Am I ready for class 3/4?

[ljoyce21]

I've done 10 14ers in the last month and have summited 18 (I think). At this time I have only done class 1 and 2 hikes, mainly due to their proximity to the Denver area, but I want to get in at least one class 3 or 4 before it snows. The toughest hikes I've done recently were probably Harvard and Columbia (North cottonwood creek traditional routes), but I would not say they were too difficult - just harder in comparison. I have great endurance and have no issues with scrambling (its my favorite part). I am saving Longs peak for next summer to do with family, so for this month I've got my eyes on Pyramid Peak and Maroon Peak. Do you think I am ready for those hikes based on what I've said?

[dwoodward13]

IMO, no. I would get several Class 3 hike on solid rock in first before attempting either of those. Kelso Ridge, Father Dyer East Ridge, Wetterhorn, and Bierstadt/Evans Sawtooth all being good choices for that, although there are many others. Just search the forum for "first class 3" or "beginner class 3" and loads of threads will pop up.

Both of those peaks are known for lose rock (as are all the Elks), and somewhat tricky route finding. Doing only Class 1/2 peaks and jumping straight to that would be a lot unless you have other rock climbing experience.

[twhalm]

Pyramid and Maroon are a significant jump up from what you have done so far. If you have done any scrambling or climbing casually (not on 14ers) you might be fine, but if you have no experience with class 3 I'd start somewhere else. For something in the Elks, I really like Castle as a transitional 2+ that lets you get a taste for the terrain. Wetterhorn or Kelso ridge are also good starter class 3 options. You also don't need to do a 14er to get experience in that kind of terrain.

In addition, class 3 and 4 are difference classes for a reason. If you don't have any class 3 experience I would not jump to class 4 since the consequences of a fall there are much higher (including death on either grade). Also, make sure to wear a helmet on class 3/4.

[Scott P]

Do you think I am ready for those hikes based on what I've said?

Can you route find? That is the biggest factor. My kids were doing class 3 and 4 by age 4, but of course I was doing the route finding. That factor is a lot bigger than technical difficulty.

[mtree]

Its not the class 3/4 that's the issue with Maroon Bells or Pyramid. Its the route finding and shitty rock. Sobering. I did exactly that after lots of class 1 and 2s. Straight to S Maroon! I did it, but it wasn't pretty. I was soooo relieved to get off that pile of rubble. The ground beneath me finally stopped moving. I could breathe again.

[mountmurphy]

I would second the suggestion for doing Castle and Conundrum first! These are good mountains to ease you into more difficult peaks. The trail is less defined than front range or sawatch class 2 which gives you an opportunity for more practice with route finding. I would also suggest Wetterhorn if you are looking for class 3 instead of difficult class 2. This route is also a good test of route finding, but the class 3 sections are pretty short which will allow you to evaluate your skill level in an environment that is not quite as committing as maroon or pyramid would be.

[XterraRob]

Its not the class 3/4 that's the issue with Maroon Bells or Pyramid. Its the route finding and shitty rock. Sobering. I did exactly that after lots of class 1 and 2s. Straight to S Maroon! I did it, but it wasn't pretty. I was soooo relieved to get off that pile of rubble. The ground beneath me finally stopped moving. I could breathe again.

Strangely, routefinding on upper S Maroon was easier in tbe dark with a headlamp than during the day.

[Rock-a-Fella]

Not yet, IMHO.

La plata, Castle, South Maroon. Then review how you did and how you felt

[onebyone]

Not yet, IMHO.

La plata, Castle, South Maroon. Then review how you did and how you felt

These are really good ones to do before doing the top 10 hardest ones. Prob throw Holy Cross in with this group. Farther away would be Mt. Lindsey also.

[DArcyS]

It may also depend on your age and level of athleticism. If you're in your 20s and you did gymnastics through high school, your athleticism -- i.e., high levels of strength and balance -- should be enough to carry the day.

Conversely, if you're over 50, you recently started hiking, and you never engaged in any type of athletic pursuit, you may never be ready to safely climb class 3 rock.

In between these two extremes is a spectrum, figure out where you belong.

Doing more class 2 or breaking in with easy class 3 climbs doesn't guarantee you'll be ready for harder class 3 or class 4 rock. Much of climbing involves strength and balance, and some people have it, and some don't. A little bit like hitting a 90 MPH fastball -- no matter what some people do for training, there's just no way.

[mtree]

I don't think any class 3 will prepare you for the rock in the Elks. Try Castle and see how that goes. A good warmup.
La Plata is class 2 and fairly straightforward (standard route). Holy Cross is the same, just longer. Lindsey would be a decent test, but hard to access now. I'm sure there are lots of 13ers where you can test your route-finding skills. Short of that, its just trial by fire. Join the club.

[onebyone]

I don't think any class 3 will prepare you for the rock in the Elks. Try Castle and see how that goes. A good warmup.
La Plata is class 2 and fairly straightforward (standard route). Holy Cross is the same, just longer. Lindsey would be a decent test, but hard to access now. I'm sure there are lots of 13ers where you can test your route-finding skills. Short of that, its just trial by fire. Join the club.

This is why someone above suggested Maroon Peak, and not North Maroon, as suggested by the OP.
Gotta get on the horse at some point. I guess though, if you have to ask, then maybe not ready. lol