Starting at the outhouse parking area
, head west along the road -
1. After 100 yards, pass a large rock and stay to the right at a junction -
2. Follow the road for 0.75 mile to 11,700', where the road conditions worsen -
3. The remaining mile to the upper trailhead is very rough and should only be attempted by 4WD vehicles with high clearance and a short wheelbase. Continue to the signed, upper trailhead
, located at 12,460' -
4.
From the upper trailhead, follow a well-defined trail heading northwest across talus -
5,
6. After approximately 0.25 mile and near 12,600', stay right at a trail junction
-
7. Continue for a short distance, then ascend a series of switchbacks before the trail enters a broad, scree-covered slope -
8,
9. Here, the trail becomes less defined. Pick your line and climb, with the best route typically staying just to the left of the slope's center. This Class 2 section is loose and unpleasant -
10,
11. At the top of the slope, you'll reach "Lavender Col," a saddle situated at 13,560'. If you found it very difficult to get to this point, consider turning back, as the climb ahead becomes more difficult.
From the col
, turn left, where you'll see a steep gully ascending northwest toward the summit -
12,
13. Begin climbing the gully -
14,
15. If there is snow, crampons and an ice axe are recommended. There is no established trail in the gully, so carefully pick your line as you ascend toward the top -
16. About 30 feet before the gully ends at an overlook, look to your left for a small "V" notch, which provides the easiest access to the summit -
18,
19. Scramble (Easy Class 3) through the notch. There is a bit of exposure to your left. Beyond the notch (
20), the summit is very close. Finish by scrambling up easy, stable rock to reach the top -
21,
22. Enjoy the breathtaking views from the summit -
23,
24.