Ice Mountain

Description

Ice Mountain is a steep, rough peak on the Continental Divide a few miles west of Mt. Harvard. It is the middle peak, and the highest, of the group known as the Three Apostles. It is also the hardest to climb.

It is located in the Sawatch Range of central Colorado, most of whose peaks are easy to climb. Ice Mtn., however, is generally regarded as the toughest high peak (over 13,000 ft.) in all of the Sawatch. Climbing it involves a long approach, some steep scrambling, and, finally, a short section of nearly vertical rock which requires exposed Class 4 climbing on very small ledges. Ropes are not necessary, but extreme care is, as is a helmet.

It can also be climbed in winter, as a snow/ice climb, which would make some sections slightly easier, and others slightly harder. The crux couloir on the north side holds snow and ice well into summer most years.

Thanks to Patrick L. Lilly for this description.