On September 24, 2023, we summited Split Mountain! This is one of the most difficult climbing we did so far. It was way more challenging than Mount Whitney!
To get to trailhead, a high clearance vehicle was absolutely needed. My Acura MDX got there fine although I had to drive carefully and slowly. The bottom of the car was almost guarantee to be scratched! People mentioned two routes online. We tried both. The only route that can get you to the trailhead was from Crocker Ave, Big Pine.
The so-called shortcut from Fish Springs Road, passing a mine, did not work. We ended up blocked by a locked gate. One should not waste time by attempting this route as of 2023. Some online posts mentioned that could go through seemed to be all very old information.
From Red Lake to summit, was most of Class 2 with a few Class 3 near to the Red Lake Pass, which was also the most difficult section. There was exposed climbing. It was just long, endless and tiring! A helmet was strongly recommended.
Split Mountain Sunrise. This photo was taken at the small lake before Red Lake. The peak on the right tip was the true peak.
Split Mountain Register Box. Finding it is definitely the highlight of the climbing!
Panorama view from the top of Split Mountain
Geography Survey Sign on top of Split Mountain. We saw two.