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Notch
Peak
The House Range, Millard County, Utah
Jim Drysdale: This view of Notch Peak's incredible western face was shot to give you an idea of how sheer it is. It's the second biggest vertical wall in the lower 48 behind El Capitan in Yosemite.
Jim
Drysdale: The hike took place on Sunday. It starts at this old
cabin (below) unless you've got a vehicle with some high clearance
and/or 4WD. We made it beyond a ways and then decided to pull off
to the side.
Jim Drysdale: The hike eventually leaves the canyon and starts a steep ascent towards the saddle. We spent considerable efforts locating an ever so faint trail/path. In some cases we just picked a line thinking we were heading in the right direction. Through perseverance (and a lot of sweat) we finally made it up top.
____________
Notch Peak is located in the House Range of western Millard County. It is best known (and named) for the spectacular 4,450 foot vertical cliff on its western face.. Hikers access the summit from the east slope of the mountain. The House Range is home to a number of wild horses, ancient Bristlecone pines and some of the most spectacular views in the Great Basin. The best times to hike this peak are Spring and Fall when temperatures are cooler and the snakes have gone to bed. Get trail information from the BLM. Below are photos from Ryan's most recent ascent to the top of Notch Peak:
Even the most
daring get a little weak in the knees at these heights.
Perhaps one of the most informative publications available on Utah's West Desert history and hiking opportunities is Hiking, Climbing & Exploring Western Utah's Jack Watson's Ibex Country by Michael Kelsey. This is not the easiest book to locate, and its maps cannot always be considered 100% accurate. But the history and perspectives on many areas that are discussed on this web site are fascinating.
House Range
Location: Millard County, UT
Highest Point: Notch Peak, 9,725 ft. (2,964.18 meters)
Nearest Town: Delta, UT Access: US 6/50 west from Delta, UT
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