Razor’s Edge

Sierra High Route designer Steve Roper wrote, “The descent from Stanton Pass can prove tricky if the hiker does not find the easiest possible route.” This class 2-3 descent had me up worrying most the night before. Would I be able to make it?

The top is a razor’s edge, and up there is a waypost on a nearly-but-not-quite level slab of slate, boulder battlements stacked desperately against the wind and a long fall down. Coming down with a backpack was awkward but fine, until the *very last* talus before I hit snowfield gave way and sent me falling on my head. Oh, one moment, too confident! Once this summit was complete I figured it’d be smooth sailing to Twin Lakes. Boy was I wrong!