Sep 15, 2016 — Starting from the Maroon Bells Trailhead, pass Maroon Lake ascending en route to Crater Lake. Just before dropping down toward Crater Lake, a nice trail leads south, switchbacking up the talus-filled slopes leading to a a boulder field, where the trail disappears and some Class 2 begins. The boulder field leads into the basin just north of Pyramid Peak. I could see the peak ahead, and there seemed to be a lot of snow up there. I wasn't feeling confident without crampons, and being solo. I persisted through the boulder field and located the trail leading up the steep slope, leading east up to the northeastern ridge of Pyramid Peak. I made a friend named Joe along the way, and we kept each other feeling strong on the ascent up the slope. The snow made it a bit scary, and we both admitted that without the other being there, we would have turned back.
Once on the northeast ridge of Pyramid Peak, we headed along the ridge, encountering lots of Class 2 and some Class 3 moves, much of the route keeping on the south side of the ridge. It was well-cairned and we only got a little confused toward the top when we encountered the light Class 4 section up a lighter-colored wall where the scree seemed to erode the social trails. A series of ledges continued to the summit from here, with some more Class 3.
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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!
