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I have driven by Cerro Pedernal tens of
times over the last few years, and have been wanting to
spend the night on the very top. I finally got a chance
this weekend, when Mouser was able to take me there. The
summit can be seen as the most prominent peak on the
horizon, just above the two guys in the back of the
photo below.
The summit is a 400 yard long ridge,
completely walled off with cliffs, except at one place,
where there is access to the top without a rope.
Below is a photo of the summit from right below.
This is the steepest and loosest climb I
have ever done while backpacking.
On top of Pedernal with great 360 degree
views. That's Abiquiu lake and Ghost Ranch in the
background.
I pitched my tent on this little ledge
just feet from the cliffs. I staked down the tent at 9
grommets and with 7 guylines.
It was super strong and stable, which was good in the
strong winds.
We had very nice sunset light, but a lot
of haze, due to strong westerly winds.
Mouser's profile against the setting sun.
Nice beard dude.
Here is the view from inside my tent in
the morning. This is 3500 feet above the valley.
Another view of the valley.
Zoomed-in view of Abiquiu lake and Ghost
Ranch.
Coming down was even more scary, since it
was very loose and steep. Fun times.
Thank you Mouser for a great trip!
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