In search of tips for descending scree

[RhodoRose]

Poles and microspikes. Especially if you have a bad knee (like I do).

[mtree]

I think more experience is in order.
Huron and Princeton aren't covered in scree. Just some rocky and rugged sections. I NEVER use poles in rocks. I end up depending on them for balance and that's not what I need in rocky sections. My center of gravity is too high keeping me from bending my knees and balancing without using a "crutch". Plus they get stuck in the cracks and that's annoying. Just practice more on steep and rocky terrain. You'll figure it out.

And as someone mentioned, leaning back is NOT what you should be doing.

[Veory]

I usually reserve the word scree to mean "everything moves at least slightly", not just rocky steep terrain. I found that skiing and parkour (used to be pretty into it back in the day) made me substantially more efficient at going down this stuff.

Just like skiing, keep your feet pointed across the slope and body facing downhill if you're not trying to go fast, do not let your weight onto your back foot too much. I often imitate the pole plant motion even on somewhat stable steep terrain.

Assume the rocks are going to move and make a guess as to how they will do that before you step, subconsciously. Then you will more often be prepared to react, and hopefully figure out how to step on them without moving.

Prepare to eat it sometimes if you want speed. Descending choss can be super fun, some of my best moments in the mountains! I love choss!!

[nyker]

Hello! I usually am very slow hiking down loose scree sections, sometime squatting low or sliding on my tushie to get down. I often "overuse" my poles, relying on them too much where balance and confidence would be a safer choice. For example, I slid most of my way down the uppermost sections of Princeton and Huron where others around me were safely walking down.

Do you have tips or suggestions for increasing my confidence to walk down safely? Are there any exercises or areas to practice that you recommend?

Thank you!

In addition to the other suggestions; you don't mention your overall fitness, but perhaps more strength training for your legs could help make your legs stronger and feel less tired descending. It may also help any knee issues which might result from a weaker VMO, making a descent harder or possibly more unstable, making the downward trip trickier for you otherwise.

[Jorts]

Skis. On snow.

[jrbren_vt]

I think we are talking about stuff like the main Blodgett peak trail in Colorado Springs. Basically very steep kitty litter quality terrain that goes on & on, like hiking on ball bearings. My first few times descending that trail I took several spills. There are many trails like this in Colorado I have found, but that one is probably the worst. Others have already covered my solutions : 1.) Make sure your hiking boots or shoes have good tread on them, it makes a huge difference. 2.) Or use an old beater pair of micro spikes that it is OK to wear the tips down 3.) Trekking poles 4.) These trails are much easier in winter when the ground is frozen and all the loose shite is bonded together. And you are probably wearing your spikes anyway for the ice.