Photos by cdog

Etan (es331) leads the last pitch up the Standard S route of the Shield

Oct 9th, 2005. NW ridge follows right skyline to summit. Descent down tallus below sub-summit.

hosebeats low on the nw ridge of the thumb. good exposure early on, with views of the popular La Luz trail through upper La Cueva canyon.

lower nw ridge route, 100805. expect to employ some routefinding skills since available route descriptions are vague. This is one of the neat qualities of the Sandias!

route starts on the west side of the nw ridge and eventually works to the climber's left of the ridge. lots of variations are possible. fun route!

descent of the thumb traverse the ridge southeast towards the minor summit. at saddle, follow 500' feet of tallus down to the La Luz trail.

Sandia crest is visible in the background. The Thumb summit offers spectacular views of the crest, albuquerque & the Rio Grande, the tramway, and La Cueva canyon.

exposure begins immediately with this route out of high camp. broad snowfields are climbed early on, eventually narrowing through rock bands and ice chutes

this traverse is over one of the steepest parts of the route.

Ptarmigan Ridge, Mount Rainier May 2005 view from Spray Park 1934 varition traverses west at final rock band and climbs through the exit gully

The Ladybug is 4 short pitches up the northwest buttress. Guidebooks describe a 3rd class exit off this but I didn't find it--made 2 raps instead into the hikers gully.