Aaron Johnson poses with rugged South Maroon Peak in the distance. From this position, it's .9 mile to the summit, which is barely visible in this photo, as it is blocked by high points along the south ridge. The South Ridge Route actually traverses the southwest face of the mountain seen here for most of the time. Only as the route approaches the summit does it actually assume the exposed ridge line. Expect up to two hours of climbing to the top from this locatin, and figure on about the same amount of time for the return to this spot. Route finding and Class 3 climbing is highly recommended for safe execution of this route!

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, August 23, 2008

Photo by Ellen Ritt