| Northeast Ridge aka The Knife Ridge Route |
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| Northeast Ridge aka The Knife Ridge   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.15030°N / 107.0825°W Route Type: Hike and Scramble Time Required: One to two days Difficulty: Class 4 Scamble
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| Page By: miztflip Created/Edited: Aug 30, 2001 / Feb 22, 2006 Object ID: 155742 Hits: 7809 Loading... Page Score: 87.06% - 4 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach
The namesake Knife Ridge as seen from near K2 Photo by theplugger You may start from either the Capitol Creek or West Snowmass Creek trailheads. The West Snowmass Creek trailhead offers the most secluded approach and will be used here. From the West Snowmass Creek trailhead follow the Maroon-Snowmass trail for 1.2 miles to the signed junction with West Snowmass trail. Follow this trail and ford Snowmass Creek at the easiest spot. Finding the easiest spot may take time especially at times of high run off. Once on the west side of the creek follow the trail for 2 miles to a meadow at 9,800 feet. Leave the trail here before it climbs Haystack Mountain and continue up the west side of the valley. The trail from here is well traveled but sometimes difficult to find. You will come to several meadows before reaching treeline that have excellent camp spots. You must cross to the east side of West Snowmass Creek and follow the trail to treeline at 11,400 feet where you will find several small lakes. The largest and highest lake is Moon Lake at 11,740 feet. From Moon Lake follow the valley west then south through large boulders. After the valley turns south one may encounter snow on the gentle north facing slope with a distinct peak called K2 to the southwest. Find the easiest route to K2.
RT From the Capitol Creek TH:
17 miles
5,800 feet of gain
RT From the West Snowmass Creek TH:
16 miles
5,800 feet of gain
Route DescriptionOnce you get to K2 the climbing begins. Climb down K2's north side until you can easily get to the Northeast Ridge. The Knife Ridge proper is a 100 foot long horizontal stretch of ridge. Choose your method for crossing this section. It does not require ropes but some climbers do use them. When you pass the Knife Ridge you make a long traverse on the south facing portion of the Northeast Ridge, upper 3rd class scrambling with exposure, and when possible return to the crest of the ridge and climb to the summit.
Essential GearAn ice ax can be useful in early spring after a wet winter to climb the snowfield above Moon Lake. A helmet is a must as there is the potential for rock fall. For those uncomfortable with exsposed class 4 climbing a short light rope may be peace of mind. Do not forget your camera as you will surely be sorry.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
Images
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Elk Mountains
