Route to the West Side

The standard route up Snowmass Mountain requires getting to the west side of this ridge. During the summer when the snowmass has melted, the route to the west side is most easily attained by heading for the second notch left of the summit. To view the proper notch in this picture, follow the summit proper down to the first pronounced vertical notch. Continue following this ridgeline down to a "saddle" which is the second pronounced notch, left of the summit, in the picture. As you are looking up towards Snowmass Mountain, this is the notch to aim for. Here is a closeup look of the terrain in the notch. Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness August 17, 2010