That says a lot, coming from Ben. And otherssupranihilest wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 7:19 pmSouthwest ridge is still the better route in winter or when avalanches are a concern. The Hourglass is extremely finicky and dangerous with snow. The southwest ridge is the vastly superior route due to its almost complete lack of objective danger. Having done both routes I don't think I'd ever do the Hourglass again, regardless of season. Just my 2¢.shepherdkyle wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 4:14 pm Thank you for the replies. I don’t think there will be enough ice with current conditions, thus the post, so I’m eyeing other opportunities this weekend. I’ll likely do it in the winter, so I don’t have to mess with other folks and rockfall.
Little Bear Conditions
Forum rules
- This is a mountaineering forum, so please keep your posts on-topic. Posts do not all have to be related to the 14ers but should at least be mountaineering-related.
- Personal attacks and confrontational behavior will result in removal from the forum at the discretion of the administrators.
- Do not use this forum to advertise, sell photos or other products or promote a commercial website.
- Posts will be removed at the discretion of the site administrator or moderator(s), including: Troll posts, posts pushing political views or religious beliefs, and posts with the purpose of instigating conflict within the forum.
For more details, please see the Terms of Use you agreed to when joining the forum.
- greenonion
- Posts: 1892
- Joined: 10/3/2012
- 14ers: 50 1
- 13ers: 2
- Trip Reports (0)
Re: Little Bear Conditions
- Salient
- Posts: 178
- Joined: 2/19/2021
- Trip Reports (0)
- Contact:
Re: Little Bear Conditions
I wonder if 14ers.com will ever add the route for the SW ridge. Right now the Standard Route is the only one with a description or pictures for Little Bear.
Be the best you that you can be.
Re: Little Bear Conditions
There are a number of user-contributed routes on the site, so I would think it's doable if someone who's climbed the route is willing to document it. There are also a number of trip reports for the SW ridge (and a couple for the Hourglass in winter) with pictures, but they're written in a different style from the route descriptions of course.
- BrenAuer237
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 7/15/2015
- 14ers: 45 2 6
- 13ers: 22 4
- Trip Reports (0)
Re: Little Bear Conditions
Does anyone know where the "trailhead" even is for this route (SW ridge)? I've heard conflicting things. Apparently the best start for it is at the intersection of 24th St and Finton Ave near Tobin Creek, but according to summitpost this crosses private property. Do most people just start by hiking up Como road? My understanding is that this would add a considerable amount of time and mileage. What am I missing here?
Re: Little Bear Conditions
It’s all off trail from the como road. You can find GPX in the library.BrenAuer237 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 8:56 pm Does anyone know where the "trailhead" even is for this route (SW ridge)? I've heard conflicting things. Apparently the best start for it is at the intersection of 24th St and Finton Ave near Tobin Creek, but according to summitpost this crosses private property. Do most people just start by hiking up Como road? My understanding is that this would add a considerable amount of time and mileage. What am I missing here?
Re: Little Bear Conditions
Kyle, I thought you got the hourglass done a couple weeks back? Was it no dice? Anyhow, the southwest ridge was honestly very enjoyable the same weekend. I cannot speak to conditions now, what with all the sun and warmth. My guess is the snow is not nearly as supportive and there is much more rime.shepherdkyle wrote: ↑Wed Nov 10, 2021 4:14 pm Thank you for the replies. I don’t think there will be enough ice with current conditions, thus the post, so I’m eyeing other opportunities this weekend. I’ll likely do it in the winter, so I don’t have to mess with other folks and rockfall.
- CaptainSuburbia
- Posts: 1101
- Joined: 10/7/2017
- 14ers: 58 35
- 13ers: 125 9
- Trip Reports (44)
Re: Little Bear Conditions
I've climbed it 3 times from approximately this spot. The ridge should be in great condition right now.
Some day our kids will study Clash lyrics in school.
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point
Re: Little Bear Conditions
As crazy as the Captain is, the SW ridge is always in. Might be the only winter 14’er that can be done without snowshoes pretty much anytime.CaptainSuburbia wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 9:07 pm I've climbed it 3 times from approximately this spot. The ridge should be in great condition right now.
Screenshot_20220126-210151_Gaia GPS.jpg
- CaptainSuburbia
- Posts: 1101
- Joined: 10/7/2017
- 14ers: 58 35
- 13ers: 125 9
- Trip Reports (44)
Re: Little Bear Conditions
Will is correct. Crampons not always needed either.Will_E wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 9:25 pmAs crazy as the Captain is, the SW ridge is always in. Might be the only winter 14’er that can be done without snowshoes pretty much anytime.CaptainSuburbia wrote: ↑Wed Jan 26, 2022 9:07 pm I've climbed it 3 times from approximately this spot. The ridge should be in great condition right now.
Screenshot_20220126-210151_Gaia GPS.jpg
Some day our kids will study Clash lyrics in school.
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point