Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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40.09890°N / 105.6164°W |
Route Type:
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Scramble, Hike |
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Time Required:
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Half a day |
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Difficulty:
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Class 3 |
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Approach
Follow the directions on the Main Page into the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and on to the Mitchell Lake TH. Follow the Mitchell Lake Trail for about 1 mile to Mitchell lake. DO NOT take the Beaver Creek/Mt. Audubon Trail.
This ridge is one of the most fun I've done for the grade. It doesn't get much traffic, has terrific position and is the most direct route to the summit. A great suggestion for new climbers who want to get off the hiking trails and do some scrambling without much fall potential.
RT 5.4miles; 2750ft
Route Description
Once you get to Mitchell Lake you will be able to see the SE Ridge above the lake. To get to the ridge leave the trail on the West (far end) of the lake and walk around the lake to the beginning of the boulder field. Make your way up the boulders heading just to the left of the low point on the ridge above. Once on the ridge turn west (left) and make your way up the boulders on the ridge. The going is easy for a while as the ridge slowly narrows to about 15 feet at some points. The rock is very solid and the positions is exceptional as the ridge drops away on both sides. The crux of the climb comes when the ridge ends abruptly at a notch. Down climb into the notch (class3), cross the notch and ascend the short headwall (class 3) until you top out on the upper slopes of Mt. Audubon. From here you can see the summit nearly 1000 ft above. The rest of the route is a hike across tundra and boulders to the summit. From the summit you can either continue to Paiute or descend the easy to follow, well traveled East Slopes route of Mt. Audubon.
The following was added as an alternative to the Class 3 downclimb by SP member schajw:
I climbed this route in September, 2003. As I was alone, I didn't want to take the chance on the class 3 downclimb into the notch, so I found an easy way around it. When you get to the top of the downclimb, backtrack on the route for about 100-150 feet, until you get to the point where you can easily downclimb climber's left (south?), then hug the rock (probably class 2) and work your way into the notch. You'll still have to climb the class 3 headwall afterward, but if downclimbing isn't your strong suit, this variation will make it easier.
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Essential Gear
No special gear. Ice axe could be useful for early season conditions. Don't forget the camera like I did because you'll be sorry.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.