FAQ and threads for those just starting to hike the Colorado 14ers.
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On topic, In my limited experience with class three (Longs, ellingwood ridge on La Plata, Navajo Peak) there isn't anything technically difficult about the moves required, even a casual gym climber would think Long's keyhole moves are a breeze, but the altitude and exposure make this hiking/climbing grade more difficult than a class two walk up. Lower grades also offer an easier and faster descent if weather moves in, so I would say gauging weather becomes much more important on a class three route.
Class 3 is great. More vert faster. Get to use your hands on rock instead of on stupid poles. And finding holds is easy. If you find yourself on class 4 or 5 instead of class 3, you know it.
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Jorts wrote:Class 3 is great. More vert faster. Get to use your hands on rock instead of on stupid poles. And finding holds is easy. If you find yourself on class 4 or 5 instead of class 3, you know it.
It’s definitely not black and white. Comparing Class 3 on Kit Carson is not the same as Class 3 on something like the Southwest Ridge of Ellingwood Point, which has ridiculous exposure, a Capital Peak like knife edge section and very sustained hands and feet points of contact throughout. But, that’s where doing your research comes in. In Kit Carson’s defense— the standard route is grueling with the miserable slog up Challenger. By the time you get to Carson’s avenue, you’re pretty beat.
My recommendations - Go with some harder 2’s like Blanca, Ellingwood Point standard (that Lake Como road will test your Will) Castle, Conundrum, or easier class 3, Windom, Sneffels, Lindsey then step up to Wetterhorn. Or give Challenger a go and see how you feel before attempting Carson.
Stay safe friends.
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The more important question is really how sustained the Class 3 is. On some peaks, it's just a few small sections and you're really Class 2 90-95% of the time. On other peaks, Class 3 is sustained and long. If you climb 500 feet of mostly straight Class 3 you will feel more exposed.
