S Ridge

This route is named "S Ridge" not because it faces South but because the ridge curves like an S (it also faces in the southern direction). This is a classic route that provides fun, solid rock scrambling and is a good alternative to Snowmass' more popular East Slope (standard) and West Face routes. The standard East route is less difficult but a long, 21.5 mile trip. The West Face route is much shorter, but it climbs a steep gully that is loaded with loose, dangerous rock. The S Ridge route is only a 9 mile roundtrip climb from Lead King Basin trailhead and is more stable than either of the two routes mentioned above.

Follow the social trail out from Geneva Lake past campsites 4 and 5. Follow it until you reach Little Gem Lake (11,700'). From the lake, you should see 2 gullies on the tail of S Ridge. You will want to aim for the left gully. Pick your desired line through the scree/talusfield, and approach the base of the left gully. On the right side of the mouth of the gully, you can scramble up the face to gain the ridge. Once you approach the ridge, routefinding is rather straightforward. Stay on the ridge proper all the way up to the summit. You will find sustained scrambling in the 3rd and 4th Class ranges. There's options to make it more difficult, but the path of least resistance shouldn't exceed 4th Class.