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Thanks Bill and the most recent trip report from 14'ers member "WildWanderer" for info on the route. It was SPOT ON. 2 of my climbing buddies and I decided to give Maroon another try (weathered off a few years ago). We are coming off a 3 day hike of the FPL going CCW so we camped above the bent tree. The weather the entire trip was perfect. A little windy on summit day but turned out perfect and we only saw one soloist on the route as we were descending. This, as with all other trip reports are SUBJECTIVE but I wanted to share our journey as it relates to the 14er's route description.
For me, the hardest part of the route is the 2,800 ft ascent & descent of the east slope up to the notch. It's just a grind and burns the quads on the descent. I recommend wearing a helmet the entire time as the steep slope gets rocks moving and its open season for anyone below. Mentally prepare for the grind.
Once you reach the notch at the ridge, the fun begins and you can see the task ahead. Maroon can be intimidating and it should be, take it slow but move with a purpose. The route is straight forward with easily seen carins once you reach the first gully. This is where we used the picture from WildWanderer's report. We took her same line and it is close to what Bill has posted. We were lucky enough that some large white boulders were still in the same place from WW's photo on her report so it was super easy to follow her route. Those boulders could slide at anytime so match the picture with what you are looking at and if its the same, your day just got easier. Crossing the the gullies were not an issue, stay right in the first gully and cross over the loose rubble. We hugged the left side of the second gully and had no issues. The ROBOT description is right on and when going under neath it, look up...not sure how much longer the ROBOT will be there, it appears it could cut loose anytime..tomorrow or a thousand years from now...who knows?
Go up and turn seems to be the mantra for this route and it holds true. There are a few exposed areas with some ledges but I guess it depends on your level of comfort and experience. We never felt concerned but know that conscious thought and movements are required for a safe journey. The route is loose. The ascent was straight forward as you can see the carins the entire route as they are easier to see going up. Descending can be tricky as carins are harder to see as they blend into the mountain. We followed the GPX and only got off course one time on the descent by a few feet. We had the summit to ourselves and stayed for an hour taking in the views and pointing out the FPL and our previous days adventure.
Some Ledges
Looking back on the route near the notch.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Thanks for this succinct report. I'm going to study WildWanderer's report carefully before heading up Maroon, one of the last six summits I've got to make.
I'm glad you, WW and others have found the route description helpful! I went back there earlier this summer to update my description and made a few minor changes, like the robot. :)
I hope he doesn't fall over because he's a helpful milestone after exiting the gully section.
I really appreciate this report. Looking at your picture here, "looking back on the route near the notch", looks like the route is well worn and visible. Is this true of most of it as you look ahead a bit?
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