I've just been poring over some maps...
Really I've just been day-dreaming, but out of curiosity does anyone one know of any routes or ascents of Tunnabora Peak from George Creek via Tunnabora's long Northeast Ridge (south branch)?

Here's the GMap4 online map: Tunnabora Pk

That would be a hairy hike! From George Creek to the summit is a 7000-foot climb! Doing that on a ridge, without water... I think I'd try staying nearer water for a while. Although, I believe I have seen people write that the George Creek drainage is something of a bushwhack, too.

It is likely way easier and more accessible if you would start up the North Fork Line Pine Creek (Whitney Mountaineers Route), and branch off and head over the ridge to Tulainyo Lake, then up to Tunnabora. Or come in from the JMT from the west to Tulainyo.

But you might have reasons to do it from the George Creek area.

The standard approach for a day or overnight trip is over Cleaver Col from the N Fork of Lone Pine Creek. The West Side is the easier Class 2-3 approach from the Wallace Creek Drainage (WEST).

My interest is doing some fun ridge-routes this summer. I want to go back and knock of Russell from the east (I'm up for the route I just hit snow last year). Maybe give the East Ridge of Carl Heller a go (with people, of course). Possibly try Lone Pine Peak or Williamson's NE ridge.

As far as Tunnabora goes, If it can be done I'd like to do it. If it hasnt been done I'd sure like to give it a go. Plus, I've not yet done an approach from the George Creek Drainage. If anything I'd like to make some scouting forays into the area. Maybe try Trojan or Barnard...

Mountains by a hairy means...

I’ve only been up George Creek twice: once to scout it out, and once as an unsuccessful three-day solo attempt on Williamson between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s not a fun place to hike.

I had more success in 1992 doing Carl Heller, Morgenson, Tunnabora, the Cleaver, and Carillon as a long day from the Portal. I found Norman Clyde’s signature on Morgenson, and the north ridge on Carillon was a blast!

I haven't explored the area, but saw this blog post not too long ago when I was looking at some places in the Eastern Sierra to add my to-do list. I don't believe they did Tunnabora, but they hit some other spots in the area, and utilized the George Creek drainage.

http://peaksforfreaks.blogspot.com/2013/07/mt-carl-heller-barnard-east-mt-barnard.html


Chris