IPW: Algonquin from Buchanan Pass?

[astrobassman]

Has anyone been up Buchanan Pass in the Indian Peaks? Would it be possible to hike to Algonquin from the pass? I got a good look at the standard route on Algonquin yesterday from Audubon, and it looks like it would be too steep for my girlfriend. The continental divide looks pretty mellow from Buchanan pass south to Algonquin...the area around the Sawtooth looks to be the only iffy part. I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has been back there. Thanks.

[Eph 2 5]

I don't know if it's possible to easily get over to Algonquin from Buchanan Pass, but the steep areas on the standard route up Algonquin aren't too bad. Once you get to the little pass just south of the Sawtooth, theres a steep slope of dirt and rocks that I thought was the most difficult part. I remember traversing to the left, or southeast, of a very steep section just on the other side of the "pass" and got to an easier slope. It was pretty steep, but pretty soon you get to some grassy parts that have better traction. Once you make it up that slope, Audobon is right in front of you. Then, you make a right turn to the west and go up another slope that's steep, but not as bad as the one you just came up. This is probably the slope you saw from Audobon. It was definitely steep, but the footing is good. The summit of Algonquin is definitely worth it. You get a great view into the Lone Eagle Cirques. I've got a lot of pictures from my hike of Algonquin last year that I'll share if you're interested. From Algonquin, the terrain over toward Buchanan Pass looks very gentle, but parts of it disappear behind hills, and it's possible the parts you can't see are difficult. I'm not sure about that.

[astrobassman]

Thanks for the response. I don't doubt that it's not very steep, but the girlfriend is just not good at hiking on loose stuff...when it gets steep and loose all hell breaks out. I haven't seen any photos of the route up Algonquin though, so could you please email me some of your pictures? colin.m.miller@ulalaunch.com

Thanks,

Colin

[miztflip]

I was up on Coney and Algonquin two weeks ago. Still had a bit of snow leading up the valley between Sawtooth and Coney. It is certainly doable from Buchanan Pass but would entail a bit of extra gain coming out. If you really want to do Sawtooth and Algonquin, I'd suggest climbing Sawtooth from Buchanan Pass and traversing over to Algonquin then descend the standard route on it.