A surprsingly aesthetic, steep snow climb with a long approach followed by a ridge run over two more summits
The north face of Sayres Benchmark as seen on the approach up La Plata Gulch. The wide couloir that tops out to the right of the summit is known as the Grand Central Couloir, a moderate snow climb popular with skiers. X Rated, the route we climbed, begins directly below the summit and climbs straight up through a narrow constriction. It gets its name from an X pattern near the top.
Dominic and Kevin climb toward the entrance to the couloir as the moon sets over Sayres Benchmark.
Kevin leading up the apron of the couloir shortly after we stopped to gear up.
In the lower part of the couloir we found ourselves between impressive, high walls of rock.
Dominic leading us up toward a slightly rocky section.
The snow around the emerging rocks was very hard and a little icy. It added some spice to the climb.
Kevin carefully making his way up the first of two hard, rocky sections.
High on the face the couloir opens up. There was some recent snow up here and breaking trail was quite tiring.
More steep snow delivered us directly to the summit! We were all pleasantly surprised at how great of a line this ended up being! The slope angle ranged from the low 40's down low to the high 40's in the middle and upper portions.
Looking down the route from the top.
Kevin descending the west ridge of Sayres Benchmark. The wind on the summit was nasty so after topping out we pushed on toward UN 13,460 in search of a more pleasant break spot.
Approaching the summit of UN 13,460. The short scramble was fun, but Kevin pulled loose a huge boulder that nearly took him out.
Looking back at the north face of Sayres Benchmark from near the summit of UN 13,460.
Heading for UN 12,601, our final summit of the day. This was my second visit to this little 12er.