Mar 31, 2019 — I wanted to show a bunch of friends the beauty of Terrace Canyon, so we followed the standard route up Pine Creek Canyon, taking both left forks to get to Terrace Canyon. I visited this area and did a loop up Gunsight Canyon and down Gunsight Notch, a great route with more gorgeous views of a minor spur canyon of Terrace Canyon than can be viewed from the peak.
We took the scenic drive through Red Rock Canyon and parked at the Pine Creek Trailhead. Following the official Pine Creek Trail initially, we soon noticed several social trails branching off, eventually losing track of the main trail altogether. Opting to descend into Pine Creek drainage, we began the tedious Class 2/3 scramble up its watercourse. We dodged several small water pools and negotiated various boulder obstacles, including a fun rabbit hole scramble or two. This all provided an enjoyable outing, though we were unable to cover much distance quickly.
Terrace Canyon, a minor drainage flowing into Pine Creek Canyon, was our destination. To access it, we consistently chose the left option at intersections within Pine Creek. As we ascended Pine Creek, the boulder-hopping lessened, but the vegetation became denser. Fortunately, frequent travelers had left cairns guiding us around the thickest brush, which often helped a bit. Once within Terrace Canyon, most of the group wanted to enjoy the waterfalls, but myself, Tara, and Carl continued up the Class 4 break in the cliffs, navigating a chimney squeeze and a fixed line before getting to a nice viewpoint down into Pine Creek. We turned around here, realizing we were taking longer than the 30 minutes we estimated it would take to bag the peak. I really had no idea what was in store. I vowed to come back another day.
Full disclosure, I did not complete the route from our little overlook turnaround spot, but beta I have read elsewhere claims the going is Class 3/4 for a while. However, I did summit Terrace Canyon Peak a few days later, but came from the south along a different route (from First Creek). My intention was to descend the Terrace Canyon Peak Class 4/5 route to scout the rest of the sections I didn't get to do with Tara and Carl. I had a rope and webbing and, from the summit of Terrace Canyon Peak, attempted to do so. I got terrified, especially aftering kicking a boulder onto my rope and giving it a nice core shot, so after the final Class 4+/5 section (which I had descended with my rope), I took a deep breath and re-ascended. This was not worth it, especially since I already technically summitted the peak. So, whoever does take the Class 4/5 route up Terrace Canyon Peak, good luck! You'll notice a break in the photos below for where I don't have photos of the route since I didn't complete it. I felt there was value in at least posting what I did have for anyone willing to give it a go.
Please consider helping me out if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all site fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing these trip reports is unpaid. You can also hire me as a web developer. I really appreciate it!
If you find my site helpful, please help me replace my many broken cameras, fund my website fees (hosting, APIs, security), or just support my countless hours of work. I pay for all expenses myself, and all trip reports I post are unpaid and unsponsored, so any support is really appreciated!
If using PayPal, please select their option for "Sending to a friend" so they don't take out fees, thank you.
My site is free to use, but consider sending me a few bucks to help keep it running. Thanks in advance!