ApproachFollow the GETTING THERE instructions on the MAIN PAGE. Either execute as a day hike or from a camp near the central lake of Missouri Lakes. A day outing on this route could take a lot of time, so start early and plan accordingly.
Route Description
The SAVAGE PEAK (left) NORTHWEST RIDGE ROUTE ascends the brown colored couloir on the far right, then follows the ridge to the top. Continue to the left down the EAST RIDGE ROUTE to complete the loop back to Missouri Lakes. Digital photo by Aaron Johnson, Summer, 2004 From the central Missouri Lake, (the first lake the trail actually arrives at) find your way west across the basin on gentle tundra, a talus slope, then steeper tundra, climbing toward two notable couloirs on Savage Peak's northwest ridge. Head straight upslope for the broad couloir on the right. Both couloirs are very steep, but the one on the right is less so.
In the right winter and snow/ice conditions, and with appropriate gear, these couloirs might prove to be a fine snow climb. In dry conditions, the talus and scree in the right couloir is very loose. A cornice may be present at the top. This broad and shallow couloir poses less of a rockfall hazard than the narrower options to the south and thus is the one recommended here. Even so, ascend with great caution.
A snow patch or cornice may be at the top, which should be able to be bypassed on either side.
Once on the ridge, go around a rocky knob on the right and follow the ever-steeper ridge to the summit. Aside from a few brief Class 3 sections, this ridge is a solid Class 2 romp to the summit.
Due to loose rock hazards, it is not adviseable that you descend the way you came up. Descend the East Ridge route for a fine loop trip, featured on this page in the ROUTES section.
     
Essential GearStandard day hike gear will do. Boots with good tread are highly recommended.
In snow and ice, ice axe, crampons and appropriate gear are required.
Miscellaneous InfoIf 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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Northern Sawatch Range
