Ever since I first laid eyes on Dolomite Peak with it steep, awesome-looking towers, while gazing across the valley from Cirque Peak and running along the Helen Lake trail, I wanted to climb the beauty.
Its striking resemblance to the majestic Dolomites in northern Italy sets it apart from any mountain I have ever stood upon.
I pushed the thought to the back of my mind because there’s so many closer mountains to climb.
To my surprise and (secret delight), I was recently invited to join a small group of women to tackle Dolomite Peak. I knew Monica but not the other three women. I was a little nervous because they were all experienced scramblers, and the only thing I have going for me is my foolhardy confidence and my resolute fearlessness.
The Alan Kane book calls Dolomite Peak (off the Icelands Parkway) a difficult scramble with some route finding necessary. I didn’t want to suck too much and force the group to call a helicopter to rescue me from clinging to the side of the mountain.
But you know me. I always imagine the worst case scenario.
Our plan took us up the gully between the third and fourth tower. We first headed fourth tower (the highest) where we had a shot of something before heading over to the third tower. The views were absolutely understanding. Weather was perfect, and we had the peaks to ourselves. Perfection.
Thankfully my worse case scenarios did not come to fruition. It all worked out save for one near miss with a falling rock, it was truly a wonderful day.
The climbing was fine and I didn’t have moments of sheer terror or anything like that. I love climbing up and over big rocks. At one point, however, I was advised to “bunny hop” during a rock climbing move. And it did throw me for a loop. WTF is a bunny hop?
It definitely took more time descending than it did climbing Dolomite Peak. The loose rock, ugly scree and spots of snow made it annoyingly sketchy.
All in all it was truly a majestic day! I was happy to join this group of strong, fearless women.
You are amazing