Peak 11543<\/a> sits about 2 miles east of Ethel, but the peaks are on opposite sides of a deep glacial cirque.<\/p>\n11543 can be climbed easily as a side trip from Trail 1130 that runs from the Divide to the Slide Lakes and Rainbow Lakes to the east. The summit of 11543 is less than a mile east from Trail 1130. There is a game trail or path up most of the northwest ridge of 11543, and it\u2019s a pleasant ascent. The actual summit of 11543 is the rocky eastern summit, and there are other points up there that differ little in altitude. The broad top of the peak is right at treeline. Small trees and large rocks are available for some shelter from wind. There are several good spots to set up and activate. You\u2019ll do better with an antenna pole.<\/p>\n
Please see the USGS topo map for this area, as Google Maps omit many key trails.<\/p>\n
Note that 11543 looks nice on top, but don\u2019t be fooled into trying to descend by a different route than the NW ridge. There are steep cliffs around the west, south, and east sides of this large mountain.<\/p>\n
It is possible to combine an activation of 11543 with another nearby summit, but this requires an early start, a long day, and good weather.<\/p>\n
George Carey Fuller
\nKX0R<\/p>\n\n\t\t