Humboldt Peak East Ridge

The route begins and ends at the Rainbow Trail junction at 9,850 feet and reaches the summit of Humboldt Peak, returning the same way for a round trip of about 8 miles. From the trailhead, turn right onto the Rainbow Trail and descend to South Colony Creek, crossing on a small bridge. About 0.2 miles past the bridge, leave the trail on the left and climb 150 vertical feet to gain a small ridge to the northwest. Turn left and hike southwest through trees along the ridge crest. Near 10,400 feet, the ridge bends west to avoid steeper terrain on the left; the trees thicken briefly near 10,600 feet before the grade steepens further as the route continues west, then northwest. Above 11,100 feet the grade eases, though route-finding without snow cover can be tricky through shorter, more open trees; continue west-northwest, exiting the trees near 11,800 feet. From here, route-finding gets much easier for the remaining 2 miles. Cross a broad, flat area near 12,000 feet, then climb a long stretch of ridge to above 13,200 feet, keeping the ridge's north (right) edge in sight to avoid drifting too far west. The summit comes into view above 13,200 feet, still a mile off. Continue west along the ridge, ascend a 13,500-foot bump, and reach narrower, more dramatic terrain with drop-offs to the right. Follow the ridge carefully to the base of a final 400-foot pitch — steeper-looking than it actually is when viewed head-on. Follow the ridge's edge toward the top, angling left through rocks near the summit. Retrace the same route on the descent. The upper mile above 13,200 feet and the final pitch deserve the most care in reverse, given the drop-offs and rockier footing; the mid-ridge forest section below 11,800 feet is the most likely place to lose the route without snow to guide you.