Sunflower
3/18/2008
Access from Reno, NV:
US 395 south
Mount Rose Highway south to Galena Creek Park on right side of road
Drive Time: 19 min
Run 1:
I skinned up the trail towards Church Pond, then abandoned it when I reached Chocolate Peak’s north ridge. I descended north into White Canyon on ~2” of heavy powder on top of a raincrust.
Skied Elevation: ~1200’
Run 2:
I crossed White Creek and followed the drainage west, then started ascending northwest to the southern summit of Sunflower Mountain. I followed the ridge to the true summit of Sunflower Mountain. I descended the east face down into White Canyon. The snow had a thin suncrust or was soft and heavy, depending on the micro-aspect. I reached the lower, White Creek Trailhead, then walked up the road to my car at the Galena Creek Park.
Skied Elevation: ~4000’
Total Skied Elevation: ~5200’
Total Elevation: ~6000’
Distance: ~16 miles
Time: 6:40
Sunflower Mountain & My Descent Line
Sunflower Mountain from its South Ridge
Mount Rose & Mount Houghton from the summit
Map