Nice one. I took a few looks through the standard guide books before heading up there last month but mostly relied upon your expert description to get me there and back safely. It worked like a charm. My father wants to try this one so I may be heading back shortly. Lucky me!
Alright Jim! Your dad will love it. Let me know how it goes. Glad the page text worked well. It should. Me and Sneffels go back a long way (1980, 8 ascents and countless trips to the area for other hikes and climbs). Thanks for the nice vote.
Excellent page and great pix. Question: 10 years or so ago the jump through the notch at the top of the Lavender col was just that; not very far but across a ravine... now it's full of rock - was it filled in by human trail work or nature?
Some stones were placed below the "V-notch" over the years. The ravine you speak of is actually to the left (as you look up into the notch) and is easily avoided. However, a slip out of the notch and falling the wrong way could be...unfortunate. I've never heard of any accidents involving this spot, though.
Thanks for the info. As you say, the ravine is to the left now but when I first climbed Sneffles it extended fully under the area where you jumped across, at least 50 ft. deep there and dropping off dramatically to the left, there was no going around it on that route; you really had to jump into the notch and grab hold... just a little fun adrenaline flow. It's been filled in at least 5 years now. That first time though I had too big a pack on so I had to toss it across first or the width would have kept me from jumping deep enough into the V to grab a hold. It's obviously safer now but I was still surprised to find it filled in.
Aaron, I want to take the opportunity to thank you. When I started, which was really May of this year, I had no idea what quality of page to add, nor how to vote (thought it was truly a 1-5 system), etc. I took some flack and almost didn't give it a go based on some harsh comments from the peanut gallery. But I knew the format was superior to anything I had seen and basically had your kind feedback to make me think twice about bailing. I am enjoying putting my notes and photos to good use. Thanks again and Cheers! (oh yeah, super page)
ps, I owe you a cold one if you are ever in Banff.
I climbed the South Ridge several years ago with a friend. We still talk about that climb as one of the funnest days we've had in the mountains. Looking through your site and all these great pictures brought those memories back. Thanks!
Hello, will be in the Ouray area next week and want to climb Mt Sneffels, but a little worried. It will only be my 2nd summit. I have climbed the Barr trail side of Pikes Peak and the Crags side of Pikes Peak (class 2) How much more difficult is class 2+ for Sneffels? Thanks for input!
The climb to the saddle is as steep as the long slope on the Crags route, and looser. The climb up the couloir is equally as steep but there are plenty of solid rocks and holds. Stay to one side or the other. At the top of the couloir is the crux move, some consider it Class 3. There is a bit of exposure, but rocks have been placed to facilitate easy entry into a V-shaped cut in the rock wall. Beyond that, there is nothing more difficult than Class 2 on solid rock. You should be fine.
Greetings y'all! I am planning to attempt a summit of Sneffels the second weekend of November. Does anybody have any snow reports for what to expect early-mid November? Will I need just micro spikes for the approach or should I plan to bring my snow shoes or touring skis? I plan to approach from the west and north blue lake trailhead and do the standard route
Any info on November weather or gear recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Also any avvy prone areas to look into if any would help me.
bc44caesar - May 12, 2004 8:43 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentA great page...I only wish some people would get around to climbing the awesome northern routes and post routes on here!
Aaron Johnson - Jun 16, 2004 10:38 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentMe too! Some of those routes are regarded as classic, too. Some day...Thanks for the vote! Your pics have added much to the Sneffels page!
Moni - Jun 11, 2004 5:06 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentVery complete and great photos!
Colonelpyat - Jul 8, 2004 1:42 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNice one. I took a few looks through the standard guide books before heading up there last month but mostly relied upon your expert description to get me there and back safely. It worked like a charm. My father wants to try this one so I may be heading back shortly. Lucky me!
Aaron Johnson - Jul 8, 2004 5:44 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentAlright Jim! Your dad will love it. Let me know how it goes. Glad the page text worked well. It should. Me and Sneffels go back a long way (1980, 8 ascents and countless trips to the area for other hikes and climbs). Thanks for the nice vote.
Kenzo Okawa - Sep 5, 2004 8:47 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentAfter absent from the Summit Post for two months, I found a wonderful mountain page of Colorado!
A lot of thanks Aaron.
Aaron Johnson - Sep 6, 2004 9:39 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentHi Kenzo-You are most kind for stopping by and voting on my pages. Thank you so much. Glad you like what you are seeing. I'm flattered!
WildmanDallas - Sep 19, 2004 5:12 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentExcellent page and great pix. Question: 10 years or so ago the jump through the notch at the top of the Lavender col was just that; not very far but across a ravine... now it's full of rock - was it filled in by human trail work or nature?
Aaron Johnson - Sep 21, 2004 2:39 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentSome stones were placed below the "V-notch" over the years. The ravine you speak of is actually to the left (as you look up into the notch) and is easily avoided. However, a slip out of the notch and falling the wrong way could be...unfortunate. I've never heard of any accidents involving this spot, though.
WildmanDallas - Sep 26, 2004 4:38 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentThanks for the info. As you say, the ravine is to the left now but when I first climbed Sneffles it extended fully under the area where you jumped across, at least 50 ft. deep there and dropping off dramatically to the left, there was no going around it on that route; you really had to jump into the notch and grab hold... just a little fun adrenaline flow. It's been filled in at least 5 years now. That first time though I had too big a pack on so I had to toss it across first or the width would have kept me from jumping deep enough into the V to grab a hold. It's obviously safer now but I was still surprised to find it filled in.
Brad Snider - Oct 5, 2004 4:33 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentSPECTACULAR!
The Lower Marmot - Feb 12, 2005 11:10 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentNicely done page on such a famous mountain.
Aaron Johnson - Apr 26, 2005 9:22 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThank you Marco!
Dow Williams - Jun 2, 2005 9:16 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentAaron, I want to take the opportunity to thank you. When I started, which was really May of this year, I had no idea what quality of page to add, nor how to vote (thought it was truly a 1-5 system), etc. I took some flack and almost didn't give it a go based on some harsh comments from the peanut gallery. But I knew the format was superior to anything I had seen and basically had your kind feedback to make me think twice about bailing. I am enjoying putting my notes and photos to good use. Thanks again and Cheers! (oh yeah, super page)
ps, I owe you a cold one if you are ever in Banff.
James C - Jul 24, 2005 8:20 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentGreat Page! Cn't wait till i climb this one, the snake looks like fun
Larry V - Dec 21, 2005 9:15 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentOustanding page, spruced up for the holidays, even.
lloyd - Apr 20, 2008 11:40 pm - Voted 10/10
NiceI climbed the South Ridge several years ago with a friend. We still talk about that climb as one of the funnest days we've had in the mountains. Looking through your site and all these great pictures brought those memories back. Thanks!
sshellman - Aug 16, 2011 4:15 pm - Hasn't voted
Yankee TrailheadHello, will be in the Ouray area next week and want to climb Mt Sneffels, but a little worried. It will only be my 2nd summit. I have climbed the Barr trail side of Pikes Peak and the Crags side of Pikes Peak (class 2) How much more difficult is class 2+ for Sneffels? Thanks for input!
mtnhiker13 - Aug 16, 2011 9:27 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Yankee TrailheadThe climb to the saddle is as steep as the long slope on the Crags route, and looser. The climb up the couloir is equally as steep but there are plenty of solid rocks and holds. Stay to one side or the other. At the top of the couloir is the crux move, some consider it Class 3. There is a bit of exposure, but rocks have been placed to facilitate easy entry into a V-shaped cut in the rock wall. Beyond that, there is nothing more difficult than Class 2 on solid rock. You should be fine.
SoulMountain12 - Sep 22, 2021 4:16 pm - Hasn't voted
November Trip ReportsGreetings y'all! I am planning to attempt a summit of Sneffels the second weekend of November. Does anybody have any snow reports for what to expect early-mid November? Will I need just micro spikes for the approach or should I plan to bring my snow shoes or touring skis? I plan to approach from the west and north blue lake trailhead and do the standard route
Any info on November weather or gear recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Also any avvy prone areas to look into if any would help me.
Thanks peeps! Much love