The write-ups I had read were not clear on the best approach to the summit block. Some indicate a jump across a foot and a half wide, 30' deep gap on the north west side. I didn't like the prospects of missing with out a rope. We ate lunch, signed in, and studied the rock.
Another block leans against the southwest side of the summit block. By approaching these two blocks from the north we found a chimney formed where they meet. At the base of this chimney there is a 5' high rock. It provides a good start point for climbing up the knobs of the summit block. We used the chimney to use counter force with back and feet to allow the bare hands a break from the subfreezing rock. At the summit block ridge there was a flat spot where we were able to stop and put gloves back on for the last 10 feet to the top.
We started down at 12:30. By leaving the ridge about the 6400 mark we were able to scree eastward back to Greater View (1:49 pm). The jeep trail over Mengel Pass was reported to be in good condition. But we chose to go out the way we came so we could visit Tecopa HOT Springs. Unfortunately, due to the cold weather, they turn out to be a lukewarm 105 degrees.
