Your quote:
"The easiest route to the summit involves a strenuous 10 -12 mile, 6300 ft, hike followed by sections of exposed class 3 and 4 rock climbing."
I think the term "easiest route" is incorrect, as each person might interpret that term differently. "Standard route" would be more accurate. From what I have heard, and I will learn this later myself, in person, the Southwest Couloir route (despite its ruggedness and slightly longer approach) is considered an easier summit route because of no Class IV sections.
Again, "easiest" is a subjective term, whereas "standard" is an more accurate term.
The "South Face via East Ridge" approach has been the standard route for many years, but the "Southwest Couloir" approach is gaining popularity because of its lower level of technical difficulty.
I will be more than happy to give a firsthand assessment of the route(s) once I do them. :-)
I just spoke to the Beartooth Ranger District this morning. The ranger there said no "check-in" is necessary to go hiking to or climbing Granite Peak. No fees, either (as already mentioned on the SP page).
This is a very good page, especially considering the fact that we are planning on climbing Granite Peak next week (Aug 18 to Aug 22, 2011). Thus this post, looking for current info (I do know that there is more snow up there then usual this year):
There are several items I’d like to find out about:
1. Are ice axes and/or crampons necessary? (the less weight we have to carry the better).
2. What is the best trail head and trail to use to get to the base of Granite?
3. What is the best route for summiting in the least amount of time with a minimum of technical rock work? (We are looking to summit, not rock climb. We know enough about rock climbing to do Granite, but would prefer to minimize it)
4. Given the above, what is the availability of water on the trail?
Any other comments or pointers you wish to impart would be very much appreciated.
Heading up for the first time Aug 31. Have heard snow is all but gone. Looking forward to good weather for our party of 8. Deciding on the route tonight.
A big thank you to Alan Ellis for allowing me to continue this page. I have since added more detailed approach beta and added a new approach description for the Aero lakes (Southern) approach. I have also added maps, photos and updated links. If anyone has any input on how to better this page please don't hesitate to let me know! I have done three routes on this fantastic peak and consider it one of my favorite peaks in the entire Rocky Mountain chain in the USA.
Matt
All:
My son-in-law and I summitted Monday, 8/8. It was brutal (but I'm old and could be in better shape).
These directions and others provided on different pages were extraordinarily helpful. We were there just when the 19-year-old South Dakota climber tumbled 20-40' and had to be airlifted out. (That was a horrible site.)
**VERY IMPORTANT NOTE**
There are two sets of ropes that have been placed by some unknown, altruistic person. The second set helps you over a very slick, though small ice-field (probably 40 feet). I, personally, was very, very grateful for these ropes to help me up and down the Ramp!!!
A couple of the slings on the 2nd set of ropes is frayed. One of them is frayed badly.
I spoke to the Beartooth Ranger District and they said there was nothing they could do about it. They did not know who set the ropes, either. However, they emphasized that a person should never fully rely on safety devices set by someone else.
If you know ropes and knots - and you're going up there - it would be nice to take a couple of slings and re-set them. They are very inexpensive and could really save someone from (another) terrible accident.
It is an extraordinary summit experience, otherwise. Thanks to Summit Post for this great page - and the links to other pages.
Attempted Granite via Mystic Lake and FTD last 4th of July but was turned around at the snow bridge. I have been planning to try again this summer either by the same route of the Southwest Couloir from Cooke City.
My hiking buddy got covid and is not feeling back to normal yet so if anyone else would like to join forces this upcoming weekend July 22-24th or the following 29-31st let me know.
Alan Ellis - Mar 26, 2007 12:11 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: page formatHmmmm....that's weird because it wasn't like that the other day. Anyway, I fixed it. Thanks for the heads up.
AE
Redwic - May 13, 2009 7:38 pm - Hasn't voted
"Easiest" is to each their own...Your quote:
"The easiest route to the summit involves a strenuous 10 -12 mile, 6300 ft, hike followed by sections of exposed class 3 and 4 rock climbing."
I think the term "easiest route" is incorrect, as each person might interpret that term differently. "Standard route" would be more accurate. From what I have heard, and I will learn this later myself, in person, the Southwest Couloir route (despite its ruggedness and slightly longer approach) is considered an easier summit route because of no Class IV sections.
Alan Ellis - May 13, 2009 9:43 pm - Voted 10/10
Re:Your comments are noted. AFTER you climb both routes, I would be then more interested in your assessment.
Redwic - May 13, 2009 11:29 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Re:Again, "easiest" is a subjective term, whereas "standard" is an more accurate term.
The "South Face via East Ridge" approach has been the standard route for many years, but the "Southwest Couloir" approach is gaining popularity because of its lower level of technical difficulty.
I will be more than happy to give a firsthand assessment of the route(s) once I do them. :-)
Redwic - Aug 25, 2009 2:01 pm - Hasn't voted
No "Check-In" NecessaryI just spoke to the Beartooth Ranger District this morning. The ranger there said no "check-in" is necessary to go hiking to or climbing Granite Peak. No fees, either (as already mentioned on the SP page).
Alan Ellis - Aug 26, 2009 2:27 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: NoThank you for the update. That "check in" info was originally taken directly from the Forest Service website. I'll make the changes.
sockydr - Aug 8, 2011 10:40 pm - Hasn't voted
Current Granite Peak ConditionsThis is a very good page, especially considering the fact that we are planning on climbing Granite Peak next week (Aug 18 to Aug 22, 2011). Thus this post, looking for current info (I do know that there is more snow up there then usual this year):
There are several items I’d like to find out about:
1. Are ice axes and/or crampons necessary? (the less weight we have to carry the better).
2. What is the best trail head and trail to use to get to the base of Granite?
3. What is the best route for summiting in the least amount of time with a minimum of technical rock work? (We are looking to summit, not rock climb. We know enough about rock climbing to do Granite, but would prefer to minimize it)
4. Given the above, what is the availability of water on the trail?
Any other comments or pointers you wish to impart would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance
Alan Ellis - Aug 10, 2011 3:56 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Current Granite Peak ConditionsSent you an email.
GlacierCountry - Aug 23, 2012 1:31 pm - Voted 10/10
First TimeHeading up for the first time Aug 31. Have heard snow is all but gone. Looking forward to good weather for our party of 8. Deciding on the route tonight.
Matt Lemke - Aug 19, 2013 4:22 pm - Voted 10/10
New Ownership...A big thank you to Alan Ellis for allowing me to continue this page. I have since added more detailed approach beta and added a new approach description for the Aero lakes (Southern) approach. I have also added maps, photos and updated links. If anyone has any input on how to better this page please don't hesitate to let me know! I have done three routes on this fantastic peak and consider it one of my favorite peaks in the entire Rocky Mountain chain in the USA.
Matt
Alan Ellis - Aug 26, 2013 5:38 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: New Ownership...Page looks great, Matt!
gcrain - Aug 10, 2016 9:05 pm - Hasn't voted
Frayed slings on SW RampAll:
My son-in-law and I summitted Monday, 8/8. It was brutal (but I'm old and could be in better shape).
These directions and others provided on different pages were extraordinarily helpful. We were there just when the 19-year-old South Dakota climber tumbled 20-40' and had to be airlifted out. (That was a horrible site.)
**VERY IMPORTANT NOTE**
There are two sets of ropes that have been placed by some unknown, altruistic person. The second set helps you over a very slick, though small ice-field (probably 40 feet). I, personally, was very, very grateful for these ropes to help me up and down the Ramp!!!
A couple of the slings on the 2nd set of ropes is frayed. One of them is frayed badly.
I spoke to the Beartooth Ranger District and they said there was nothing they could do about it. They did not know who set the ropes, either. However, they emphasized that a person should never fully rely on safety devices set by someone else.
If you know ropes and knots - and you're going up there - it would be nice to take a couple of slings and re-set them. They are very inexpensive and could really save someone from (another) terrible accident.
It is an extraordinary summit experience, otherwise. Thanks to Summit Post for this great page - and the links to other pages.
nocarson@gmail.com - Jul 18, 2022 4:04 pm - Hasn't voted
Anyone want to climb this July?Attempted Granite via Mystic Lake and FTD last 4th of July but was turned around at the snow bridge. I have been planning to try again this summer either by the same route of the Southwest Couloir from Cooke City.
My hiking buddy got covid and is not feeling back to normal yet so if anyone else would like to join forces this upcoming weekend July 22-24th or the following 29-31st let me know.
nocarson@gmail.com