Hikers Missing Since Wednesday

[JROSKA]

Does anyone know the background of these two guys experience above tree line? The latest article posted on this thread made it seem as though this was the fallen's second hike of 2014.

Tough to tell for sure, but that article sort of lends the appearance that the experience level was on the low side. He moved here a year ago.

[James Dziezynski]

Revisiting the traverse this year, I was amazed how long it took my experienced team to find the right lines down North Maroon (and we actually didn't find the right lines, but were carrying a rope and rappelled some shortcuts to save time in the second gully). I know that when I've done North Maroon by itself, it's much easier to navigate the descent, as opposed to the traverse. Same with the Crestone Traverse -- coming down the Needle as a single endeavor after climbing it is not too bad but getting the correct line after the traverse is quite tricky, especially if you've never been on the Needle.

Really sad to read the article about Jerod, he sounds like a great guy. Plus it hits home a little, since we were both New England guys originally and the same age. Good thoughts to his family, friends and pups... and here's to a quick recovery and graceful healing for David.

[onebyone]

@ James Having done both the Maroon Bell and Crestone traverses, I totally agree with your assessment. Descending something you've never climbed is weird. I always say to my partner , don't get "sucked down," meaning that you can descend the wrong way really fast and then you're very reluctant to up climb again to get it right. Ascending is typically slow going, so you're a lot more focused on route finding. The Little Bear- Blanca traverse was technically more difficult, but psychologically much easier because you can clearly see the route in front of you. Just my 2 cents though.

[wondering_hough]

Thanks for the 2 cents. Down climbing after a committing traverse, to me, is the crux of a trip. I quickly learned on a mountain much easier than the bells, how I'm important route finding is when you think your day is wrapping up.

I will respectively remember the lost climber when I see north maroon for myself next season.

Also hope to get the survivors story of how they split up, the weather conditions, etc. People will still climb the bells and this could help prevent future ones.