Has anyone gone up King Col (to access Gardiner Basin)? Is it like Harrison pass where you'd much rather scree slide down? Plausible?
Thanks for any info.
King Col
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maverick
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Re: King Col
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.
Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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RadiantRiddle
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Re: King Col
King Col's doable, but it's not as scree-heavy as Harrison Pass. Coming down can mix scree sliding with careful steps, so good boots are key. Take it steady and enjoy those views! Safe travels!
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thegib
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Re: King Col
I shoulda checked that. Thanks Mav. Couldn't ask for better photos. Thanks RP.
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cgundersen
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Re: King Col
the gib,
My one time on this route was an early season trip and the solid footing on sun-softened snow at the upper reaches of the north side made it far less traumatic than Denny pointed out in the commentary following Rogue's original description of this xc pass. And by all means, I'd choose a route in which you ascend the north side (as I did and Denny recommended) to avoid the perils of a north-side descent. The lakes below the pass's north side make for a nice perch before ascending. if you decide to punt on King col (as I did the last time I was there and looked up at it), the easier alternative is to climb the ridgeline to the southeast (that overlooks the lone unnamed lake in the basin due east) and loop into Gardiner basin that way. Much less nail-biting needed! Cameron
My one time on this route was an early season trip and the solid footing on sun-softened snow at the upper reaches of the north side made it far less traumatic than Denny pointed out in the commentary following Rogue's original description of this xc pass. And by all means, I'd choose a route in which you ascend the north side (as I did and Denny recommended) to avoid the perils of a north-side descent. The lakes below the pass's north side make for a nice perch before ascending. if you decide to punt on King col (as I did the last time I was there and looked up at it), the easier alternative is to climb the ridgeline to the southeast (that overlooks the lone unnamed lake in the basin due east) and loop into Gardiner basin that way. Much less nail-biting needed! Cameron
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Shiker
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Re: King Col
I went over King Col a few weeks ago. I would not recommend it. Bypassing the cornice was very dicey. Technically it is "easy" but nothing is stable. And fall there could easily be fatal.
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thegib
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Re: King Col
I appreciate the advice Shiker, I re-routed my Aug trip. My King col adventure will have to wait.
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