I didn't think the short distance between the lake and the ridge exceeded class 2 the times I've been there. Definitely easier than the distance between the spot and the summit. Just figured 3-4 miles and 1200 or so feet RT would be easier than up and over Bierstadt twice.edhaman wrote:To reply to, but not necessarily answer, Derek's question: I have done the Sawtooth and have downclimbed from Mt. Evans Road to the Abyss Lake valley. I have not climbed from Abyss Lake to where the dog was seen, but I've read a few trip reports of people who have and said it is miserable. Based on all of that, my thought is that going down to Abyss Lake, across the Abyss Lake valley, and up the scree gulley to Mt. Evans Road would be of equal or worse difficulty than going back up the scree to Bierstadt's summit. I had mentioned this in a previous post on this thread, figuring others (hopefully with more experience in the area) would comment on which would be a better route, but nobody did.
Hope someone gets the pup. If I wasn't sitting with a sick baby I'd run up there!
--D