Mountains as I see them: SLC Twin: Granite, quartzite and snow

Having been raised all my life in the Wasatch, I secretly pride myself in thinking I am aware of most all the lines up the peaks of the range. Well turns out I don't. That's the beauty of these steep mountains. They are so diverse and unique with three or so different types of rock too. I deeply love these mountains and always have. Jared told me I need to go up Twin Peaks via the "granite halfpipe"in Little Cottonwood which he recently did with Jason. Intrigued by the clean nature of the line and the fact that I have never been on it, I gave it a go this afternoon. The north and east aspects at higher elevations carry snow from last week and I hoped to avoid them but wanted to try and link some peaks together.

After a nasty bushwack it all began to open up. The bottom of the granite half pipe felt more to me like a granite toboggon hill. I immediately found myself on some wonderful granite that was quite consistent, interrupted only by occasional bushes and dirt. The pitch along the route ranged from walkable to really enjoyable mellow 5th class climbing. As you near the top, the slab becomes steeper and a fall has significant consequence. The soloing was wonderful as the granite was beautiful with sections of mottled rock.

Reaching the top, I worked over to the Southwest ridge of SLC Twin. The summit is quite a distance away and I quickly realized the snow was going to be an issue for me (only had approach shoes) to try and complete the triple traverse and then exit via Tanners. The going slowed through the sketchy snow. I worked my way up excellent quartzite (isn't that sweet, two rock types in one trip!!)on the dry spots, tagging one horn after another along the ridge and reached the top of West Twin in about 2 hours and 16 minutes. I was concerned that my plans were going to have to change as the east elevations were carrying too much snow. Quartzite and 8 inches of snow is not a good combination. So, standing on West Twin I knew the only way off in an attempt to avoid the snow and down climbing the halfpipe would be Deaf Smith. I could have dropped down Lisa but didn't want the rock fall from above. I chose to be prudent and was grateful to have experienced what I did this afternoon. It having been my first real day in the high mountains since recent surgery. It was so excellent to be there this late in the year.

I made my way down Deaf Smith, which by the way is much more fun to ski. Losing and regaining the trail multiple times seems to be the norm. The fall leaves welcomed me back to civilization in shades of yellow and red as I reached the bottom of the trail with 4 hours and 30 minutes elapsed. I am so grateful for these amazing creations and thank God for the opportunity I have to call them home.