Tie Down Peak - California, United States

I've been longingly looking at Tie Down Peak ever since I attended my first Backcountry Weekend back in 2005.  As you drive down Kaiser Aetna road toward Orestimba Corral during this once a year event you can't help but notice this peak.  It's not very tall, in fact it's lower than the Dowdy Ranch Visitor Center, but after you make the "summit" there will be no arguing its status as a peak in Coe. 

I found the best approach is to contour over south of the peak from the Tie Down trail and skirt around the cliffs and make your climb up the west face.  It's class 2 with loose rock so be careful what you're grabbing on to on the way up. Once on top of the peak you are treated to panoramic views of this side of Coe.

Bring lots of water,  it was well over 100F out here today and I went through over 4L and drank another liter once back at the visitor center. If you get in trouble make your way to a road so it's easier for a ranger to find you.

Dowdy Ranch is open 8AM - Sunset on weekends through October in 2012.  Not sure what will happen next year.