Northeast Ridge II

This is the long, jagged ridge connecting Thatchtop to Powell Peak. This ridge traverse starts out easy but becomes very exposed for a hundred meters or so.

Steep on the northwest side and near vertical on the southeast side, make for some interesting class 4 and 5 slab and crack climbing in a spectacular, remote alpine setting. The position and length of ridge here are hard to beat.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Start by hiking/bushwacking to the summit of Thatchtop Mountain at 12,668', head west from the summit toward the ridge and the continental divide. Powell Peak is on the other side of this ridge.

To descend from the summit of Powell Peak, follow the divide north (for approx. 2 miles) to Andrews Glacier and descend back to Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge TH.

This is a long Grade II outting, 12 hours for us as we bagged Taylor Peak for good measure under ideal conditions. Expect epic under adverse conditions.

Light rack