I never did the "S" ridge but wish I had based on other's descriptions, trip reports, and how cool it looks. I echo the sentiment of others regarding the West Slopes, very loose rock and everything moves. It's probably fine to do if nobody else is on it as rockfall risk is diminished, but it's quite miserable descending it. I want to go back and do the "S" someday...we look forward to your trip report.
Enjoy Geneva Lake, it's such a cool spot. I'd also recommend hitting up the bbq place (Slow Groovin BBQ) in Marble on your way out...cold beer and that bbq hit the spot righteously after coming out of Lead King.
Snowmass - West Slope/"S" ridge Beta
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waltoncito
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andrewhamilton
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Re: Snowmass - West Slope/"S" ridge Beta
I think the road through crystal is way too rough for an outback. I am sure you will hear people tell you they have made it in an outback but that doesn't mean it is a good idea. The other route is much smoother, although I'd still avoid it in an outback, but be careful if it is wet it gets muddy and slick and in those conditions can be a little scary!
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Michael J
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Re: Snowmass - West Slope/"S" ridge Beta
More accurately described: 1. Carbondale>Marble>Lead King Basin side>Geneva Lake Trailhead. <or> 2. Carbondale>Marble>Crystal side>Geneva Lake Trailhead.Krullin_14ers wrote:So I'm understanding there are two routes in via car 1. Carbondale>Marble>Lead King trailhead2.Cardondale>Marble>Crystal>Lead King trailhead
Andrew is correct [not surprising] Lead King Basin side is better than the Crystal side, but neither side is appropriate for an Outback. S-Ridge is fun scrambling but the west slopes are nasty, loose, scree and gravelly rocks.
"I've often heard a voice call down to me
If you'd climb higher you'd find wondrous things to see..."
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Krullin_14ers
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Re: Snowmass - West Slope/"S" ridge Beta
Update: The deed is done. The Outback has made it to and from Lead King Basin unharmed. Wasn't that bad. Ascended west slope, finishing on the S ridge. TR to follow.
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall"){kind=small}
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Corndiggs
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Re: Snowmass - West Slope/"S" ridge Beta
Good work! So you took the northern road from Marble switchbacking down to LKB, correct?
Looking forward to your TR!
Looking forward to your TR!
Can't Get No Higher!
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saxlover
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Re: Snowmass - West Slope/"S" ridge Beta
Outback made it ? Scrapes? How bad did it get?
Andrew Tobin
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Krullin_14ers
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Re: Snowmass - West Slope/"S" ridge Beta
No damage to the vehicle, just some hot brakes! Hoping to have the TR up tonight! And yes, we went Marble>Lead King Basin by turning left at the junction, avoiding Crystal, which I hear is much more difficult.
