New York Butte

6-Oct-78

By: Larry Machleder

Seven persons met at the junction of Rte 395 and Lone Pine Station Rd and were caravaning towards Long John Canyon by 7:00AM. By 7:30AM we had left the cars outside the canyon at 4200' and were hiking up the jeep road.

The topo shows one distinct trail continuing past the jeep road southwest of the canyon. Today this is a collection of abandoned mine roads and intermittent trails with claim markers and ducks all about. Finally, losing hope of following an obvious trail that led to the ridge and the jeep roads on top, we dropped back into the canyon at 7000' at 11:00AM in order to head more directly towards the peak. After an explanation of what lay ahead and how we had to proceed in order to make the peak, three decided not to try and were allowed to return together.

The remaining four made the summit at 3:00PM and started back at 3:l5. We all made it back to the cars by 8:3OPM, returning the way we had come.

Beldermann, a friend of Jon Lutz, on her first desert peak persevered in spite of being unused to desert terrain and having banged her knee against a rock early in the day, Bill Faulkner also made it to the summit.

I estimate our total gain at 8000' and there were no running streams or springs on our route. Additionally, it can be warm in the Inyos in Oct. Persons doing this peak via Long John Canyon this time of year are advised to start early and carry lots of water.

LM