NE Ridge

Approach

Approach to this route is from Sundance Pass. Please see the Whitetail Peak Main Page for details on your two options for reaching Sundance Pass.

Time required assumes you are starting from either the Lake Fork or West Fork trailhead.

Route Description

From Sundance Pass (Elevation 11,037'), begin by ascending the ridge to the SW (there is no marked trail). After 200 vertical feet the grade eases up somewhat. From here continue up towards the twin summits of Mount Lockhart (0.6 miles from Sundance Pass). Mount Lockhart is a named peak, but only rises 150 vertical feet from its saddle with Whitetail. Bag the higher of Lockhart's two summits (on the North, elevation 11,647') before beginning your descent to the aforementioned saddle a half a mile distant.

Note that from the saddle it is often times difficult to see whether or not bad whether is approaching. Before leaving Lockhart, scan the sky for signs of approaching thunderstorms before commiting yourself to the climb.

From the saddle, pick your line up the ridge. The scramble is enjoyable and does not exceed class three. 100-150 vertical feet from the summit you will reach the notch at the top of Whitetail Couloir (2000+ feet long, 50 degrees sustained). Depending on the previous season's weather, snow may last in this notch late into the summer. Directly above the notch is the most difficult section of the climb (YDS Class 4), although you may be able to find a slightly easier route by tranversing around towards the south. After surmounting this minor barrier, continue your scramble to the summit of Montana's fourth highest peak.

Essential Gear

No special gear is required, although it is wise to wear a helmet due to the potential for rockfall.

Miscellaneous Info

If 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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