northeast ridge of Mount Merritt

The northeast ridge of Mount Merritt, with the summit hidden from view by the large cliff at upper right. The route follows the ridge until a large cliff blocks further progress. A well-worn trail leads underneath the cliff on the left. The crux of the climb is encountered as steep, loose class III need be negotiated. After that, a moderate angle snowfield leads to an easy, yet tiring scree slog to the summit. Old Sun Glacier sits below and to the left. In the distance, the prominent spire is Iceberg Peak, with Mount Wilbur behind and to the left. Farther back and to the right, the snowy, rounded dome of Mount Jackson, Glacier's fourth tallest peak, is visible. August 27, 2011