West Texas Farewell Tour Part Two: Revenge of the Chisos

West Texas Farewell Tour: Sawtooth Bushwhack

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Attempted to knock out two more 7k peaks but the Chisos wrecked  me. 

Got to the trailhead late to beat the heat. Attempted to do Crown Mountain West first. On the topo, it looks fairly straightforward-- just follow the ridgeline from the end of the Lost Mine trail. However, I discovered that the ridge was interrupted by a cliff face. I backtracked and began to descend into the valley through a ravine to bypass the cliff face, but I realized at the pace I was going it would be well past dark by the time I got to Crown West. 

Decided to cut my losses and attempt Lost Mine peak as I had more beta and it seemed fairly straightforward. Bagged Peak 7077 on the way up as a consolation prize. It was surprisingly rad, a rock pillar overlooking the Chisos Basin.  By this time, the sun was setting, its light reflecting brilliantly off the  cliff bands of Lost Mine.  I was only a few dozen feet from the summit of Lost Mine when I clipped out. I could not figure out how to get over a cliff band separating me from the top. By this time, the sun had set and it was dark. 

It was only when I descended down to a saddle and looked back that I saw a narrow chute hiding behind a rock fin I believe would have taken me to the top. It was dark, and I didn't think I would be able to safely descend at this point. If I had an hour more of daylight, I would have been able to bag it. 

That ends my quest (for now) to summit all of the 7k peaks of Texas. The final count is 25 of 38.  A fitting end for my time in El Paso-- sometimes you don't reach your destination, but it's the struggle that counts.

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Brian Elmore

West Texas Farewell Tour Part Two: Revenge of the Chisos

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West Texas Farewell Tour Part Two: Revenge of the Chisos

West Texas Farewell Tour: Sawtooth Bushwhack

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