Distance

2.0 mi to summit

5.5 mi total

Elevation

11,600 ft start

Vertical

2,000 ft gain

Time

2 hr 0 min to summit

5 hr 0 min total

10/10/21: Just missed the last easy snow free day of the season. Winter conditions were in full effect! Started from the Waldorf Mine complex and took the road slightly further up to a faint social trail just to the right of the drainage. Took this about half way up until it looked to be pretty much all open country from there. Cloud cover was near total from the start and showed no signs of abating even though the forecast had called for partial clearing starting around 2-3pm. Temp was upper 30s at the trailhead. At about 1.5mi and 1K’, started heading mostly north up the south slopes of McClellan where the tundra mixed with rock and started to get icy. More wind-blown rime to come! Started climbing into the fast moving “snow” clouds at around 13,300 just before the ridge. Made the ridge mostly avoiding the small drifts which were increasing by the minute. A short jaunt to the true summit and then started back down to the saddle trying to stay on the rocky ridge to avoid the drifts. Edwards still looks imposing from here even though the clouds were enveloping Grays and Torreys. Cool views down into Stevens Gulch and Kelso Mtn however. One-way: (2/2000)

Route to summit

None

out-and-back
Obstacles

routefinding, snow on route, weather

Key gear

trekking poles