Outing of the Month

New York Mountain (7532’) and Clark Mountain (7907’)
- The Eastern Mojave
Saturday and Sunday April 18 & 19, 2000
Leaders: Dan Richter and Asher Waxman

We assembled our gaggle of eager participants at the Mad Greek’s in Baker at 9:30 am Saturday morning.  Beside Asher Waxman and I they included Mary Holle, Bruce Vogt, Chi Truong, Joe Harvey, Steve Eckert, Marlen Mertz, Dan Abendschein, Anne Anglem, Daryn Dodge, Bob Hoeven, Steve Curry and Dan Baxter.
After breakfast and introductions were completed we caravanned to Clark and parked just off the freeway where we consolidated into four wheel drive vehicles.  Following the standard DPS guide was confusing as much has changed since it was written.  We followed a poor road along the power lines to the electrical substation which I think we could have avoided.  Steve Curry had the Summitpost.org write-up which helped us find the right road that got us to the campground.  From then on the trip went well.  From the campground we ascended the canyon and the slopes on its left side up to the impressive cliffs.  Turning to our right we moved along the base of them till the third class pitch presented itself just before you reach the skyline.  With the help of Joe Harvey I put up a fixed line on the pitch which most were able to climb with out a belay.  We hung a left on the ridge above the third class and climbed along it over one false summit to the top.
On return to our cars we drove over to New York Mountains via Caruthers Canyon.  The dirt roads were good and all the cars were able to drive them to a lovely camping area at the end of the road in some trees.  A fire and a fine happy hour capped a great day.  I particularly enjoyed Steve Eckert’s cherry pie.
Sunday morning we set off for peak following the abandoned mining road which continued on from our camp site to some old mine tailings where we began the bush-whack up toward the peak.  There was a lot of boulder hopping and brush which was unavoidable.  When we got to the summit area we bouldered for a bit on the south side and then went around to the west side where a third class route presented itself.  I put a fixed line on the last short summit pitch with Joe Harvey’s help which most where able to climb with out a belay.
Both climbs were moderate third class and made for a wonderful weekend in the Eastern Mojave.  Thanks go to Asher for assisting me and to Joe for helping me wrangle the rope.