Hike E on the Ingalls Creek trail to the Beverly-Turnpike Trail junction, 4,700'. Leave the trail and ascend rightward across the meadow to where the slope begins to steepen at about 5,000'. Cross the stream and ascend the ridge, staying left of the crest. At about 5,800', traverse right and cross over the ridge at 5,800-5,900'. Coutour into the basin. Good bivy sites at 6,200-6,400' in lower basin or at 7,400'in upper basin, esp. on large flat rock. Ascend lightly wooded hillside, then talus into the right side of the basin just SE of the summit rocks. Ascend the broad gully that goes to a notch several hundred feet E of the balanced rock. Follow the ridge on the S side until near the balanced rock, then cross to N side. If party gets off route, more difficult climbing will be encountered. On the N side, cross W on an easy but exposed slab. Belays or a hand line should be used. Continue W past the balanced rock to a short chimney. Ascend the chimney to the summit. At Longs Pass, note the main gully S of the balanced rock. The gully will be ascended just left of a sharp ridge. This climb, though not technically difficult, is very strenuous and requires excellent physical condition. The traverse on the slab is exposed.

Our primary objective is to climb the balanced rock near the summit (Short pitch of 5.7 Friction climbing). The true summit is a secondary objective. Students must have some rock climbing experience. Car camp at TH for early morning start on Tuesday morning. Exact dates of climb are subject to change to accommodate the weather.