In the higher reaches of the basin above Mosquito Creek's north fork, Mount Tweto's talus covered slopes invite a direct assault. The closer to the saddle you gain the ridge, the less likely you'll be lulled by these deceiving slopes, which can be tediously loose. The less steep the slope, the less likely the rocks will move on you. Once on the Southwest Ridge (seen here) ridge, ascend to the summit (upper right) due northeast.

Mount Tweto is a mountain of character, although you wouldn't know it from this photo. The north side, not seen here, is a jumble of spires, pinnacles and cliffs, and the mountain sports two other ridge routes with fantastic scrambling opportunities.

Mosquito Range, Colorado, Usual Suspects Outing, Summer 2007.

Digital photo by Ellen Ritt