I just came back from Spearhead's Northwest slopes. Excellent hike/climb. Directly as we caught sight of Frozen Lake, we saw a prominent talus ramp on our left. We followed it to the ridge, but instead of reaching its low point , we ended up much closer to the summit.
It looked like we should have continued to another ramp, South of the one we took, to do the entire ridge. We were planning some investigation on the way down, but then the wind picked up and the sky threatened rain (which didn't come), so that we more or less descended the ascent route.
Reading Roach's description, it seems that we may have followed the "variation" to the Northwest slopes: faster and a little harder than the base route, but probably less scenic. I have trouble, however, reconciling our experience with the description of the route here on SP. Besides, Roach's desciption of the variation does not refer to a ramp. Can anyone shed some light on this little mystery? Thanks in advance.
I have climbed this side of the Spearhead 4 times (once in each season!) and have always taken the yellow line. In spring and winter it was filled with nice consolidated snow, at least down below, which made that lower part an obvious choice. Kane's red line looks like a great variation to cover the upper ridge. That would be fun. Maybe next time!
brenta - Sep 12, 2004 8:05 pm - Hasn't voted
Route CommentI just came back from Spearhead's Northwest slopes. Excellent hike/climb. Directly as we caught sight of Frozen Lake, we saw a prominent talus ramp on our left. We followed it to the ridge, but instead of reaching its low point , we ended up much closer to the summit.
It looked like we should have continued to another ramp, South of the one we took, to do the entire ridge. We were planning some investigation on the way down, but then the wind picked up and the sky threatened rain (which didn't come), so that we more or less descended the ascent route.
Reading Roach's description, it seems that we may have followed the "variation" to the Northwest slopes: faster and a little harder than the base route, but probably less scenic. I have trouble, however, reconciling our experience with the description of the route here on SP. Besides, Roach's desciption of the variation does not refer to a ramp. Can anyone shed some light on this little mystery? Thanks in advance.
brenta - Sep 14, 2004 3:36 am - Hasn't voted
Route CommentThe photo should clarify what the two lines are:
1. The yellow is the one we followed
2. The red line is the one that should reach the Chiefs Head-Spearhead saddle.
Nelson - Sep 26, 2004 3:43 pm - Hasn't voted
Route CommentI have climbed this side of the Spearhead 4 times (once in each season!) and have always taken the yellow line. In spring and winter it was filled with nice consolidated snow, at least down below, which made that lower part an obvious choice. Kane's red line looks like a great variation to cover the upper ridge. That would be fun. Maybe next time!
timwebb - Jun 22, 2012 2:33 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Route Commentwe did the same route you did....seems natural..easy to see....do not think ridge lower much more "pretty", so i think you picked best way