Granite Peak (MT) Comparisons

[Chaal1625]

Hey y'all,

I was just curious of any of you have climbed Granite Peak in Montana and some of the Colorado 14ers. I am looking specifically at the ramp route (near the SW Couloir route) on Granite Peak. Any CO mountains you guys could compare it to? For class 3 stuff in Colorado I have done Kelso, Wetterhorn and Sneffels SW Ridge. I feel like I should be comfortable on Granite given I was comfortable on my CO class 3 stuff, but just wanted to get some more info. Anyone who could give some insight would be great. Not planning an ascent until late July but I am curious.

Thanks!

All the best.

[TallGrass]

I did Granite from the North via Cleveland-Snowball-Avalanche Lakes and found it more than Capitol. There are other routes that are easier (from the south?) and tougher (like from Granite's subpeak).

[ChrisinAZ]

I'd call it similar to Snowmass if done from the SW couloir route (the route I took is now called the "ramp" variation, I believe). Longer, more rugged approach, but the actual climb involves nothing worse than a brief unexposed class 3+ choke point in the gully if conditions are dry and without snow. Depending how heavy a snow year they've had in Montana this year, you may well need to bring crampons and axe though.

I did a trip report here on my Granite climb that you may find helpful.