(3.6 miles, +2,400 ft, -300 ft, 7.4 mile approach)
This is a relatively remote summit in the heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. We climbed it from Mariane Lake (7.4 mile hike from Chief Joseph Trailhead). There are several very nice campsites on the west side of Mariane Lake. From Mariane Lake, we climbed the outlet channel from Lake of the Winds, then eastwards around the south side of Lake of the Winds. We crossed the highlands between Lake of the Winds and Z Lake, and ascended the outlet channel from Red Rock Lakes. This portion of the hike is fairly time consuming, as it involves a lot of boulder hopping. This route would also be difficult early in the season (e.g. July) when the outlet channel obviously runs a lot of water. Upon reaching Red Rock Lakes, we rounded the southwest side of the eastern lakes and headed directly north to attain the summit ridge west of the summit. The route up to the summit ridge requires some careful route selection, as there are a number of cliffs and snowfields that must be negotiated. The rock is very competent granite and offers good traction. The final approach to the summit is a nice ridge walk with majestic views in all directions.
