Eldorado - need info

[esugi]

Anyone done Eldorado East Ridge in late season?

 

I'm curious what kind of condition the summit ridge would be in Mid-August to September. Snow mostly gone exposing some rocks? Any info would be great!

 

Thanks

[JoshK]

It's mostly rocks as it is now. You can avoid almost all the snow if you choose. If you'd rather have snow, move 40 feet to the right and climb the snow.

[DPS]

I have done east ridge in October. I think what JoshK meant was the East Ridge is a rocky spine with snow slow slopes next to it. The summitsnow ridge where everyone gets their photos taken is snow all year around, no rock.

Edited August 2, 2004 by danielpatricksmith

[JoshK]

Yup, what DPS said. FWIW, the walk from the rocks to the actual summit (on the snow ridge) is all of 10 feet as of a couple of weeks ago.

 

On a more general note, the E ridge of Eldorado is most certainly a very reasonable climb any time of year. Obviously in the winter the snow ridge will be steeper (it's cool!!) and the E ridge mostly covered with snow, but still not technical. It all depends on your experience and comfort level...

[esugi]

Great, thanks for the info. What JoshK said "E ridge...reasonable climb any time of year" was the info I was looking for. With that info and what DPS said about snow all year around on summit ridge where most photos are taken, it should be a go for us in mid August.

[DPS]

You will enjoy it, especially the delightfully direct approach hike. Switch backs, we don't need no stinking switchbacks.

[JoshK]

You got it man. In fact, the E ridge is a great solo, until I put my foot through a crack on the eldorado glacier. Now I am too pussy to cross that thing w/o a rope, thus relegating me to bring a long a "partner"