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| Sunrise from Muir Rocks |
The trail from Muir is
punched in and well defined with all the holiday traffic and beautiful weather. Expect delays in bottleneck areas during the weekends and clear weather forecasts. As the crevasses open more, the trail continues to traverse them - avoiding large
steps across where evidence of the old boot pack still exists. Follow the wands
and newest boot pack away from the widest part of the crevasse. X'd wands mark
old paths.
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| Route view from Ingraham Flats |
Heading up from Ingram
Flats, the trail gains elevation to 11,400’ above a vertical crack before
traversing down under the "Ice Box" onto the Cleaver. As you switch back up the
Cleaver remember to shorten your ropes and tread lightly to prevent knocking
rocks on climbers below.
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| Trail cut through penitents leading onto the cleaver |
There are still some snow patches where the trail narrows considerably due to solar melt and foot traffic. At the top of the cleaver breath taking views are observed as the horizon extends far into eastern Washington. The top of the Cleaver is a great place to take a break.
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| View towards Eastern Washington |
From the Cleaver
follow the trail alongside a 40’ tall overhanging ice wall leading into a short
"stair case" chopped into the glacier.
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| Traversing snow wall |
At 12,900’ a snow bridge crosses a long traversing crevasse. This
plug is above a long horizontal crack, where the trail crosses a flat ledge with snow
steps on the far side. Use caution as this feature is thin.
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| Snow Bridge at 12,900' |
From 13,000’ up, there
are several snow bridges, but these crevasses have fairly comfortable crossings. The rocky rim identifies the summit. A
reminder that this is only half way, ensure there are still reserves for the
trip down!
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| Route above DC |
On your decent from
one of the most spectacular views in Washington, remember to give crevasses the
respect they deserve. Tread lightly on the cleaver and keep a smile on your
face.
