Slowly making my way upslope and attempting to more or less stick to the ridgeline. Had to scale a section of talus at one point on the more rocky west slope.

Things broadened out a bit on the top of the initial ridge. I opted to angle around on the eastern side of the next ridge.

These weren't terribly common, but they were the first cacti I'd seen this summer.

Looking east/NE towards what I think is Mt Como.

I spotted this eastside road down below which would have been a much preferable approach. Not sure how one gets there.

I continued south along the east slope of the ridge, gradually increasing my elevation. Slow going on the sandy slopes.

The high ridge slowly crept into view as I rounded the bend in the slope.

A couple horses appeared on the ridge ahead. One of two groups of wild horses that were hanging out around 9000ft.

Apparently I am interesting to horses as well. The horses spent 15 minutes watching me climb the ridge.