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West Fork Firsts

Aspen, Red Lake Peak Road (10/20/21) Bill McFall

Lt. John C. Frémont and Charles Preuss climbed Red Lake Peak (10,063′) in 1844, notching the first recorded mountain ascent in the Sierra and the first time non-native people had seen Lake Tahoe. It’s a strenuous climb, though the Red Lake Peak Road is an easier route if you’re in search of fall color.

Meandering below the peak is the West Fork of the Carson River, which scout Kit Carson was following in leading Frémont’s topgraphic party across the Sierra Nevada. It was a winter crossing and the snow was deep, making Frémont and Preuss’ feat all the more impressive.

Frémont wrote, “We are now completely snowed in. The snowstorm is on top of us. The wind obliterates all tracks which, with incredible effort, we make for our horses. The horses are about twenty miles behind and are expected to arrive tonight, or rather, they are now no longer expected. How could they get through? At the moment no one can tell what will really happen. It is certain we shall have to eat horse meat.”

No horse meat was eaten on Bill McFall’s recent visit, although snow had already fallen. He was too busy savoring the last bits of fall color along the road and West Carson River.

W Fork Carson River (10/20/21) Bill McFall
  • W Fork Carson River, Carson Pass – Near Peak to Past Peak, GO NOW, You Almost Missed It.
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