| Moosehead (Northeast Face) Route |
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| Moosehead (Northeast Face)   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 40.06700°N / 105.638°W Route Type: Scramble Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Class 2
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Aug 23, 2004 / Jun 16, 2006 Object ID: 161916 Hits: 1233 Loading... Page Score: 0% - 0 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
ApproachSee the GETTING THERE section on the main page.
This route is best executed from June (as a moderate snow climb) through early October (Class 2 rock scramble). For route finding purposes, the "Moosehead" snowfield should be discernable through most of the summer. It IS NOT recommended as a winter climb due to serious avalanche possibility.
Isabelle Lake from the higher basin just below the final switchbacks to Pawnee Pass
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson Hike up the Long Lake Trail and at Lake Isabelle, take the Pawnee Pass trail. The trail switchbacks up through red and orange rock to a higher tundra plateau. Just before the trail starts to switchback up a huge talus and boulder covered slope, leave the trail and strike out southwest directly toward Shoshoni's northeast facing slopes.
Route DescriptionFrom the trail, contour southwest across the tundra, staying high above a tarn in a basin just below you. Angle your way gradually upward, staying on tundra whenever possible to avoid possible loose terrain.
The mixed tundra and scree soon becomes unavoidable but footing is still good. Climb toward some rock ribs directly below the "Moosehead" shaped snowfield. Several gully routes are available here, but the one with the least amount of loose rock goes up a narrowing cleft. Some minor Class 2 scrambling is required on this steep terrain.
The steepness relents momentarily as you make your way to the base of the snowfield. Aim for a rock rib in a sea of talus to the left of the snow. If the snow is not visible, your climbing line runs directly up the northeast face on this rib of outcrops. This rib offers solid Class 2 scrambling, but loose rock is present. Proceed cautiously.
On top of the ridge, angle left over solid boulders and tundra to the summit over two minor humps. Pass through a dramatic, tight notch to the summit scramble. A narrow catwalk is ascended to a very airy Class 2 scramble. Several possibilities around the summit boulder will determine the amount of exposure.
Lake and Icebergs at the base of Isabelle Glacier, as seen from the notch below Shoshoni's summit pinnacle
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson For a nice loop hike, return via this route, or perhaps this route, or return the way you came, being mindful of loose rock as you go on all three routes.
Essential GearStandard dayhike gear will do. A snow climb in June would certainly require ice axe and crampons. Anticipate all weather possibilities.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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Indian Peaks (CO)
