4/18/2025 Route: From Snowmass Base Village Posted On: 4/19/2025, By: kyrawhitworth Info: A bit of fresh snow on top of hard resort snow and some groomers made skinning to the top of the resort go by quickly. We dropped skis not far past exiting the resort as the ridge looked to be mostly rock w some snow on the east side. There was enough snow one could keep skins on for large sections with some booting as the other groups we saw did. It took us an hour each way booting the ridge so not bad—both work. The ridge felt longer than I expected with lots of ups and downs but very mellow. Not great views of surrounding peaks due to clouds but the Elks seem to have great coverage still. Weather held perfectly with no wind or snow until our way back with low visibility. Back at our skis, we enjoyed powder turns down and the snow had really picked up. Glad to have such great conditions on this one! Our stats were 12.5 miles and 4860ft started at 5am and got back down around 2pm with good stops at the summit and Up4Pizza for the free cookie for skinning (annual uphill pass is required for snowmass during the ski season) |
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6/1/2021 Route: Traverse from Baldy Mtn Posted On: 6/1/2021, By: ScottLovesRMNP Info: Traverse from Baldy Mtn is a straightforward ridge walk with a couple of false summits along the way. No issues with snow, which is mostly avoidable by sticking to the west side of the ridge. Spectacular views from the top of Maroon Bells, Snowmass, Capitol, and several other of the highest Elk summits. |
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4/29/2021 Route: Ski area to ridge Posted On: 4/29/2021, By: Sbenfield Info: Hiked along with Baldy Mtn A. Started near Snowmass Creek TH and hiked up the ski area (trails were Bear claw & campground) then right along the higher lift. Left the ski area and followed the ridge to Baldy & then continued on to 13244. This was a really straightforward hike & id recommend to anyone who wants some mellow Elk peaks. Hiking in the ski area is pretty boring though, but once along the ridge the views are excellent!! Swapped my snowshoes for micro spikes at the ridge |
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4/11/2021 Route: Ridge above Snowmass Posted On: 4/12/2021, By: Grover Info: I'll sheepishly post this conditions report in case any one reading this is enticed to get a 13'er in the Elk Range (with very nice views) before Snowmass closes for the season on April 25. I used winter hiking boots and microspikes for the hike along the ridge. I changed out of my snowboard boots for ease of hiking. After reaching the summit of Baldy A, the ridge walk over to Pt. 13,244 is easily seen, 0.6 miles away. Snow covers a majority of the route, but after Baldy A there are several areas of dry rock. |
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1/10/2021 Route: From Baldy Mountain A Posted On: 1/11/2021, By: supranihilest Info: From Baldy Mountain A the route is generally easy and obvious. There's one somewhat sketchy section of moderate snow near the middle that we just plowed through. It seemed stable enough. The last bit to the summit is on cruddy rock but is easy, no scrambling at all between Baldy A and 13,244. We returned to the resort by going back over Baldy A. For 13,244 only, flotation, traction, and ice axe not needed. |
