Grizzly Ridge Out-and-Back

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This is a shorter way to the top of Grizzly Peak East Ridge that doesn't require driving on a 4x4 road and adds a little bit of spice to get to the ridge proper. Grizzly Peak is notorious for some rotten rock and you'll find some as you initially gain the ridge followed by solid rock once on the ridge. When it gains the east ridge there will be more rotten rock. Descend the same way and although inviting to drop off the north ridge, don't. It is hard pan scree. Stick with the devil you know.

Park at Graham Gulch Trail #1506 from Independence Pass and follow this trail to the Ouray Peak upper basin. Gain the Mountain Boy ridge and wrap around the first tower clockwise to find a weakness on the southeast side to gain the ridge. The remaining ridge run is to follow the path of least resistance up and over the remaining ridge staying ridge proper as much as you'd like. Dropping down the north side of the ridge is not advised. The south side eventually connects to the original route to the summit.