Enchantments
"Prusik Peak (8000') is a clean, solid granite icon nestled into the Enchantments. It’s mere presence will make anyone a shameless shutterbug, and views from the top are even better. The Enchantment Basin is a peaceful and unique setting for this memorable climb. The area embraces an alpine desert-like ambience coupled with many lakes at different levels and a variety of peaks including Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, Colchuck Peak, Enchantment Peak and Mt. Stuart.
The majority of the climbs are done on the south face and the west ridge. The west ridge is a pleasing low fifth class route with a few 5.6-5.7 sections while the south face offers a number of 5.9 multi-pitch routes. Prusik Peak s spot amongst the Stuart Range makes for ideal rock climbing conditions."
Description obtained from http://www.summitpost.org
The majority of the climbs are done on the south face and the west ridge. The west ridge is a pleasing low fifth class route with a few 5.6-5.7 sections while the south face offers a number of 5.9 multi-pitch routes. Prusik Peak s spot amongst the Stuart Range makes for ideal rock climbing conditions."
Description obtained from http://www.summitpost.org
 After a lengthy and 'off-route' descent, we arrived at the lower enchantments again. Annapurna is the peak on the right. |
 This is part of the main trail as one would see going back toward Aasgard Pass. Dragontail is the peak on the right. |
 The lanscape appears to be scoured and raked clean. Sparse vegetation, polished rock and craggy peaks give this region an eery feel. |
 Across the valley from Annapurna, Jay and I ascended another slope. Behind me is Enchantment Peak, 8520 feet. This peak we will save for another trip. |
 The view from our high point, across the Enchantment valley, to Annapurna. |
 To the left is the Mount Temple massif, with Prusik Peak at the front. Our climb will take us up the ridge that along the shadow line. |
 Finally! The sun comes out, we have some time to rest and feel the warmth seep back into our bones! |
 This is our campsite. One couldn't ask for a nicer view. Surrounded by peaks with an endless supply of water. Too bad it wasn't warm enough for a swim! |
 Carl and Jesse finally reach the Enchanments and join us at the closing part of the day. |
 Jay and I decide to bring Jesse and Carl to a nice view point of Prusik. Looking back, we can see our campsite. |
 With Prusik in the background, we orient ourselves to the topography of the area, to aid in naming the surrounding peaks. |
 McClellen Peaks, 8364 feet, rises on one end of the valley. |
 Prusik Peak and Inspiration Lake. |
 Another view of Little Annapurna, and some interesting scrub. |
 Before the sun goes down on day two, we take a group self-portrait. Me, Jay, Jess and Carl. |
 The sunset reflects off a tarn, surrounded by glacier-polished rocs. |
 This pics is slightly out of sequence, but still shows the dramatic and beautiful landscape all around. |
 A golden pond . . . |
 A bold family of ptarmigans find a cozy home in the grasses next to our camp. |
 After two days of cloudy and breezy weather, day three opens up with stellar conditions, and a promise of a great day of climbing! |
 As we follow the trail to the lakes, the ground becomes greener and more plush. |
 Skirting around Inspiration Lake, we discovered several nice campsites. Little Annapurna, as always, is ever-present. |
 Jesse, an avid fisherman, brings his rod with him. No fish at this time, but we'll soon see that he won't go home until he's successful! |
 Ahhh! Our objective: The West Ridge of Prusik Peak. The climb begins at the junction of the hump and the clean black rock (to the left of the light-colored ridge). |
 Pitch one, from the notch at Prusik Pass follows a blocky ridge line that protects well. On this side of the ridge, it's shady and very cool. |