at this link: The Scorpion Cirque Traverse. Updated October 2025
Antares Peak is located north-northeast of the Garfield Guard Station (now completely gone) above the headwaters of Garfield Canyon. It has a rocky summit cap and a wicked northeast face. Antares Peak is most easily climbed via its south ridge from Garfield Canyon. It also has a magnificent southwest ridge that should be considered. USGS Star Hope Mine
Antares Peak as viewed from The Claw (10,613 feet) to its northeast. Livingston Douglas Photo
Access
Same as for Scorpion Mountain. This is the third leg of a 3-peak adventure that includes Scorpion Mountain (10,545 feet), Pincer Peak (10,650 feet), and Antares Peak. It covers 9.5 miles with 5,050 feet of elevation gain round trip.
Map Errors
Contrary to the USGS topo map, there is only a foot trail for the first mile up into Garfield Canyon. The old road is simply gone as is the Garfield Guard Station.
East Ridge, Class 3
The Climb
From the 10,060-foot connecting saddle with Pincer Peak, scramble northwest then west up through a mess of ridge outcrops, ridge rock, ledges, and large boulders to reach a false summit. Continue southwest to the double-cairned, dual summit humps of Antares Peak. The second hump has triangulation sticks on it and is probably the official high point.
Antares Peak as viewed from nearby Pincer Peak. Its rugged, rocky connecting ridge is in center and was my ascent route. Livingston Douglas Photo
The south ridge (left of center) and the east ridge (skyline right of center) in the early morning sunlight. Livingston Douglas Photo
Southwest Ridge, Class 3
The Descent
Only the summit cap is Class 3. From the summit, descend southwest in steep ridge rock (Class 3 downclimbing) then steep, loose talus/scree (Class 3) to reach a gentle ridge saddle with Point 10249 to the west. Continue west along the easy ridge crest of short scrub and scree up to another saddle that is 20 feet higher. From this saddle, leave the ridge and contour southwest then west to skirt underneath Point 10249. This is a bit challenging early on with loose, angled scree/gravel with only a little help from the scrub. Descend about 20 vertical feet in this section and cross a gully.
Continue contouring west in better scrub but with loose scree/gravel remaining underneath. Descend more to cross a second gully. From this gully, contour west in stable scrub to quickly regain the crest of the southwest ridge. Follow this splendid, open ridge southwest then south all the way down to the mouth of Garfield Canyon. The ridge terrain is a mix of scrub and stable ground scree. There are some minor ridge outcrops and a section of pines (and rougher ridge outcrops to skirt) midway down.
Finally, descend a thick face of sagebrush and other brush that is truly miserable. Aim to intercept a 2-track road at a sharp bend. Follow this 2-track east then south back to the parking area at the mouth of Garfield Canyon. The southwest ridge offers a splendid view of the three peaks in today’s adventure: Scorpion Mountain, Pincer Peak, and Antares Peak.
Antares Peak (right of center in distance) and Point 10249 (gentle hump left of center) as viewed from midway down the southwest ridge. This was my descent route. Livingston Douglas Photo
Antares Peak viewed from just under the summit of Pincer Peak (9/25/00). Rick Baugher Photo
Antares Peak as viewed from a point near the Garfield Guard Station
Additional Resources