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Mt. Lindsey

Peak Condition Updates  
7/6/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 7/7/2025, By: blonde_dinosaur
Info: Want to echo a lot of what marcusmartin said. It is really easy to get off trail within the first 1.5 miles in the dark in the morning because there are a lot of social trails so keep checking your gpx. The water crossing is solid with a bunch of logs. The approach trail is absolutely bursting with wildflowers (especially Columbines!) and is a delight along the stream, especially coming down because you are mostly in the shade. At this point of the year I would say taking the gully route would be a hazard given how many rocks were being kicked into the gully from climbers above on the ridge. I think this route should be rated Easy Class 4 because the route finding on the headwall to get to the class 3 option is quite tricky and most climbers will end up taking a class 4 route up. If you are a competent class 3/4 climber, I would stay high on the ridge (or just below) until you get to the pointy feature on the ridge (displayed in photo 7 of the route description) and then scramble down the pointy feature to the gully with the headwall and climb the class 4 route up. If you stay on ridge proper past the pointy feature you will get into easy 5th class climbing. We stayed between 20-40 ft below the ridge on the approach and it was loose garbage, many regrets. We saw someone kick a microwave size boulder down. The ridge proper is the right move. The rock on the ridge and headwall is pretty solid, but still test every hold. The climbing is fun and the route is beautiful. 
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7/6/2025
Route: Northwest Gully
Posted On: 7/7/2025, By: jennkmho
Info: There’s plenty of car camping available near the trailhead. The drive in was easier than expected — I’m a very average driver in a VW Atlas with 8" clearance, and I had no trouble at all. No ruts or large boulders; I was expecting worse. I found the road to G&T to be rougher. The first part of the trail goes through the forest, and route finding was a bit tricky in the dark. Fallen logs obscure the trail in spots, making it hard to tell where it continues. At the river crossing, there’s a set of rocks you can use to get across without getting your shoes wet. There’s no snow in the gully, but it looked loose and sketchy, so I didn’t even consider going that way. Don’t follow the ridge all the way to the headwall — you’ll end up having to downclimb. Instead, traverse across the ridge aiming for the base of the headwall. I found the route finding on the headwall straightforward and had no issues. I went up just a couple of feet to the left of the main crack. The vert was tougher than I expected. The first 1.5 miles are flat, so nearly all the elevation gain is packed into the remaining 2.65 miles. 
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7/5/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 7/6/2025, By: marcusmartin
Info: I have a stock 4Runner, and there was no problem getting to the 4WD TH. For most of the 22 miles in, the road in is dry, smooth and fast. For the last 2 miles, perhaps one of the easiest 4WD roads I’ve done. I think good 2WD vehicles can make it to the 4WD TH. We saw several Subarus parked at the 4WD TH. Plenty (maybe 15 or more?) of parking spots and places to camp at the TH. We arrived around 8pm to camp and had no problem. The great news: no mosquitoes! Make sure you have your route line established in your device. I had the route in two different apps (Garmin and AllTrails) and still had difficulties. After crossing the creek at mile 1.2 near the Lily Lake junction, the trail becomes confusing. I won’t try to describe it in detail. Many hikers were searching for the correct route even with the GPS line. The trail spits and goes in different directions, sometimes converging, but sometimes not. There are down trees crossing the trail(s); it’s hard to figure out which way to go. Generally, stay hiker’s left on the ascent until the trail becomes more clear and established, which it eventually does. I’m glad we did this section in the light because it would be very difficult in the dark with headlamps. Once you get to the NW Ridge at 13,200 feet you will realize you are in for a major challenge to summit. If weather is looming or you question your skills, I suggest turning around here because the “hike” up/down from here is long and difficult. Don’t take the gully, even though it will tempt you. Loose, large rocks will rain down on you. The NW Ridge Crux Headwall is difficult. It is tough to find the “correct” line. We ended up on the Spine – Class 4. Many of the climbers above were giving cues to the ones below on the line to take. They advised up to go straight up the middle and we did. Just do your best through this section. People were trying to find the “left” route around the Spine but it was not clear how to do that. Make sure you have a helmet and good climbing gloves. Go slow. Make sure each hand/foot placement is solid before putting your weight down. I found that most of the hand/footholds on the Spine section were solid. It was grueling but rewarding to finish the NW Ridge Crux Headwall. This was my 35th 14er. I found this hike took much longer (and was much harder) than I anticipated. Fortunately, we picked a weather day that was clear, stable and not windy the entire day. You do not want to be descending the NW Ridge or Crux Headwall in bad weather or trying to hurry to beat incoming weather. My advice is to plan accordingly. 
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7/5/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 7/6/2025, By: DorothyK
Info: No snow whatsoever. Stream crossing over logs (or fording if you want) about 1 mile from the TH. Area of overgrown vegetation and fallen logs 2 miles in. Some route-finding and loose rock on the ridge route (can't imagine how horrible the gully route must be). Trinchera ranch (owners of property where Lindsey sits) has a QR code to sign the waiver at the saddle (and yes there is reception). 
7/1/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 7/2/2025, By: skweiler17
Info: Got my Subaru Outback all the way to the end of the road without much fanfare. Two other outback’s already there. Road severity is overblown in my opinion. Do the ridge. 
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6/23/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/23/2025, By: Istoodupthere
Info: Combined with Iron Nipple. Summer conditions. The ridge is the way to go. Wouldn’t want to deal with that loose rock in the gully. Class 3 crux route isn’t a big deal but I did struggle at first to find the correct route. I got off route there and back near the 1st river crossing. The lily lake sign is hidden behind 2 trees so it was near impossible to see in the dark. Route through the woods was fairly easy to follow, even in dark as long as you’re concentrating. 
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6/21/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/21/2025, By: Kbrown321
Info: Summer conditions, any snow was fully avoidable. NW gully was still holding snow. Very very windy on the ridge in line with today’s forecast 
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6/21/2025
Route: Northwest Gully
Posted On: 6/21/2025, By: Ariella6
Info: My lost pack was retrieved! Thank you trail angel! 
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6/18/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/18/2025, By: Ariella6
Info: Will start with road in. It is not that bad if you know how to pick your lines. Its rough but not as bad as many we have done. I have a 2014 honda pilot with 8 inches of clearance. We stopped .4 miles before the trailhead but walking it i realized we could have easily gone to the parking lot. There was multiple pulls offs along the route. The last 2 miles are the roughest. If you dont have some clearance you will likely need to park at the spot 2 miles before the trailhead. The river crossing, was very iced over this morning. Be sure to have poles just in case. It took a little manuevering on it. It was dry on the way out so we opted to go over the logs again but if it hadn't been we were going to just cross in the water and take off our shoes. The trail in the trees be sure to have not only the 14ers pictures downloaded but would also download the map from all trails. This kept us on route. There were lots of goat trails. Lots of down trees where people have rerouted around them. It seemed like it could honestly be easy to get lost. The all trails was accurate through the trees. you will need a paid subscription to have it downloaded before you go. If you dont have it predownloaded it generally wont work when there is no service. The trail was predominantly dry. There was a few patches of snow but they were avoidable. Be sure to sign the waiver. My friend had a hard copy of hers and I had mine screenshotted on my phone just in case someone asked to see it. The routes are not really marked. All trails takes you via the gully route. Which the ridge and gully overlap for quite aways. The crux - the middle route was the most solid. Be sure to study the pictures beforehand so you have an idea of where you need and want to go. We looked at the route on the left and it looked pretty sketch. not great handholds and drop offs. Beyond the crux to the false summit there is not really a trail..... you are just climbing boulders. This was my 37th 14er and my friends 27th. We both hike a lot and I am also a trail runner and do a fair amount of indoor climbing. From the bottom of the crux up to the top and back to the bottom of the crux took us 3 hours. You will need to be able to utilize some route finding skills. From the false summit to the summit, there is a trail. ALSO I lost my bright green backpack along the route today. It was as we were downclimbing from the ridge to where you go the top of the crux, it went rolling down. possibly all the way down to the gully trail. If anyone happens to find it and could just save and hike out the hat, gloves, neck gaiter, phone bank charger and cloth on front it would be greatly appreciated...... ariellanetanya@gmail.com Dont do any dangerous moves though to retrieve it, its not worth it but if you happen to find it along your route would sure appreciate it. 
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6/13/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/14/2025, By: Ethan
Info: Road in wasn’t as bad as I expected. Would still recommend 4WD and a solid amount of clearance. I camped at the trailhead and the views were spectacular. Trail to the ridge line was in good condition and quite steep through the trees. Patches of snow in the trees but easily passable without gators or spikes. On the ridge, the gully was still too snowed in to justify taking it over the ridge. The ridge was fun and technical. The leftward route through the crux (green) is definitely the easiest way to go. Had a friend go right and it quickly turned to class 4 moves (red). That being said the rock was great. Very solid with plenty of hand and foot holds. Overall great day and one of my favorite climbs so far! 
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6/9/2025
Route: Gully on ascent; Ridge on descent
Posted On: 6/9/2025, By: dakotasmama
Info: There were numerous large snow drifts below treeline that made staying on the trail difficult at times. Creek crossings were fairly easy to navigate but very slippery. A couple of snow fields in the upper basin, the snow was relatively firm. We took the gully on ascent and the ridge on descent. Personally I thought the gully, though a little steep and icy in a few spots, was far more straightforward and uncomplicated than the ridge. Most of the large rocks on the ridge were stable but there was lots of scattered scree and no real definitive “trail” to follow. We didn’t spend much time on the summit due to incoming cloud cover. The geographical survey marker is either missing or still buried under a large snow drift. Lots of budding plants and flowers and even a baby marmot ♥️ Aspens are fully leafed and gorgeous. 
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6/7/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/8/2025, By: MidsizeAl
Info: Intermittent snow after 10.8k makes for some trickier route finding, but things seem to be melting pretty quickly. Beyond tree-line, snow is completely avoidable for the most part. Couple of weeks and things should be in summer conditions. We carried spikes but never used them. We ascended the climbers right C4 variation of the ridge, and descended the climbers left side. The chimney in the center is still holding some snow which blocked some of the easier moves on that variation, but we still found it to be pretty simple. Quite a bit of rockfall from climbers on the headwall, so use some caution, but the ridge itself was very solid. Thanks to the ranch for the waiver system! We were very happy to legally ascend this one finally. Edit: N Couloir and Gully are both still filled with snow. Pics included. 
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6/7/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/11/2025, By: rsherman
Info: Hiked this last Saturday, June 7. Weather was gorgeous, very few clouds an no rain. Which was a good thing because this was slow going. Trail starts out pretty flat and mellow, but once you start gaining elevation the trail is a bit hard to find due to snow drifts. As long as you keep close to the river and the GPS trail on 14ers.com, you'll be fine. We went in thinking we'd do the gully but we didn't have an ice ax and it looked steep/icy, so opted for the ridge. Despite there being some tough exposed moves, the rock was at least solid so I think it was the right call. Summit was gorgeous with minimal wind. Overall, hard but well worth it. 
6/7/2025
Route: Northwest Ridge
Posted On: 6/9/2025, By: KevinHadley
Info: Conditions are at ~90% of Summer. Decent number of snowdrifts in the trees above 11k ft that pushed us off the formal trail/ around the drifts - making route finding challenging at times. In short order these drifts will continue to be stepped-in, making for less post-holing and easier hiking conditions. Brought spikes but didn't need them. Gully route is still completely impacted with a continuous ice sheet. Crampons / Ice Axe / Helmet and you can take the gully all the way up to the shoulder. Ridge route entirely clear of snow / ice. Rockfall hazard remains high. 
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5/28/2025
Route: Northwest Gully and Other
Posted On: 5/29/2025, By: Jcinco
Info: Started at the “puddle” about 1/3 of the way up the 4wd section. This is the only impediment on the road for low-clearance vehicles at the moment. Nearly 13 miles RT from here. With the postholing, tree-snags on my skis, and talus detours, I was pretty beat-up by the end of the day. It’s definitely going to be a while before I can recommend trying to follow the summer path. The previous conditions reports still hold. Good snow conditions on the peak… Lindsey seems to be a snow magnet given the lack of coverage on the surrounding peaks. 
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