Peak 9735 (Goldstone North) by Livingston Douglas

Elevation: 9,735 ft
Prominence: 315

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Goldstone North as viewed from the south on the Continental Divide. The summit hump is the small, darkish mound in dead center. Livingston Douglas Photo

This peak is not in the book. Updated November 2020


Peak 9735 is located on the Continental Divide due north of Goldstone Mountain. The peak is just over a mile southwest of Goldstone Pass and 1/2 mile northwest of a minor saddle. USGS Goldstone Pass

Goldstone North as viewed from the south on the Continental Divide. The summit hump is the small, darkish mound in dead center. Livingston Douglas Photo

Goldstone North as viewed from the south on the Continental Divide. The summit hump is the small, darkish mound in dead center. Livingston Douglas Photo

North Ridge/Southeast Ridge, Class 1

Approach

The Montana approach on Page 331 of the book via FSR-7327 (an ATV trail) from its junction with Skinner Meadows Road/FSR-381. I hiked this route on my way from Goldstone Pass to Goldstone Mountain.

The Climb

Peak 9735 is a ranked summit (barely), not just a high point on the ridge. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) follows the Divide south from Goldstone Pass (mostly on the West Side of the ridge) to a saddle at 8,980 feet. The CDT then climbs to the west side of Peak 9735 to within about 15 feet of the rocky outcrop that is the summit. Continue southeast to a saddle at 9,420 feet and climb to the summit from this point. Peak 9735 might not be the most exciting or picturesque peak, but it counts as a ranked summit on the Continental Divide and is another peak for your peak bag.

Interestingly, on my descent from Goldstone Pass back to Skinner Meadows Road, I encountered a juvenile grizzly bear near the road, along a small strip of forest. The bear ran off when it saw me. Then it paused to look back at me. It was around lunchtime. Fortunately for me, the grizzly decided to forgo having a human for lunch.

Goldstone North and its rugged east face. The summit is the dark brown hump just left of center. Livingston Douglas Photo

Goldstone North and its rugged east face. The summit is the dark brown hump just left of center. Livingston Douglas Photo

The summit cairn atop Goldstone North, looking north. Livingston Douglas Photo

The summit cairn atop Goldstone North, looking north. Livingston Douglas Photo

Additional Resources

Mountain Range: Beaverhead Range

Longitude: -113.57629   Latitude: 45.13079

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