Snowmass Mountain Climb by Pika Works People

Day 5 - Snowmass Mountain Climb

5 miles round trip and 3100 feet vertical to do today. Snowmass Mountain is rated as a class 3 climb.

Flowers exploded along the banks of Snowmass Lake.

Tiny white clouds puffed along the trail.

There is a flower-bordered trail around the left side of the lake. Cairns lead across a short stretch of talus. Then there is a steep climb up to the grassy area at the entrance to the bowl.

Many pikas here.

Pika watching us go by out of the corner of her eye.

Low snow. Did not need crampons or ice axe as we could bypass any snow. Snow quite firm, approaching ice, but still could kick steps as needed. Follow route described in any of the guidebooks for the climb from Snowmass Lake. We left camp at 7:25 a.m., arriving at the summit at 11:00 a.m.

Approaching the summit ridge of Snomass Mountain

Approaching summit ridge.

We left the summit at 11:44 a.m. We were all alone on top, in contrast to the mob here the day before. Weather was now clearly closing in.

Heading down from the Snowmass Mountain ridge

Joan heads down.

Looking down toward Snowmass Lake as we headed down from Snowmass Mountain Just
Just wait until we get near the lake!

We remained dry on the descent all the way to mid-way back along the lakeside trail. Then we were inundated by heavy rain, thunder, lightning. On with rain gear! We arrived back at our tents at 2:43 p.m. It pretty much rained heavily all night. We were able to eat dinner during a lull (light rain).

Safe, snug and dry ater a torrential downpour

< Day 4 | Trip Overview | Day 6 >


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