A respectable Wasatch Elevener sits watch over the Snowbird-Alta ski areas in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. This mountain, towering just to the north, is Superior (11,040'). Just a quarter mile west is a taller summit tucked along the same Cottonwood ridge-- Monte Cristo at 11,132'. There is a direct assault route and a ridgeline assault. At best, you will ascend over 1,300' per mile. The ridgeline has numerous mild Class 2-3 scrambling problems and gives you a little exposure.
The first mile is a climb to Cardiff Pass, where you begin a ridgeline ascending traverse over to Superior. Up a little higher we found wildlife willing to pose for us. A marmot collecting breakfast and a goat traversing the slope ahead of us both provided nice shots.
The ridge was a combination of rocky ledge trail and mild scrambling. My bro-in-law, Steve, demonstrated his moves in the photos below.
After gaining the summit, a clear and grand view of Monte Cristo presents itself. a rocky traverse puts one at the base of the final summit cone-- a quick steep scramble. The entire trip is a mere 5 miles out-n-back. Its a good workout with glorious views and is one of the few Eleveners that can be accomplished inside a few hours.
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