Pyramid Peak

This route begins and ends at Maroon Lake Trailhead, after reaching the summit of Pyramid Peak. From the trailhead, follow the Maroon Snowmass Trail. At 1.4 miles, just before Crater Lake, turn left onto the Pyramid Peak Trail. Continue past the flat area and ascend steep switchbacks beginning at 1.6 miles, to the boulder field below 12,000 feet, known as the Amphitheater. Follow cairns through the talus to the left to reach the steep talus gully east of the north face. Climb 1,000 vertical feet up this loose, steep gully to the ridge crest at 3.3 miles. Crux: The upper 1,000 vertical feet from the 13,000-foot northeast ridge saddle to the 14,029-foot summit involves sustained Class 3-4 terrain with high exposure and high rockfall potential. A helmet is highly recommended. The crux sequence begins at the saddle and includes a cliff traverse across narrow, exposed ledges, a gap jump known as the leap of faith, and multiple Class 4 pitches on loose red and green rock above 13,400 feet. Route-finding above 13,000 feet is complex and cairn-dependent with no consistent trail. For full technical route beta, consult the Pyramid Peak listing in Climb Mode. Turn right and climb over or traverse the gendarmes. Locate cairns on the left side of the ridge, traversing loose rock to the 'leap of faith' ledge. Cross the narrow ledge to reach a short red gully, then scramble 300 vertical feet up the distinct green gully on solid rock. Continue scrambling Class 3-4 terrain to the false summit, then walk the short ridge to the true summit at 14,029'. Retrace your steps for the descent.