This beautiful photo holds much potential danger. To the right you see some orange scree, which is part of the descent route from Potosi Peak, pictured here (the summit tower is at the top of the photo, but the route is not a direct descent by any means).

Potosi's slopes are complex and convoluted, full of cliffs and gullies that are easy to be trapped by and difficult to retreat from. The descent route from Potosi is not too difficult, but study of the mountain is essential to execute the route expediently and safely. Climbers often descend too soon and end up in gnarly situations, cliffed out and trying to escape from grottos such as the one seen here, which directly parallels the last part of the descent route from the mountain.

Be sure to be well briefed before attempting climbing AND descending Potosi Peak.

Summer, 2007, San Juan Mountains.

Digital photo by Aaron Johnson