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Then we were quickly on the final part of the north ridge, and the summit.
The Crestones and Humbolt from the summit of KC.
The "traverse" from KC to Challenger was uneventful. KC Avenue has some snow that is easily negotiated without an axe, and snow can be avoided on most of the avenue.
View east along KC Ave.
View west along KC Ave to Prow-KC saddle.
View northwest to Challenger-KC saddle; note Ron on Ave between grass and snow.
View back at KC Ave and Prow-KC saddle (Matt descending Ave.).
View of KC and Crestone Peak from Challenger.
We met 14ers.com member Matt on Challenger and he advised staying east of the large snowfield on Challenger's North Slopes route. We descended west on the ridge then dropped down north, to the right of the snowfield as Matt suggested.
The snowfield looked very inviting for a speedy glissade, but we wanted to stay dry so we stayed on the rock.
The rock was solid and easy to descend as we got lower on the slope.
We were soon back to the top of the lake and waterfall.
Back at camp we had a nice lunch, and as always were reluctant to leave. But since we both had to be at work Monday, we finally made the hike out and drive back home.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
We wanted that route a few weeks ago, but pea soup fog moved us back to the standard routes. Great job - and now I can actually see what we should have seen.
doumall, thanks! I know I‘m not the first to miss the ”defined” ridge. It was a great climb regardless, although maybe somewhat steeper than the actual ridge.
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