Sinking Ship on the approach

The summit of the Sinking Ship as seen during the approach from the south rim. As with most summit hikes and climbs in the Grand Canyon one must first descend before beginning the ascent. We circled around the east (right) side of the rocky summit area to reach a weakness on the north side.

Coronado Butte

Neighboring Coronado Butte, an exciting scramble from what I hear.

Descending from the rim

To descend the north facing slopes below the rim we had to contend with 30 - 40 degree snow. Here Harlan is plunge stepping down the sun-softened slopes. We used axes but didn't need crampons.

Metate

This seemingly undisturbed metate is located at the base of the cliffs on the east side of Sinking Ship. Remains of some sort of dwelling can also be found here.

Snowy north side

CP and Andy climbing the snowy north side of Sinking Ship. This isn't exactly what we had in mind for a climb in the Grand Canyon!

Short, slippery obstacle

Harlan climbs up the first real obstacle on Sinking Ship's north side, a snowy 4th or low 5th class rock step. The three studs all scrambled up without a second thought but I requested a handline because I didn't feel secure in my clunky, wet boots.

Crux chimney

CP and Harlan in the curx chimney not far below the summit. After a strenuous stem up the chimney itself its necessary to turn around and execute a delicate exit over the top of the chimney and onto a slightly downsloping (and snowy) ledge. A large block at the top of the chimney (not the huge suspended chockstone) is annoyingly in the way. Having climbed this solo before when dry, CP carefully climbed up and established a belay for the rest of us. The exit from the chimney was pretty spicy with snow!