Flagpole Peak

Join MAA members on a scenic winter peak climb. A moderate rock scramble with great views of both Echo Lake and Lake Tahoe, Flagpole Peak is a fun climb with options for a bit of fun rock/snow scrambling in crampons. Recommended with those familiar with snow climbing and rock scrambling, but this is not a technical ascent so prior experience is not required. Loaner gear is available. We have room for 12. 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: Winter peak ascent, climbing and scrambling SE ridge,  snow climbing up to 40 degrees, some exposure, climbing moderate 3rd /4th class snowy rock unroped on Flagpole Peak elev. 8,363, just off Hwy 50 near Tahoe, CA. approx. 1,500' elevation gain, 3 miles round trip. Option to continue to Echo Peak. 
• Where to meet: Echo Lakes Sno-Park at 9:00 a.m. This is the turnoff just 1.1 miles west of Echo Summit. Looks for the Johnsons Pass Road sign. Follow it back northeast until the Sno-Park turn to the right. Sno-Park pass required! Please obtain ahead of time.  
• Volunteer Event Leader: Darren Shutt, darren@mountainascent.org, (916) 872-3399
• Minimum / Maximum: 3,12
• What to bring: Mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, helmet, backpack, lunch, water, trekking poles w/snow baskets, gloves, sunglasses, layered warm clothing, storm layers. Snowshoes may be useful, but not required - the hike is pretty short and most of the time we intend to be on steep snow / rock terrain on the ridge. If you need any equipment please contact the event leader.    
• Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.

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 Associate members.

• 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.