On Sunday July 1st, I made another attempt on a summit that will be a great option for a day hike during our upcoming MADiDEA 2007 Symposium. My previous attempt on this peak last fall was thwarted by snow so the hot recent temperatures called for another try.
 
My friend Chris and I decided to bring our dogs, hoping the off trail portion would remain within their climbing skills. In retrospect – a bad call. My newly adopted dog, despite my repeated encouragement, grew increasingly reluctant on the loose scree and eventually sat down on a safe ledge, refusing to go any higher. Quite a disappointment because (1) I wanted to test-drive this hike before the conference and (2) we’d already passed the crux! But there was just no convincing her and the ledge where she balked became our high point. I hope to get another chance but regardless, the views to that point were spectacular. 
 
The E. Hyalite Creek trail (also a classic mountain-bike route as far as Emerald Lake) is 4-1/2 miles to Emerald Lake and another mile to Heather Lake. From there it’s off-trail up to the ridge east of Overlook Mt (10,226’). We had virtually crested that ridge when my hound said “no more!” Otherwise I know we would have been on Overlook within 30 minutes, then across the saddle and up to the summit of Chisholm (10,333' and the highest point in the Hyalite Mts) within another 30-45 minutes. Maybe… 
 
I’ll find out next time or with a group of MADiDEA attendees next month! This ascent is just one of 3 different, attainable summits within a day-hike range of trailheads only 2 miles from our camp! If you haven’t yet, register now for MADiDEA 07 – Montana. Registration is open until August 1. Here are some shots of what I saw yesterday.