14ers.com

Does anyone know if there is snow/ice on the Sawtooth Ridge from Beirstadt to Evans? Planning on doing it tomorrow 9/29. Thanks!

Ill be there too on the 29th. Coming from bierstadt side. Looks like Evans got some snow on the 23rd or 24th, but can't find more current info

Kurt

Kurtzimmermann@att.net

There was snow on about 1/2 of the sawtooth traverse 9/29. Footing was not ideal but I still did it. Several others did too

Got any photos?

I have video (gopro). Traveling without computer, so prob can't upload until after it's no longer timely info on conditions.

Sorry guys...I searched the forum for the answer to this, so I hope I'm not repeating a previously posted question. Would you advise against a sawtooth traverse from Evans to Bierstadt? I see all the trip reports are for Bierstadt/Sawtooth/Evans, but not in the reverse order - I'm guessing because of the ledges being even more sketchy going back down. My buddy and I are heading up the Chicago Lakes Trail, and planning on bypassing Evans and heading straight for Bierstadt via the sawtooth. Any feedback is more than appreciated...thanks!

lancegideon wrote:Sorry guys...I searched the forum for the answer to this, so I hope I'm not repeating a previously posted question. Would you advise against a sawtooth traverse from Evans to Bierstadt? I see all the trip reports are for Bierstadt/Sawtooth/Evans, but not in the reverse order - I'm guessing because of the ledges being even more sketchy going back down. My buddy and I are heading up the Chicago Lakes Trail, and planning on bypassing Evans and heading straight for Bierstadt via the sawtooth. Any feedback is more than appreciated...thanks!

I think it has more to do with logistics than going one way or the other across the Sawtooth. Most people start from Guanella Pass then do a loop which goes up Bierstadt's standard route, across the sawtooth, then down the north gully and back to the guanella pass trailhead. The route you propose would have to cross the Sawtooth twice, over and back, unless you do something weird. Nothing wrong with that if you're comfortable with the terrain and weather conditions. That's a long hike this time of year. Godspeed.

I agree with all that ThuChad posted, but more directly to your question, the ledge at the Evans side of the traverse would be more uncomfortable to descend (going from Evans to Bierstadt) than going in the usual direction. See pic #12 in the route description. It will depend on your experience descending loose, steep surfaces. Don't to it wet.

Thanks for the feedback, ThuChad and dswink. We're setting up camp at the Chicago Lakes and heading up the ridge the next morning - so we should have plenty of daylight. The steep scree section of the ledges was my main concern...especially this time of year. I'm sure we'll have to make a judgement call Sat morning based on weather/trail conditions. Evans might just become plan B -so thanks again for the heads up!