Taylor Glacier, Powell Peak, Taylor Peak, Otis Peak, Hallett Peak, and Flattop Mountain.

The last time around, I'd written about one of the more difficult glacier/snow climbs in RMNP.  But, of course, there was one more on the list: Taylor Glacier.  Gerry Roach has called this "moderate my ass glacier", and I have seen estimates in the 50-55 degree range, though 60 seems to be most commonly agreed on.  Foster says 60 degrees, AI3.  Rossiter says steep snow, AI2.  The author of this report actually measured low 60's in the higher up sections, and 68 degrees near the top.  That is steep!

Again, I did as much online research as I could, and there are actually a few trip reports out there, and they seem to range the full gamut of human experience.   

This one, which my friend Gary was a part of, is more toward the "this was an awesome life affirming experience".  In this one, a very experienced climber talks about being happy they had a rope along, which they almost didn't bring.  This one calls it "the worst mistake I've ever made", and unreassuringly, starts with a short letter the climber had written his family while clinging to rock near the top.  This one describes a fall and near fatal injury.  And this one, a sobering reminder that it could happen to any of us, and that skill is no replacement for good judgement.

I went to bed planning on about three hours of sleep, but felt nervous about the day ahead and didn't sleep well.  I was up fifteen minutes before my alarm went off, and on the way to Estes earlier than planned.  

In Lyons I had the second oddest gas getting experience of my life, right behind the time the pump didn't shut off when my tank was full and gas was going everywhere.  Fortunately, I was able to get to Estes with what I had left and fill up there, but this took twenty minutes, and negated my earlier than intended start.

But soon enough I was at Glacier Gorge, and headed up, taking the Fire Trail shortcut.  I made good time to The Loch, where I was greeted by twilight.

Early, early morning.  I love this photo.
From The Loch on, I'd face some snow, and got out the microspikes.  They certainly helped on the steeper slopes around Timberline Falls.

Getting close to the falls.
True sunrise hit right as I got to Sky Pond.  Sometimes I hate getting up early on little sleep, but then I am reminded that it is worth it to get to see the very first light of the day from somewhere special.

First sun on Cathedral Spires.  Like seeing god.

I was able to get the first good views of the goal for the day, lurking at the back of the gorge.  And from this vantage point things didn't look so bad.  It's always hard to tell with snow, as I have seen steep things be flattened out, or look steeper than they are.
I stayed on microspikes as I walked on the apron of the glacier, stuff in the 20 degree range.  But it soon became clear that things were turning up, so I stopped to change into crampons, don a helmet, and get out an ice axe and an ice tool at around 11,500 feet.

Still looked pretty okay.  I'd take the right finish as described in the TR Gary was along on, and I could not see that from here.

Two days before, I'd looked down at this option, but the snow isn't continuous to the top, and the rock looked slightly loose.
I started up the glacier, getting into a rhythm of movement and breathing.  I felt like I was moving pretty well, and my tracker shows that in the first twenty minutes of the climb, I'd taken down about 500 feet.  Not bad. 

I found a small depression to rest in and take some layers off.  I was in direct sun, and the wind I'd encountered earlier on was completely gone for now.  What a beautiful view. 

Looking to the south, you can already see how steep things were at this point.  Looks like slightly more than 45 degrees.
I continued up, and travel slowed remarkably when the snow became firm enough that I couldn't kick steps in.  I had to use the other side of my ice axe to chop in some steps, which of course took alot of time. 

I was now clearly entering the steeper sections of the climb.  I started to get jimmy leg, and made my way right to some rock for a rest.  Since I am more comfortable on rock, I stayed on this for a bit, moving up slowly but surely.
Eventually I reached a place where I could not continue up on rock, and got onto a small snow platform to examine the options.

I had stopped for a snack at the rock band right of center on the way up.  It looked pretty far below now.

I was looking at this to continue up.  I was so close!  But this stretch was super steep, and I could see a near vertical headwall at the top.  I looked at the rock across from me, but it looked too slabby and not featured enough for my tastes.  I felt a down climb would be extremely dangerous.

Looking across from this platform.  Now things looked steep!
I geared up again, and moved out onto the snow carefully and purposefully.  The good news was that it had now softened up enough to allow me to kick steps directly in, and the movement was quicker.  At this point the snow was steep enough that my knee would hit the slope in front of me when I stood up on the step I just kicked in.
I got to the headwall, which was taller than me.  I started right, but then decided to look left.  That didn't look like a viable option, so right it was.  I put the axe in around a corner, and then the tool in over the top.  I pulled in, and got the right heel up to sink the crampon in.  Yes, I found myself mantling at the top of a 1,200 foot tall snow field!  One or two more hand movements, and I was on flat ground.  I was pretty happy to be there.

I inexpertly stitched three photos together to give this complete view from the top on down. 

Another shot of the headwall and the last section of climbing.  You can see the small platform I stopped at near the lower right hand corner.
While I climbed the first 500 feet in 20 minutes, it took me about an hour and forty minutes to cover the remaining 700 feet to the top.  An hour of the was spent on the final 400 feet alone.
This climb was definitely the hardest snow climb I've done to date, and I would say right at the limit for me.  I think having better/nicer boots and crampons would have made a difference, but the only way I will ever climb this again is with a partner and protection.
I cooled off some in the wind on the continental divide.  Powell Peak wasn't too far away, and I decided to go visit it again. 

Near the summit of Powell, with McHenrys center, Longs left, and Chiefs Head right.  I had packed pretty lightly, and needed to keep moving to stay warm with the wind.  This kind of sounds like an amateur mistake, but I know what I am capable of, and how fast I can move, and often trade comfort for less weight and the ability to move quicker.  Which of course, keeps me warm.
I broke one of my hiking poles on Powell.  This peak eats them, as last year I'd broken one of my previous pair on the same peak!

Looking back to Taylor.
From here I didn't know what to do.  I could descend Andrews Glacier again, but it was now getting pretty late (relatively) and I felt like the slope below the tarn is steep enough to slide.  And I was mentally done climbing snow!  That of course, left one option- traverse back to Flattop and take the trail.  Why not.  This would be a good period of exercise above treeline, and still get me home at a reasonable time.

I could see Lake Nanita and Nokoni from here, with Ptarmigan Mountain above.  Some fun times there.

Cathedral Spires from above, with the Mummy Range visible behind, and Sky Pond, Lake of Glass, and The Loch down in the gorge.

Getting close to the summit of Taylor Peak.  The second time I would stand on it in three days.

Taylor Glacier looks steep as insert swear word of your choice here.  You cannot see the exit I took, but you can see some of the stuff I climbed at the bottom middle of the photo.

The more mellow snow slopes of Andrews Glacier and Otis Peak behind.

Otis Peak again.  The long ramp up Taylor behind. 

Since it was all cloudy two days before when I climbed it, here is the top of Chaotic Glacier.  It looks steep for sure, but not as much as Taylor.

Down Chaos Canyon.

This sign probably once said something about danger and steep snow fields.  It has worn in a pretty unique and beautiful way. 

I made it to the top of Hallett, which provided the requisite great views in every direction.  I would certainly suggest Hallett as a great more difficult moderate hike. 

To the north.  The snow has melted significantly in the two weeks since I'd last been there. 
It was slow going down Flattop.  I wasn't motivated to really try, my knees were feeling it, and there was still a fair amount of snow below treeline, though it is melting quickly.  It was pretty wet overall.  I'd like to get back up there this week, but I think I'll wait until the snow is gone completely.  It took me about two hours to descend back to the Glacier Gorge th, which seems average.  I was really looking forward to getting back to the car!
What a day!  While I can certainly look back on some days that have pushed me to the limit mentally or physically, I think this was one that really pushed skills and equipment to the limit.  I was definitely a little freaked out once I got up high and looked around to see how steep everything was.  I did the best thing I could do for me, which was to just think about the options and examine where I was.
I would suggest Taylor Glacier to be one of the most difficult non technical snow climbs in RMNP.  This was definitely a step above Dragonstooth or Chaotic Glacier.  I would suggest AI2, as that grade equates to consistent 60 degree slopes, while AI3 suggests sustained 70 degree slopes, with even steeper sections.  I feel the top few hundred feet are definitely 60+ degrees, and depending on exactly what exit you take, you will likely have a few feet of near vertical climbing, as seen on the photos from higher up.
Of course, there are other thoughts out there, and I have linked to some of those reports.  But most of these TR's seem to indicate what I feel.  This is the real deal, people have died climbing this, and you must be prepared.  Absolutely do not head out to this glacier without a helmet, two ice tools, and good crampons and boots, my weakest link.  I would really suggest bringing and using protection.  But this is one persons opinion, and we all have our own comfort levels.   Decide on yours and climb on!
Taylor Glacier, Powell Peak, Taylor Peak, Otis Peak, Hallett Peak, and Flattop Mountain (distances as part of the hike):
Taylor Glacier, 11500-12700 feet: 4 miles to apron, 3520 foot gain to top.  1,200 feet of climbing on 60+ degree snow, AI2, fourth class.  Strenuous+.*
Powell Peak, 13208 feet: 5.5 miles, 4028 foot gain.  Second class.  Strenuous.
Taylor Peak, 13153 feet: 6.9 miles, 3973 foot gain.  Second class.  Strenuous. 
Otis Peak, 12486 feet: 8.4 miles, 3306 foot gain.  Second class.  Moderate+.
Hallett Peak, 12713 feet: 9.5 miles, 3533 foot gain.  Second class.  Moderate+.
Flattop Mountain, 12324 feet: 10.2 miles, 3144 foot gain.  Second class.  Moderate+.
As a whole, this hike covered approximately 14.8 miles with 5945 feet of elevation gain.  Strenuous. 
*I felt the rock I climbed was fourth class.  If you stay on snow all the way to the top, it'll be second class.  Again I will state that climbing Taylor Glacier requires special equipment and skill.  Do not attempt this climb unless you have both. 

Chaotic Glacier, Otis Peak, and Taylor Peak.

I am in the middle of a week or so off between jobs, and have been enjoying some time in the mountains.  It seems as though I have inadvertently left some of the most difficult destinations in the park for last. With a fair amount of snow hanging around, I thought I'd use this time to tackle two snow climbs I have yet to do.  Unfortunately, these are both toward the steeper and harder side, and with sunrise about as early as it can possibly be, this meant a very early wake up to ensure firm snow from bottom to top.

There were some thunderstorms at the beginning of the week, but good weather predicted for the rest.  Monday night I got to bed late with my alarm set for two am.  I hadn't been able to find much on Chaotic Glacier, the snow and ice headwall that lies at the end of Chaos Canyon, home to Lake Haiyaha.  This page talks about Chaos Couloir, which directly ascends Hallett Peak, but also mentions Chaotic Glacier as 60 degrees AI2.  This page talkes about skiing down it.  And this page does actually talk about climbing it, though she says 35-40 degrees and mentions it only took 15 minutes!  Foster says 50-60 degrees, AI2.  Rossiter says steep snow, AI2.  That's about all that's out there on the internet and in books that I own.

Because I could find lots of ratings but only one account of someone actually climbing it, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.  There is a big difference between 35 and 60 degrees of course, but from the photos I could find, it looked closer to the latter.  Consider 35 degrees is around what you'd find on Ptarmigan Glacier, or on the easier sections of Tyndall Glacier.  It definitely looks steeper, though it's always hard to tell.

I left the car at Bear Lake shortly before four and set off.  I didn't sleep well the night before, I think due to nervousness about the day ahead.  But I felt pretty okay. 

Presunrise from the trail.  There was still some snow here and there, most notably after passing the turnoff for Dream and Emerald Lakes.
I lost the official trail as I neared Lake Haiyaha, but all I had to do was go around the lake and head up, so it was pretty easy.  Easy in the talus hopping scramble sense.  

Above Lake Haiyaha as a new day starts.
There was pretty consistent snow from the lake on up, and I generally tried to say on that.  I wore microspikes for this.  Things were firm and looking good.  Except for the lingering weather, hanging on the continental divide.  I was pretty far up the canyon before I was able to briefly see the glacier, and determine that there definitely wasn't a cornice at the top.

It's almost directly in the middle here, not that you can tell!

Some avalanche debris visible near the bottom.
I stopped at a rock before things got too steep and got geared up.  Helmet, crampons, ice axe, and just in case, an ice tool.  

The entrance to the glacier wasn't too bad, I'd say up until that rock band in the middle nothing more than moderate.  I took this photo from that band.

Here's what things looked like from that band.  Doesn't even look like 45 degrees here.

But all I had to do was look up to see that things were going to get steeper.  

From closer to the top, but still not at the steepest section.  

Looking down from there.
I definitely felt having a second tool added a sense of security, and I was able to move more confidently though the steeper stuff.

At the top.
The weather prediction was high of 49 and sunny.  Yep.  It was around 30, windy, and either gently precipitating, or blowing whatever had fallen the day before all around.  In other words, I was glad to have brought some colder weather gear, as I almost hadn't, and the day would have been pretty miserable without it.  As it was, I was right on the edge of discomfort.
Since everything was covered in a thin layer of ice, I put the microspikes back on.  From here I planned to summit Otis, and then go to Taylor before returning to and descending Andrews Glacier.  I'd already done the thing I came for, but figured some time at altitude working hard couldn't hurt.

Going up Otis.

Very close to the summit, which almost looks like being on another planet.  

At the summit of Otis Peak, 12,486 feet.
Now it was a short descent to Andrews Pass.  Since I wasn't going up and generating as much body heat, I felt a little chilly, again right on the edge of being cold.  But I was able to get below the cloudline, and while still quite windy, enjoy some sunshine and warm up a little at Andrews Pass.

This sign says something about how descending Andrews Glacier can be dangerous.  

Looks nice down there!
There is a small boulder at the pass, which was a nice wind block.  I put on the last layer I had, ate a snack, and shivered.  I wanted to go down, but Taylor Glacier was also something I intended to climb in this week, and I wanted to get a look at that.  Well, if the clouds broke.  I could not see the summit of Taylor from where I was.

Which made it look reasonably shorter.  This is one of those peaks that just doesn't seem to end.  It is less than a mile from Andrews Pass, but around 1200 feet of gain, so it takes some time. 

Sky Pond from Taylor Peak.

Taylor Peak summit cairn, June 14, 2016.
I headed down the other side for a short distance, and was able to catch a few glimpses of the Taylor Glacier through the clouds.  It was enough to tell me it looked good to go.  Well, steep and intimidating, but without a dangerous cornice at the top.
I headed back around Taylor, staying on snow almost the entire way down to the pass. 

The clouds briefly broke and I got to see Hallett for the first time this day.

Andrews Glacier was already pretty soft at ten thirty in the morning.  I had a nice glissade down some of it.  I was surprised to not see anyone at the tarn. 

But not surprised when I saw the slope below the tarn, which looks to be steeper than Andrews Glacier.
There was a fair amount of snow from here back to the trail to Sky Pond, and I lost the broken in trail.  No worries though, I just had to descend into the valley to pick up the trail.  From there, I started seeing the first people I'd see this day.  I took the Fire Trail down, but then had to take the trail back up from the Glacier Gorge intersection to Bear Lake.  I must've passed thirty people on this trail.  Bear Lake was teeming with people.  It's always strange to come back to that after being alone most of the day.
So, about that glacier.  I would say maximum of 50-60 degrees, which comes shortly before you reach the top.  To my eyes, the side to the right (north) looked slightly steeper than the side on the left.  It took me exactly 50 minutes to ascend from 11,350 feet, what I would consider the apron of the glacier, to the top at 12,040 feet, so we'll say 700 feet of climbing.  It really didn't feel too bad overall, but of course you must make sure you have the experience and equipment necessary to climb this glacier.  This would not be a good place to learn how to self arrest, and a fall could certainly result in serious injury or worse due to some of the lower rocky sections.  I found a second tool to be of great benefit while climbing.  I'd suggest late spring as a good time to go, as conditions were great and the snow coverage above Lake Haiyaha definitely made the approach alot easier.
There you have it internet world.  Some definitive information on climbing Chaotic Glacier.  Do with it as you will, have fun, and be safe out there!
Chaotic Glacier, Otis Peak, and Taylor Peak (distances as part of the loop):
Chaotic Glacier, 11,350-12,040 feet: 3.15 miles to apron, 2590 foot gain to top.  700 feet of climbing on 50-60 degree snow, AI2, second class.  Strenuous.*
Otis Peak, 12486 feet: 3.8 miles, 3036 foot gain.  Second class.  Moderate+.
Taylor Peak, 13153 feet: 5.3 miles, 3703 foot gain.  Second class.  Strenuous-.
As a whole, this hike covered approximately 10.6 miles with 4700 feet of elevation gain.  Strenuous.
*= Again, I will say this requires special equipment and skill.  Do not attempt this climb unless you have both. 

The Lumps of Lumpy Ridge Part Two.

Return of the Lumpening!
I try not to write too much about personal stuff on here.  I want this website to be focused on RMNP and my experience there.  It's been almost three months since I've written, and my life has changed alot though my love for the mountains still stands.
My wife and I bought a house finally, and with the generous help of our parents on both sides.  It is nice to have something that is ours.  I must say I actually enjoy mowing the lawn.
But this almost didn't happen, because a week before we were scheduled to settle, I got fired from my job of almost four years.
I'd never been fired before and it stings.  But in the end I can't say I am unhappy about it, as I hadn't been happy working there in a long time.  In fact, I'd been looking for a new job for over a year.  But this did put a halt on the home purchase, as I'd have to have verifiable income when we signed the papers.  And we already gave notice to our landlord, and he'd already found someone to move into our place.  For a few days it looked like we'd have no where to go.  If not for my mother in law, who knows what we'd have done.  But in the end it worked out.
On the job front, I found something that pays less and is mindless work.  Despite that, I feel happier there.  I'd applied to be an emergency dispatcher for the city of Longmont way back in January, and am happy to say that I've been hired, and will start there in mid June.
So these few months have brought alot of change.  I was more stressed with the job/home situation than I can ever remember being.  But it's worked out, and I am looking forward to the future in our new home and to be working for and serving the citizens of Longmont  and having a positive impact on peoples lives.
To return to the point- my foot injury has been feeling alot better.  I joined my friend Dan for a hike two weeks ago, and found that while it still wasn't one hundred percent, it no longer hurt to push off or land on my left foot.  As you can imagine, pain when pushing off or landing on one of my feet has complicated walking quite a bit!
I did a hike with the dogs the next week, and with some mountain bike rides sprinkled in between, decided that I was feeling good enough to look to the park this week.  But I needed something shorter and lower elevation.  Thus I turned my eyes to Lumpy Ridge.  I could summit five named peaks there, four of which are technical climbing destinations.
I started early on Memorial Day to beat the crowds.  I got up early enough to catch sunrise from the trail, and the sight of alpenglow on the high peaks.

A view that never ceases to inspire. 

Here are three of the points I would visit over the day.  You can see Fin City almost directly under the branches of the dead tree, Crescent Wall in the center, and Pacman Crag to the right.  I would be going for the easiest approach to the top of these, which is what would commonly be used as a down climb from the technical stuff.  Even so, these points went at 5.0, 3rd class, and 5.2 respectively.  The disclaimer is that I would suggest against trying these unless you are comfortable with those difficulty ratings.
Though these points were easier to find than those I visited on my last foray to Lumpy Ridge, a GPS may be useful to help locate them.
After some inspection, I decided I would save Pacman Crag, the hardest of these climbs, until the return trip and moved on to Crescent Wall.  I made my way though some forest, brush, and granite boulders until I could get onto the mellow ridge that runs west from the summit.  From here it was pretty easy movement to the top.

Crescent Wall, 8740 feet.

I was able to get a great early morning view of the Estes Park valley.  I love the long shadows in this photo.

And I could see my own shadow to the west, with Pacman Crag on the left.

From here, I looked to Fin City, the feature in the middle of this photo.  And aptly named, because the rock looks like Orca fins sticking up from the ground.  I exited Crescent Wall and make a short bushwhack over. 

I walked around the feature just to check it out.  I think the easiest route on the front side is 5.7.  The backside looked much more tame and was a fun little climb.  I did not use the tree someone had placed here!

Crescent Wall from Fin City.

Sitting on the summit of Fin City, 8780 feet.  While it was the summit, it was still pretty airy, with the potential to fall 30 feet or more down one of the cracks between the fins. 

As pictured here. 

From here I would head to East Gemstone, a peak that appears only one place that I can find.  It's not in Fosters book, or on LoJ, but Estes locals have named it, and it looked like it would be a fun climb.
It looks like you can just walk up it from the north side of Gem Lake, but a deep chasm stands in the way.  I'd tried it once before, but turned back due to snow and water on the granite.  I decided to just head directly to it and see if the gully pictured to the right would go.

The gully.  It worked.  Don't take the earlier exit that requires climbing, as there is a chasm that requires going around on the other side.  You'll find several along the way.  The last one either requires a fair amount of down climbing to get to a point lower on the slabs to continue, or a few fifth class moves to move to the summit.  I'd say these few moves were the hardest climbing I encountered over the day, but will refrain from giving a grade.

The view from the top is excellent, with Middle Gemstone and West Gemstone (aka Gem Peak) immediately visible.  And of course Gem Lake at the bottom.  I'd yet to see anyone beside two people in the parking lot, and could see there wasn't anyone at the lake.  That would change by the time I returned.

The summit of East Gemstone.
I decided to drop down to Gem Lake by heading north.  I ended up working down a gully and then moving on the slabs as I could. 

I stopped here to empty my shoes, and started down.  There was a dead tree right next to where I took this photo at.  A few steps down and I came face to face with this branch.

Someone had come this way, and a long time ago since the bark had grown over their initials before the tree died.  I love finding stuff like this out and about.

I could see the faint remains of someone else to the right of the first.
Once I hit the trail, it was over to continue on to Cow Creek.  I would visit Kellogg's Krag, a fourth class destination near the Rabbit Ears campsite.  I went to the campsite first and then headed west, steadily gaining altitude.  I stayed on the south side of the feature, but took the north side on return.  The north side is easier, and there is a faint trail if you can find it.

The view from the summit of Kellogg's Krag, 8685 feet.  I saw several hummingbirds on the way to the top.  Pretty cool animals.

Sheep Mountain.
Unfortunately, this is where I started to feel some distinct pain in my foot.  Of course I was about as far from the car as I could possibly get.  I'd just take my time to get back and deal with it.  I guess this might be how things are this year, but hopefully it will continue to feel better as time goes on.
I stopped at Cow Creek and took a few Ibuprofen and dunked my foot in the ice cold water of the creek.  I lasted about ten seconds before it was numb, but the freezing water felt good.
Uphill I went, and as I moved, things started to feel better and better.  I've noticed that when I am on a more level surface things feel pretty fine, but it's when I am on something more uneven, like bushwhacking or rock, it can hurt.  I saw a few people on the way back to Gem Lake, and then a whole, whole bunch of people upon arrival at the lake. 

East Gemstone over Gem Lake.  The true summit it to the right here. 

As I moved down, I was able to get a great view of the main obstacle to East Gemstone being an easy walk up.  That's one huge crack!
Clouds started to build and I was happy to have gotten an early start.

Fin City from the trail.  It reminds me somewhat of the rock I'd seen on The Cleaver, though on a much larger scale.

Crescent Wall.

It looks almost like dripped wax or Elephant skin.
Pacman Crag is pretty close to the trail, but isn't the most prominent thing there.  It is also much more difficult to ascend than the high point right behind it. 

From Pacman Crag.

The summit of Pacman Crag.

Here are my poles, extended to approximately 40 inches to get an idea of the scale.

This looked like the easiest route to the top, and goes at 5.2.  I took the crack up to a crimp on the left below the prominent rail.  From here, I could reach the rail, got up onto it, and moved right to the large angling crack on the right.  There wasn't much for handholds, but friction worked well enough.  I was pretty impressed that my new trail runners didn't slip once during the day.  Good to know.
I down climbed the same way I went up, and got back to the trail.  Now it was simply motor back to the trailhead.  I passed a bunch of people on the way down, some still going up despite the imminent look of the weather.  Of course it started to rain right as I got back to the car!
This was a shorter but fun day, particularly good for those of you who enjoy scrambling and feel comfortable moving in fifth class terrain.  The destinations east of the Gem Lake trail are all relatively accessible, and can easily been seen from the trail.  Kellogg's Krag is a bit more involved, but if you can find that thin trail to the north of it, it's not too bad.  Lumpy Ridge is a fun place to spend some time, easy to get to, and offers great views in all directions.
The Lumps of Lumpy Ridge Part Two:
Pacman Crag, 8500 feet: 1 mile, 648 foot gain.  5.2.  Moderate.
Crescent Wall, 8740 feet: 1.3 miles, 888 foot gain.  Third class.  Moderate.
Fin City, 8780 feet: 1.5 miles,  928 foot gain.  5.0.  Moderate.
East Gemstone, 9034 feet: 1.7 miles, 1182 foot gain.  Fifth class.  Moderate+.*
Kellogg's Krag, 8685 feet: 4.8 miles, 833 foot gain**.  Fourth class.  Moderate+.
As a whole, this hike covered approximately 9.8 miles with 3000 feet of elevation gain.  I'd call it moderate plus in difficulty, but it does include sections of fifth class which requires some special skill.
*= Easier third class approach from the north starting at Gem Lake.
**= You go over Lumpy Ridge and back, so there is more gain.  This could also be done from Cow Creek/McGraw Ranch for a shorter approach and less elevation gain.