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We are heading up to the San Juans via the Durango/Silverton Train and getting off at Needleton to head up to Ruby Lake for a week. Has anyone been up in the area yet? Just curious about the snow cover. Seems like it was a mild winter this year. On our 3rd day we are heading up to the meadow above Ruby Lake and climbing Turret and Pigeon and then coming back down and staying in the high meadow that nigh. A group of us are going to head over to Monitor the next day but I can't seem to find any routes up Monitor. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Patrick

Snow will be no issue this year. You can leave your Ice Axe at home.

Monitor has an impressive East Face that has attracted climbers for decades. It is reputed to not be so great, though. Not sure where I saw it, but there was Beta on the internet somewhere. After reading it, though, it kind of took the wind out of my sails.

Hiking routes would be plentiful. Just head North from your high camp. There's some small cliffs you could play on if you want, or easily avoid if you wish.