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| Hiking | 4.80 Miles |
1,683 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.80 Miles | 2 Hrs 32 Mns | | 2.53 mph |
| 1,683 ft AEG | 38 Mns Break | 7 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | I've been hiking in this area since last year and am beginning to branch out into more technical areas. One is Ironwood Ridge. Maybe I'm an out of shape wuss or something but I feel these trails need more accurate description. I've read the descriptions and they're all like 'I hiked over the ridge and enjoyed some great views.' Hello!? There are some real challenging bits to these trails! Scree, rock slides, drop offs. They are also not very well marked off the super popular areas. So here goes...
Started at Meridian trailhead just before 2pm. Easy walk north up to the eastern saddle, just east of peak 3004. At this point I went north towards Ironwood Ridge.
The first part of the ascent is steep but not bad. There are many routes up this area, leading to an outcropping of yellow rock. Take the path that goes to the right, not the left. The left pathway leads to a rocky outcropping but not to the top of the pinnacle. Taking the path to the right, acsend onto and over the yellow rock. This rock is very brittle and crumbly but you can walk up it pretty easily, following the natural flow of the rock in a switchback pattern.
After this there is a bit more trail like the trail below and you arrive at a smaller summit, with a flat place to chill, a big cairn and a tree. Heck you could camp here it's so flat and roomy.
From this spot to the top of the peak is actually a very well defined train that's more like a jagged staircase. Always check the rocks before you hand or foothold with them. Many I tested, even sizeable ones, came loose very easily. Climb the staircase and arrive at the top. Higher than peak 3004 and you can see 360 degrees, even east all the way to Flatiron peak. I started to go along the ridge just a bit to test it, not bad. Next time I'll probably go to the next peak or try to do the whole ridge.
The point is, this is a steep climb but not strictly technical. Take your time and small steps it's worth it. Pretty sick view for not a long hike. Highly recommended!  |
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