A local climber from Durango ascends the crux move (Class 4) on Engineer Mountain. Near the end of the ridge crack, exit left onto a small ledge and climb directly up the solid rock rib, which is the actual ridge crest, for about 80 feet, bypassing a small gendarme along the way on the left. Exposure through this section will be considerable for some folks. A variation involves exiting the alcove for about six feet out onto the east face of the mountain and climbing a crack system. Both options involve exposure and tiny, iffy holds, although the rib ascent is a bit more solid feeling. Summer, 2007, San Juan Mountains.

Digital photo by Aaron Johnson