This wasn't the first time we've tried to bag Mt Ellen, the highest peak of the Henry Mountains. In July 2009 the conditions were stormy, foggy, and viewless. This year we marched right up to the top of Mt Ellen (11,522 ft) and we could not believe we were at the summit, despite a mailbox of "yays, we did it," in a large cairn on top. No, we had to continue to the other peak, Dry Lakes Peak, a conical peak that drops 400 ft and back up to 11,506'. It did look taller and had a bona fide trail leading to this yonder peak. We saw Factory Butte in Cainville and the La Sals and the Book Cliffs around Green River. It's the 360 degree views that were amazing. We saw herds of buffalo and deer on distant fields and a few ATVer's looking for their wanna-be deer trophies. The drive to MacMillian campground was a 4 hour drive from Escalante but less if you ride a mtn bike to Sandy's Ranch from camp (save 2 hrs driving). Now when I see the Northern most nipple in the Henry Mountains I know that there is more than just one peak to be had. 
3 comments:
Wow! Gorgeous views. The blue sky in the lower photo has a richness that makes you feel like you are near orbit status! Beautiful pictures and beautiful place!
Nice write up.
I've never seen the name Dry Lake Peak before, the conical peak has always been Mount Ellen or Ellen Peak and the high spot is usually called Mt Ellen Ridge or South Ridge. Where did you find the Dry Lake name?
(and btw, it's just Sandy Ranch, named after the silica not a person)
Killer,
We used Recreation Map of the Henry Mountains Area by F.A. Barnes 1999 ISBN 0-925685-24-0
Thanks for the silica name. Being a Sandy myself, I just assume its all about me.
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