- Class 2
- From West Chicago Creek
Trailhead: 16.0 miles, 4,900 feet
This long, arduous ascent ends with a traverse of Evans' high west ridge. The route is above tree line for 4 miles! Don't confuse West Chicago Creek with Chicago Creek.
From the West Chicago Creek Trailhead, follow the West Chicago Creek Trail south 3.8 miles to its end at 11,200 feet in Hells Hole. Continue southeast then south for an additional 1.5 miles up the narrow, rocky basin under the impressive northwest face of Gray Wolf Mountain (13,602 feet). There is a huge split boulder at the top of the basin. Climb south to the 12,740-foot saddle between Gray Wolf Mountain and Point 12,988. The introduction is over.
Contour east for 0.5 mile, then climb south for 0.6 mile to Mount Spalding's broad west ridge at 13,400 feet. Continue southeast for 0.75 mile to the west end of Evans' west ridge at 13,900 feet. This route joins the West Ridge Route here. Scramble 0.7 mile east along the west ridge to Evans' summit. Most of this airy, fun traverse is above 14,000 feet.
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Extra Credit: Gray Wolf Mountain is a"Bi," one of Colorado's 200 highest peaks. It is 0.5 mile east of this route, and you can reach its 13,602-foot summit by hiking up grass and talus.
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