Find Nearby Peaks

This peak is not in the book. Published December 2020

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Peak 9521 is one of five ranked peaks that surround the upper reaches of Irving Creek. Two of the peaks are on the Continental Divide and a third peak is very close to the CD. This five-peak adventure includes Peak 8589, Peak 9521, Peak 9660, Peak 9201, and Peak 8881. It covers 11.0 miles with 4,500 feet of elevation gain. It is a magnificent ridge traverse that I highly recommend. USGS Fritz Peak

Access

Same as for Peak 8589. This is the second leg of a five-peak journey that begins along Irving Creek Road.

Southeast Ridge, Class 2

The Climb

From the 8,260-foot connecting saddle with Peak 8589, climb northwest up the ridge in open scrub then semi-open pine forest. The ridge narrows, steepens, and becomes much rockier as you advance higher. This section is a bit tedious but is not difficult. Stay left/west of any troublesome rocky ridge outcrops. By the 9,000-foot level, the ridge angle eases. Continue northwest to reach the rocky ridge crest summit of Peak 9521. The high point has a modest cairn.

North Ridge, Class 2+

The Descent

From the summit, follow the ridge crest northwest (briefly) then north down a steep, narrow mix of rock and trees (Class 2+). Stay close to the ridge crest for easiest going and move to the west/left side of the crest as necessary. Be careful of loose rock on the sides of the ridge outcrops as you descend. The rocky ridge dumps you out onto a gentle saddle of scrub and now the going is easy. Skirt the left/west side of a ridge outcrop on a goat trail to reach a second saddle at 8,980 feet. This is the connecting saddle with Peak 9660 and concludes the second leg of today’s five-peak journey. Peak 9660 is up next.