Engineer Mountain's Northeast Ridge route looks very dramatic in this photo. Most of the route is easy but tenuous Class 2 climbing over semi-stable talus (a San Juan rarity). Most of the distance on this climb is covered on a nice trail through basins full of wildflowers. The climb is immediate and grabs your attention for the last half mile to the top. A Class 3 or 4 move is required along the route. Engineer is your typical San Juan summit, striking, beautiful, rugged and rotten. Climb safely and the view is a fantastic reward for such a short day. Summer, 2007, San Juan Mountains.

Digital photo by Aaron Johnson