Add Heading HereWe camped at Dade Lake and went for Cox Col, but ended up staying well South (left) of the route, favoring a more direct approach that required crampons and ice axe. This route was full of loose rock and I sent a rock down that almost took out my climbing partner. We were turned back by weather once we hit the ridge - it was only around 10:00 AM!
After ignoring the numerous (irresponsibly placed) ducks that could entice hikers into some sketchy descents, we finally found the correct Cox Col - and from here it was a surprisingly straightforward descent.
We were surprised to encounter a climbing party of six (including three children around 5 or 6 years old!) that were planning on summiting the north face.
If you are trying to spot cox col from Dade lake, you can see a human - shaped and sized rock jutting out from the ridge line's silhouette. It is small but it serves as a good place mark.
|
John Muir Wilderness
