Descending the orange talus mound at the bottom of a gray gully is the last obstacle climbers encounter during the complex execution of the descent route on Potosi Peak. Unlike the gray gully seen above, it is a pleasant "scree ski," for those familiar with the term. Above it, the terrain is slippery and treacherous and only experienced folks familiar with San Juan conditions should attempt the route.

Note the white colored pour-off to the left of Ellen. It is easy to be tempted into following this slippery water course when exiting the orange gully above Ellen. DO NOT FOLLOW THIS WATER COURSE, for as you can see, its terminus would not be kind to a hapless descending human.

Likewise, the great snow-filled grotto on the far left is another hazard to be avoided as the descent route parallels it, particularly near the descent into the gray gully above.

Far above are the towering cliffs of Potosi's well guarded summit tower. Directly beneath it (and several thousand feet lower) is the gray gully which leads to the orange gully for the descent. The gray gully can be quite hazardous and must be descended with great care.

San Juan Mountains, Summer, 2007.

Digital photo by Aaron Johnson