Route Info S. Cement Creek SE Ridge
Route Description
Year Climbed: 1997
Follow the trailhead and route description for climbing Tower Mountain (#219), until you reach the elevation marker on the ridge NW of the Tower summit that's marked 13,060 ft. From here, another ridge leads off to the SW that looks down into Boulder Gulch. The ridge crest drops off steeply on either side, but particularly on the north. At first, you'll be mostly on tundra. The crest of the ridge is punctuated by some easily-bypassed rocky outcrops until you come to the ridge low point and a large rock pinnacle. Bypass the pinnacle and gain the summit on steep slopes of some marginal tundra with lots of talus and loose rock thrown in.
From this summit, enjoy the spectacular view back down into the S. Cement Creek valley far below and then contemplate your fate should you consider continuing on over to Storm Peak. The connecting rocky ridge will offer many difficulties. Otherwise, turn back and follow the ridge you approached on back to the 13,060 elevation point and retrace your route back to the trailhead. In mid-summer, this is an excellent wildflower viewing area.