Southeast Ridge

Approach

Start from the Sheep Gulch Trailhead. Directions are on the Mount Hope main page.

Route Description

6.5 miles round-trip, 4,000 feet
Follow the Hope Pass Trail all the way to timberline. You can leave the trail before or after it crosses to the east side of Sheep Gulch, but it would probably be easiest to wait until crossing over. The rough, steep slopes of Mount Hope's SE ridge rise abruptly from the landscape. Bushwhack your way up throse steep slopes through the abundant evergreens and loose rock. It can be a pain, especially with deep snow. However, after making it above (the second) timberline, the going gets progressively easier all the way to the summit. Follow the talus-covered ridge all the way to the summit, overcoming a couple false summits along the way.

There are a couple advantages to this ridge over the standard East Ridge Route, including slightly shorter distance and sometimes better snow conditions. There are pros and cons either way, but if approaching from the south, I would recommend going up one route and down the other. "Loop tours" always let you see a little more of a mountain.

Essential Gear

Hiking shoes, water, sunscreen.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

Images

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