Finally, Sandstone and Fork!

Where: Red Rock Canyon NCA, Nevada
When: April 2009
Partners: DB and HWS

After a failed attempt (without an beta) by me, Harlan and Mark back about 2004 or 2005, Harlan had since returned to Sandstone and Fork Peaks and summitted in fine style. As I’d not yet made another attempt on the peaks, DB and I jumped at Harlan’s offer to show us the way on a fine spring Saturday!
Steepening slabs on the way up to the notch
After retracing our original steps through the canyon, we soon left it and started scrambling up through brush and around boulders until we could gain steepening slabs that led to a notch on the northwest side of Fork Peak.
DB, at my insistence, using a handline to scramble up some of the steeper slabs
Arriving at the notch
Scrambling through the notch, we traversed easily around toward the saddle between the two peaks, at which time we angled right to gain the ridge leading to the summit of Fork Peak.
Approaching Fork Peak as Sandstone Peak looks on
After a shortish break, we dropped back down the ridge and made our way over to Sandstone Peak.
Heading for Sandstone Peak
On the summit of Sandstone Peak
On the summit, DB dozed while Harlan and I chatted. Eventually, though, we began the hike back down to the canyon that would take us to Harlan’s vehicle.
Hiking down steep slabs
Lake Harriet
All photos by Harlan WS  

Red buds in bloom on the hike in