Access from Grand Junction, CO: I-70 east 82 east 133 south to parking just east of McClure Pass Drive Time: 1:50 I skinned north towards the east end of Huntsman Ridge and gained it just west of ”Hayes Peak”. I followed the ridge northwest to a point just east of the south ridge of 11540 where the north side of the ridge was a deep crown from a previous slide and the south side was steep and warming in the unseasonably warm weather. I attempted to climb the ridge directly on foot but soon gave up since I was postholing. I decided to drop into the slide path, then continue up towards 11540. From the top of 11540 descended the north ridge towards Huntsman Mountain. I experienced several whumpfs, but none got my heart racing like the one just below the summit of Huntsman Mountain on a 27 degree slope. I continued on towards the summit of Hunstman Ridge, then returned back to near 11540. The sun was now setting and I was hoping to make it back on the ridge before dark. I did make it back on the ridge before dark, but lost a tail clip at some point during the day and both skins failed me. So, I resorted to side stepping up the remainder of the ridge. The night was warm, still and full of stars; I couldn’t ask for a better night to slog back to my car. Total Elevation: ~5000’ Distance: ~15.2 miles Time: 12:50 Huntsman Ridge     Map  |