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Icefall Approach

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

This is the most direct and safest way to access the top of Icefall run on Red Baldy

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
1.3 km
Ascent
480 m
Descent
11 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2.9 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
41˚
Icefall Approach Map

Park at the White Pine trailhead on the S side of the road in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the trail/road that switches back and enters the upper valley. Continue straight up the middle of the drainage winding through trees heading toward Red Baldy. You can hit the gully in the center of the canyon, or stick to the trees on the left. This will deposit you at the base of the huge N facing slope of Red Baldy. This can be a tricky slope to ascend without exposing yourself to avalanche danger, so make sure conditions are good. Zig-zag up the lower slopes and gain the ridge on the left (E) side as soon as possible. Work up the ridge until you reach the divide. You'll be able to look down the slope to the S and find a good entry into the Icefall run.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between January and June

Features

  • Cliffs

Equipment required

  • Skins
  • Crampons

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area