top notch peak - 10,245' - Class 2
June 2014
Since I had an extra couple days before I needed to head back to central Wyoming, I joined Yvette and one of her friends for a quick day climb of Top Notch Peak in the eastern part of Yellowstone. Yvette had attempted it a couple weeks earlier but due to bad winds and very deep snow, they had to turn back. We met just west of Cody near the tunnels, and all packed into her car and drove west and into the park. Just after crossing over Sylvan Pass, we pulled over by Eleanor Lake where Top Notch was visible. We parked just along the side of the road and started hiking on the somewhat firm snow through the trees. When I realized the total elevation gain for the hike was only 1,700 feet I realized this was going to be quick!
We made great time and reached treeline quickly since the snow was firm. At about 9,200 feet (700 feet above the car) we broke out of the trees completely, and continued south towards the saddle just west of the summit. This part of the climb was a little more challenging since the snow was fresher and some post-holing ensued, but we eventually made it to the 9,730 foot saddle and we I saw my first good views of the Yellowstone region (since I had only driven through many times in the past). Mount Doane was particularly impressive off to the south. From the saddle, we slogged 500 feet up the broad west ridge to the summit. There was more deep snow here but I broke trail and we all made it. Views of Yellowstone Lake were incredible and was able to see the entire caldera. Our car was also easily visible below us as well as many tourists probably wondering what the heck we were doing.
After a nice break at the summit, which was actually pretty cold, I scouted out a possible route to traverse the notch between the summit, and the lower northern peak. I found a route but it was very loose and somewhat exposed 4th class. I wouldn't recommend it. So we retraced out steps back to the saddle, I glissaded down the slope and we made a quick hike back to the car. The whole trip, including driving only took half the day.
We made great time and reached treeline quickly since the snow was firm. At about 9,200 feet (700 feet above the car) we broke out of the trees completely, and continued south towards the saddle just west of the summit. This part of the climb was a little more challenging since the snow was fresher and some post-holing ensued, but we eventually made it to the 9,730 foot saddle and we I saw my first good views of the Yellowstone region (since I had only driven through many times in the past). Mount Doane was particularly impressive off to the south. From the saddle, we slogged 500 feet up the broad west ridge to the summit. There was more deep snow here but I broke trail and we all made it. Views of Yellowstone Lake were incredible and was able to see the entire caldera. Our car was also easily visible below us as well as many tourists probably wondering what the heck we were doing.
After a nice break at the summit, which was actually pretty cold, I scouted out a possible route to traverse the notch between the summit, and the lower northern peak. I found a route but it was very loose and somewhat exposed 4th class. I wouldn't recommend it. So we retraced out steps back to the saddle, I glissaded down the slope and we made a quick hike back to the car. The whole trip, including driving only took half the day.
Eleanor Lake with Top Notch Peak visible on the left
Avalanche Peak to the north across the road. A trail heads up this peak (on the left)
Mount Doane from the summit (view south)
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Working through the snow nearing treeline
Sylvan Lake to the west from the summit
The ridge up from the saddle
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Mount Doane from the saddle
Party on the summit!
The slope we glissaded down from the saddle
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Summit panorama looking south and east
Myself sitting on the summit of Top Notch Peak - Photo by Yvette
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Twilight on Top Notch Peak from Eleanor Lake - Photo by Josh later that month
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Top Notch Peak reflection in Eleanor Lake - Photo by Josh later that month
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