Sunrise over Lake Agnes and Nokhu Crags.
Talus/scree slog to the Richthofen/Mahler saddle.
Stephanie along the west ridge of Richthofen, which is mostly a loose, steep, class 2 grind.
The class 3 crux chimney to the summit of Richthofen.
Downclimbing the crux chimney. We didn't hang around long on the summit as it was a bit nippy for Aug.
12er Mahler is our next goal for the day. It's only .4 mile to the summit from the saddle, but there are many obstacles to overcome.
Looking down a deep notch in Mahler's east ridge to Lake Agnes.
The first difficulty is to descend a steep notch and climb up the face of this tower. We got on the crest of the ridge about halfway up.
Downclimbing to a ledge that will get us into the notch.
Stephanie on an exposed ledge traverse. We found an easier option after looking back, a grassy ramp that can be accessed on the south side.
Gnarly tower that we avoided on the south side.
Climbing out of the notch on exposed class 3/4 rock.
Climbing out of the notch. We ended up regaining the ridge crest above the bulge.
We traversed right to search for the best option, but didn't like what we saw (steep lichen covered 4th class slabs with limited holds).
A short knife edge ridge beyond the crux of the traverse. Beyond this, the difficulties ease.
Stephanie on the mini-knife edge.
Nearing the summit of Mahler, Static and Richthofen in background.
Lake Agnes from Mahler's north face. I was temped to swim out to the island, but you would likely go hypothermic even in summer!
Ball bearing descent down a sea of talus on Mahler's north face.
Nokhu Crags towers above Lake Agnes.
A fun little ledge traverse at an unnamed pond.
The south end of Lake Agnes. This is a popular summer hike loop.
Richthofen and Mauler above Lake Agnes.
Profile of the east ridge of Mahler that we traversed. The two pointy towers were avoided.
