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The Trough, Going Down (pg.2)... |
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by Jerry Cates |
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Below what Keyhole hikers consider the lower extremity of the Trough, the slope of the Trough actually continues on down into Glacier Gorge. It isn't known how difficult it is to negotiate its lower reaches without snow pack, but it probably isn't a good bet... I had read that the Trough's full length makes a good skiing route when spring/summer snow is present. The route starts at the Glacier Gorge trailhead and proceeds up Glacier Gorge to a point 1/2 mile beyond the east edge of Black Lake.
There, it is necessary to put on crampons, grab an ice axe, and climb the full length of the Trough couloir before doing an about-face and skiing back down. The fellow from Dallas left the summit around the same time as I did. As on the way up, we passed each other a couple of times on the way back. The photo on the right shows my erstwhile friend where the Trough levels out, just before Keyhole hikers turn off to the Ledges. Next: The Trough, going down, page 3... Longs Peak Menu ... Bugsinthenews ... Books About Longs Peak |
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