Overview
Refer to the
Elkhorn Mountain parent page. This is the easiest and standard route up Elkhorn. The majority of ascents are made via this route and almost everyone descends this way. The description below assumes that the reader has completed the initial approach up the Elkhorn Creek canyon and has established a camp at either of the two options described on the main page.
Route Description
From either camp proceed along the NW ridge staying on the ridge crest as much as possible. In several places it is necessary to go around, rather than over, bumps on the ridge. An hour or so from the higher of the two camps will bring you to the toe of the upper NW ridge, the original ascent route. The huge gendarme seen in many pictures of Elkhorn dominates the ridge above you.