Basic Alpine Climb - Monte Cristo/North Col

TBD

PLEASE CLICK ON [MORE+] AND READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE REQUESTING LEADER PERMISSION.

• Because of steep snow and loose rock this is not a good climb for current or recent basic students unless you have experience in these conditions.
• When requesting permission, please include your fitness/conditioning level as shown by recent trips done or planned that are at least 10 mi and 4k’ ascent.   Please also include your experience traveling on steep, exposed snow and scrambling terrain.
• Participants must have a bike suitable for the approach – preferably a mountain bike but a hybrid bike with wide tires should be sufficient.  Make sure the bike is in good working condition and tires inflated.

trip details

• We will bike the old road (rough in places and log crossings over SF Sauk River) for 4 miles and 400’ elevation to the old Monte Cristo township.  We will stash or lock bikes here.
• From here we will follow a rough trail for 2 miles and 2k’ gain to get to Glacier Basin.
• Ascending snow slopes, sometimes steep, for less than a mile but 2k’ gain we’ll reach the north col.
• After traversing steep, exposed snow on the east side of Monte Cristo we will transition to a short rock climb and then scramble a few hundred feet (possibly on loose rock) to the summit.
• We’ll return to the cars by reversing our route but remember that going down steep snow and rock can be more intimidating than it was ascending.

EXPECTATIONS

• Our primary goal is to be safe and have fun while doing that.  Summits are desirable but optional.
• This will be a long, strenuous day. Expect to be traveling 12-14 hours over almost 15 miles and 5,000 ft vertical gain. The pace will be moderate but consistent without extended rests.  You are responsible for self-care, including eating and hydrating.
• All participants should familiarize themselves with the route and weather forecast before the trip and be prepared to participate in navigation and contribute to decision making throughout the trip.