LoJ: #544 (Pre-LiDAR #547) / 13,130' Pika Peak

Gold Dust Peak combines well with Pika Peak, its neighbor to the south along a rugged, connecting ridge, so we have sequenced these two. To see the entire hiking route on USGS maps, you'll need both the Mount Jackson and the Crooked Creek Pass quads, or the two Trails Illustrated maps listed. Also, Gary Neben has an alternate approach to Gold Dust from Nolan Creek and the Fulford road. You may also want to consider that approach. Check out the link to Mountain Handbook we provide.

From the trailhead as described, proceed along the relatively flat path for a good 2.5 miles where the trail finally gains some elevation more quickly and then continue on the trail up to a meadow with a small stream coming down from the east that drains Negro Basin below Gold Dust Peak. This is about 3.5 miles in. It should be pointed out that the old survey map shows Gold Dust as being 13,365 ft. high, but G&M and others list it as 13,380 ft. The reason is that the western summit is definitely higher than the eastern one of 13,365 marked on the USGS map, so the western summit elevation has been interpolated to be 13,380 ft. After passing by the unnamed lake at 10,820 ft., begin hiking east into Negro Basin by staying on the south side of the small stream that flows out of the basin and following faint game trails that will enable you to avoid most obstacles.

In the upper basin, when you are clear of the trees, pause to study a route up Gold Dust. The most direct route with the fewest problems would be to hike north across the basin and gain the broad, southwest facing flank of the mountain and follow the rounded ridge to the summit. There is a stark contrast between the beautiful basin filled with lush grass and scattered trees to the completely rocky flank. Though there is some tundra to follow, once you begin to ascend out of the basin, most of the remainder of the route will be on medium sized, broken rocks for the next 1,400 feet. On the way you may pass some interesting deposits of quartz and a few crystals, but otherwise, it's just a long slugfest. If you want some assurance you've climbed the peak, go ahead and cross over to the eastern summit. If you're determined to head over to Pika by the connecting ridge, you'll need to go over anyhow. It's just some more minor clambering around but Google Earth seems to confirm the assumption that the west summit is higher.

The view from the summit looks right down upon New York Lake, a highly photogenic place that's seldom visited. You can also scope out the connecting ridge over to Pika and see if you want to attempt or if weather will allow. If you don plan to do the ridge, then be sure and follow the link to Gary Neben's report on Mountain Handbook. He rates the ridge as an extended Class 3. Otherwise, start returning back down the west ridge of Gold Dust and drop back into Negro Basin. Gold Dust Peak also has an interesting history in that in 1997 a military jet crashed into the north face of this peak.