Eagle Lake Buttress to Phipps Peak Traverse

Join MAA members on a fun high country traverse. This unique event dances a spiny granite ridge between two Tahoe area peaks. Recommended for those proficient in mountain rock scrambling. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 6. We will practice social distancing during the event, please do not attend if you are feeling ill. Hope to have you out with us!

DETAILS:

• What's happening: Climbing moderate 4th / low 5th class rock on Eagle Lake Buttress, on the way to Phipps peak, on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Some rope work, use of fixed lines and simple belaying.
•  Where to meet: Prairie City Safeway parking lot or trail head if more convenient. 
• Event Leader: Waide Lewis (573) 541-5415
• Minimum / Maximum: 3,8
• What to bring: Mountaineering boots or approach shoes, climbing shoes if desired, harness, helmet, belay device, a few slings and carabiners, backpack, lunch, water, trekking poles, layered clothing, storm layers, headlamp. If you have a rope or rock pro you'd like to share with the group let the leader know.
• Bobcat's Adventure Sports: MAA Apex and Base members enjoy a significant retail discount on mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, skiing, splitboarding, and backcountry clothing, equipment and gear, as well as consignment and rentals.    
• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

ITINERARY:

• Sunday, June 21th: We'll meet at the Prairie City Rd Safeway parking lot and carpool or caravan to The Eagle Falls parking lot at Emerald Bay. Once there we will gather and sort gear for the day. Hike around a mile up the trail to Eagle Lake then another mile off-trail about 1200+ ft of elevation gain up to Eagle Lake Buttress. Begin the traverse to Phipps Peak. On the ridge we'll mostly be scrambling with some fixed lines and some short belays at tricky spots, some simple anchoring using natural and some artificial protection will be used. To return, we'll either repeat the traverse back to ELB or walk around. We should be back to the cars by mid-afternoon.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.

• This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

• MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.

• MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.

• Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.

• Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.

• As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

• All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

• The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.

• MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.