Favorite under-appreciated routes of the season?
Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 1:58 am
If, like me, you have time to kill this time of year, and are thinking about next season... I don't mean classics or epics, but 2-3 routes you did this season that don't see much attention, and that you think deserve more. Mine would be
- East ridge of Black Kaweah (Western Sierra, class 4). Most people do the crappy southwest chute, but it's not too much farther to pop around like you're headed to Red Kaweah, then climb interesting and mostly better rock from the saddle with the Pinnacles. You can even throw in Koontz and Pyramidal Pinnacles if you're feeling lively.
- Thor to Moran (Tetons, 5.4). If you're willing to suffer the bushwhack around Leigh Lake, it's a really cool place to go, and the descent down the Skillet glacier can be epic.
- Buck Mountain, North Face, West Couloir (Tetons, AI2, 5.4-ish?). Buck is a nice easy climb via the East Face. To add some spice, drop over the east ridge into upper Avalanche Canyon with some tools and cruise up this. Ortenburger mentions a 5.6 rock step at the top, but it's short and easier than that.