| South Slopes from Yankee Boy Basin Route |
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| South Slopes from Yankee Boy Basin   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 38.00400°N / 107.771°W Route Type: Scramble Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Class 2
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Dec 8, 2003 / Dec 9, 2003 Object ID: 159564 Hits: 1526 Loading... Page Score: 86.39% - 2 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach
See the GETTING THERE section on the MAIN PAGE, YANKEE BOY BASIN access.
If you are able or decide to drive beyond the restrooms in Yankee Boy basin, do not drive to the end of the road. Be sure to drive no further than around 12,160 feet, which is roughly where the road levels out as it enters the highest reaches of the basin. Park off the road in previously used pull-outs to minimize your impact on the fragile landscape.
If you are not familiar with the Sneffels range, bring a topographic map along and study the range before and north of you. The pointed summit of Sneffels is on your left, followed by the rocky, towering crag of Kismet, then the gray, rounded rock dome of Cirque.
Route Description
Your route climbs directly north, aiming between Kismet and Cirque. There is no defined trail across the stunning wildflowers. Please tread lightly when possible. The draw will get steeper and the flowers will overwhelm you in spring and summer. As you achieve the gentle saddle between Cirque and Kismet, tundra will give way to typically loose San Juan talus, mostly of the gray variety.
From the saddle, follow the ridge line due east, ascending more talus that is reasonably stable. A climber’s trail will become evident, and cairns may be present. The trail will lead you across a dramatic traverse on the north side of Cirque’s western sub-summit. This is a steep slope and yawning cliff ramparts are unseen below, so stay on the trail.
The ridge line narrows somewhat as you approach the main summit massif. The route zig-zags up through the talus due east, and the edge of ever higher cliffs are to your left. The final scramble to the summit is Class 2 on rickety San Juan rock, so tread with care. The actual summit rocks only accommodate one or two people. Watch your step!
Return the same route.
GAIN: 3,028 feet
2.42 miles round trip
4.5 miles round trip from Yankee Boy Restooms
7 miles round trip from Yankee Boy/Governor Basin directional sign.
Essential Gear
Good boots and standard hiking gear for a day outing.
Ice axe and crampons along with standard winter gear is recommended for winter and early season climbs. Snow shoes or skis are essential for rapid coverage of the Yankee Boy Basin area in winter.
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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Sneffels Range, Colorado
