Dan Koellen AI6XG- Dan Koellen AI6XG
Scott Peak W6/NS-153 Activation
Updated: Dec 14, 2020
Operating Position on Scott Peak
Summit Trip Summary
Distance: ~ 4.2 mi one way
Transport: Hiking
Elevation Gain: ~1700 feet
Time: ~2 hours one way
Route: Alpine Craigs Road to Deer Park Road to Scott Peak Road to Scott Peak trail
Access: Alpine Meadows residential area - Snow Crest Road
Parking: 2 spots at Trailhead
Activation Summary
Rig: MTR3b LCD
Bands/Modes: 20 mtr - CW, 30 mtr - CW, 40 mtr - CW
Antenna: Trapped 20/30/40 mtr EFHW
Antenna Support: Large and small trees
Cell Service: Very Good (Verizon)
RF Noise: Quiet
Scott Peak is in the Alpine Meadows ski area. Winter activation reports have used the ski lifts to get to the peak. I found trails to approach the summit from the opposite direction. The approach is a nice hike of just over 4 miles each way with moderate grade. The hike starts on Alpine Craigs road at a trailhead in the residential area of Alpine Meadows, the .gpx file is available here. You may be able to go through the ski area but there was construction and COVID-19 restrictions at the ski area during my activation.
Click on this link for GPX file
Getting to the Summit
Pick up the trailhead for Alpine Craigs Road on Snow Crest Road. There is parking for a couple cars at the trailhead. I was the only car parked there during my activation. Immediately after passing by the gate at the trailhead the trail goes uphill. After about a 1/3 mile there is an intersection with Bear Creek trail 16E06, stay to the left on Alpine Craigs Road rather than the single track Bear Creek Trail.
Alpine Craigs Road turns into Deer Park Road 16N48, continue on Deer Park Road until you intersect with Scott Peak Road. At the intersection turn onto Scott Peak Road 16N48A.
These 'roads' were one lane roads at one time but are getting encroached by nature, becoming narrower as you go up the mountain.
Eventually Scott Peak Road turns into a single track and you are then on Scott Peak Trail. I never did see where Scott Peak Road diverged. Just occasionally check against the track and you will get to the summit.
On the Summit
The summit itself is an outcrop of rock situated before you get to the ski lift on Scott Peak. There are nice views by the ski lift and beyond. I set up in a grove of trees on the ski lift side of the summit. There are plenty of options for antenna set up and operating positions, some clear spots and other areas with trees for antenna support.
Band conditions were picking up so I was able to snag two DX contacts, Jon ZL1BYZ and Danny ON4VT.
Getting Back
Simply return the way you came back to the trailhead.
