Anyone go up Kelso Ridge this last weekend?

[Stevo]

Wondering if anyone went up Kelso Ridge last weekend (6/14 and 6/15). Or just Grays and Torreys in general. What condition is the trail in? I am planning to head up tonight but don't want to drive up there to find that I need more than an axe and traction. I didn't see a really recent update on the conditions page so thanks in advance!!

[justiner]

Was up Kelso Ridge yesterday. It's pretty snow-free, except the last section near Dead Dog, to the summit. You'll want some sort of traction - we had full-on crampons/ice axe, more cause we had them (and I was teaching someone snow climbing). It's pretty bullet-proof snow.

The rest of the trail has snow in the usual places, all pretty firm, from constant traveling on, you won't need anything else on any other part, although traction could help. The best setup would be a lightweight axe + microspikes for the whole thing.

[justiner]

keslo.jpg (65.93 KiB) Viewed 237 times

Here's what it looks like. Really pretty dry, except for say, the last pitch.

[Stevo]

Fantastic, thanks! That's exactly how I was planning to go- light axe and traction only (well, also a water bottle and a Kettle Bell). That last little section above Dead Dog always makes me think twice when crossing, even with an axe and traction. A slip here would be a long ride!

Alos, nice work on the Salida Double Fondo 2nd place finish a few weeks back! I chatted with you briefly as you passed me at the beginning but then quickly faded back. That was a long and fun day!

[justiner]

Alos, nice work on the Salida Double Fondo 2nd place finish a few weeks back! I chatted with you briefly as you passed me at the beginning but then quickly faded back. That was a long and fun day!

Oh, thanks a lot! Not bad, considering it took two days to ride out! My thanks as well to the town of Salida, who always make an incredible host.

Have fun on the mountain!