Trip
Basic Alpine Climb – Mt Guyot Ridge via French Gulch
Ridge climb for Alpine and Glacier students.
Contacts
- Sat, Apr 12, 2025
- Denver
- Climbing
- Basic Alpine Climb
- Adults
- Difficult
- Mileage: 7.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,100 ft
- High Point Elevation: 13,376 ft
- 1 (11 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
From the "trailhead," continue up the dirt road. Along the way, Guyot can be seen to the southeast. After approximately 0.5 mile, pass a gate and continue on the road for another 0.7 mile to find a trail that leaves the main road on the left. In winter, this trail may have ski and snowshoe tracks.
Follow the trail, into Little French Gulch, for over 0.75 mile where it crosses to the right side of the creek. Continue to 11,300' and Mt. Guyot comes back into view. If you are prepared for a moderate snow climb, and avalanche conditions are acceptable, the gully in the center of the Northwest Slope can be climbed to reach the upper portions of the Northwest Ridge. The gully does not exceed 30 degrees. In summer or when the slopes ahead may not be safe enough to pass below, it's best to turn right in this area and gain the Northwest Ridge near tree line.
Whether you continue up the center of the slope or gain the ridge, continue to 12,500' on the ridge where the terrain flattens out.
At the top of the ridge, turn left and hike 0.1 mile east to the summit.
Sallie Barber Mine Trailhead 6:30am
Required Equipment
Your 10 essentials! Be prepared for the unexpected.
Winter gloves, winter pants, winter/waterproof/windproof jacket, extra insulation (or puffy), balaclava/buff, goggles, gaiters, snowshoes, crampons or spikes, climbing helmet, mountaineering boots, ice axe and leash. Bring water in something that won’t freeze, and bring good snacks for the day.