The traverse of the twin summits of Handwerk Peak is one of the most enjoyable scrambles in Idaho. I suggest climbing the east ridge of the east summit first. It's a few hundred feet of steep 3rd class. Then comes the scary part. The descent from the east summit consists of crab walking down to the saddle on an angled slab and huge exposure. The crux is climbing the 15 feet of vertical rock out of the saddle starting up the west peak. It's only 4th class, but loose and frightening. If you fall, there's a ledge about 20 feet below, but if you bounce off the ledge, it's a long, long way down. After the short vertical part, use your route finding skills to get to the top. When in doubt, traverse north. I did not have a rope (because I was alone), but if I brought my kids on this climb, I'd bring a 50 footer and a couple of slings to protect the scary parts. It takes about 1/2 hour to go from peak to peak.
pmcgrane - Jul 11, 2006 2:26 am - Hasn't voted
Traverse the twin summitsThe traverse of the twin summits of Handwerk Peak is one of the most enjoyable scrambles in Idaho. I suggest climbing the east ridge of the east summit first. It's a few hundred feet of steep 3rd class. Then comes the scary part. The descent from the east summit consists of crab walking down to the saddle on an angled slab and huge exposure. The crux is climbing the 15 feet of vertical rock out of the saddle starting up the west peak. It's only 4th class, but loose and frightening. If you fall, there's a ledge about 20 feet below, but if you bounce off the ledge, it's a long, long way down. After the short vertical part, use your route finding skills to get to the top. When in doubt, traverse north. I did not have a rope (because I was alone), but if I brought my kids on this climb, I'd bring a 50 footer and a couple of slings to protect the scary parts. It takes about 1/2 hour to go from peak to peak.