Dromedary Peak (Lake Blanche Extension)

Dromedary Peak is the rounded hump to the right (west) of Lake Blanche that looks similar to the single-hump of a dromedary camel – hence its name.  During seasons of heavy precipitation, it can be covered with snow into the summer months.  While this peak isn't as popular of a climb as some of the other nearby peaks, it provides a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.  A visual route to the summit of Dromedary Peak can be mapped out from a smooth-rock overlook near the west end of Lake Blanche.  This is also a good spot to view all three lakes in this glacial basin (Blanche, Florence, and Lillian).

The rounded hump of Dromedary Peak
as seen from Lake Blanche

To begin the route to Dromedary Peak, you can either cross the dam on the west end of Lake Blanche, or cross further downstream just above Lake Florence if the water flow is low enough to safely do so.  Once the stream is crossed, continue southward from this point and then veer to the right (west) around the south end of Lake Lillian.  Work your way westward towards the low point on the ridge to the right (north) of Dromedary Peak.  The climb becomes steep once you enter a small cirque area north of the peak, and begin the tedious ascent up a gully to gain the 10,000-foot "low" point.  As you near the ridgeline, you encounter some inclining rock slabs that must be crossed, and care must be taken not to slip in this area.  Upon reaching the ridge, you have a clear view into Broads Fork Canyon and to the peaks that loom to the south and west.  The spine of the ridge you're on rises to Dromedary while Sunrise Peak (referred to as O'Sullivan Peak on most maps) sits just off to the right (west).  Off to the west-southwest sits the Broads Fork Twin Peaks, which are the highest points overlooking the Salt Lake Valley.  Continuing southward along the ridgeline, the next 600 feet of elevation gain is basically a boulder hop.  As you get closer to the summit, veer to the left (east) slope of the peak where there is less exposure.  The final obstacle before reaching the 11,107-foot summit of Dromedary Peak is a cliff band perhaps 20 to 30 feet high.  For the determined soul, the best way over this cliff band is to look for fissures and ledges where you can wedge your hands and feet into and pull yourself up.  Once on the summit, spectacular views unfold before you in all directions.  Distance from the north shore of Lake Blanche is approximately 1.7 miles one-way (4.7 miles from the Mill B Trailhead) with an elevation gain of 2,230 feet (4,900 feet from the trailhead). 

Hat marks the summit of Dromedary Peak
with Salt Lake Valley in the background

Lakes Lillian, Florence, and Blanche
taken near the summit of Dromedary Peak