Find Nearby Peaks

This peak is not in the book. Published December 2019

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Peak 8603 is the high point of a narrow ridge that lies to the west of Howe Peak. It is separated from Howe Peak by a large, dry gully. While its terrain is docile on its south and east aspects, its north and west aspects are quite rugged. Were it not for its antenna-clad, higher neighbor to the east, Peak 8603 might receive much more attention. USGS Howe Peak

Southeast Ridge, Class 2

Access

Same as for the east ridge of Peak 8383. This route is the final leg of a ridge traverse from Peak 8383 to Peak 8603.

The Climb

From the connecting saddle with Peak 8383, scramble up the rocky, narrow ridge north to a saddle at 8,300 feet. This saddle serves as the junction of the southeast ridge of Peak 8603 and the south ridge of Howe Peak. From the saddle, climb west-northwest then northwest up the ridge to the summit of Peak 8603 on easy ridge rock and scrub. The summit of Peak 8603 is a rocky section of narrow ridge crest. There is a small summit cairn on top. This inconspicuous bump barely qualifies as a ranked summit. It is overshadowed and hidden by its higher neighbor to the northeast, Howe Peak.

East Face, Class 2

Access

Same as for the east ridge. This route is the first leg of a ridge traverse from Peak 8603 to Howe Peak.

The Descent

From the summit, descend east to a dry gully through unpleasantly thick scrub with no cattle/game trails to help. You should reach the gully at an elevation just below 8,000 feet. Aim to reach the gully at a point that is left/north of a gully on the west face of Howe Peak. The next leg of the journey is to climb the southwest face/shoulder of Howe Peak. This shoulder begins on the left/north side of the aforementioned gully.