Mount Haggin in Winter, Pintler Range

Al on the summit of Mount Haggin

My Bozeman pal Al Parker and I recently got together in Anaconda to climb Mount Haggin. Al and I were PhD students together in Bozeman from 2000-02 and have remained fast friends ever since. We try to get together a couple of times a year for some high country time. On this outing, we chose Mount Haggin in the Pintler Range outside of Anaconda, since its about equidistant to Missoula and Bozeman. For good directions to climb Mount Haggin, see this description on summitpost.

Haggin is the first big summit I've done where you literally leave from the edge of a town. It's a pretty long slog: 5+ miles to Hearst Lake on an old road, then another 2+ miles to the summit. The last mile or so were slow and grueling due to the new snow on the massive talus field below Haggin's summit. The outing took us 10 hours, was hard, and we were spent at the end of the day. But what a privilege to spend a day in the high country with a good friend.  

Hearst Lake

Al crossing Hearst Lake.

First view of the summit. We climbed the ridge in shadow above my head. Haggin is in the upper-right of the photo.

Though this looked like it would be relatively easy going, it was surprisingly slow and strenuous all the way to the summit. A foot of snow on talus makes for difficult conditions. 
We came down the low angle chute you see above and left of Al's head. It was much easier and would have been the better way to go up as well.

Al taking a break. Haggin up and to the right.

Looking down at Al with the Deer Lodge Valley below.

Another shot of Al climbing

Pudge on the summit.

Al looking off toward northwest at the Bitterroot.

Summit cairn and the dogs.

The mighty Pintlers looking West from Mount Haggin.