Flatiron Butte, Sawtooth Ridge Area. This summit is an isolated rock crag on the east flank of the Sierra Nevada, quite hidden by ramparts of other ridges. Located north of Sawtooth Ridge, the formation offers steep rock-climbing potential, but the crumbly nature of the granite is not up to local standards. In June, Rick Nolting and I hiked up the Little Walker, then climbed a route on the northeast buttress. The line did have some good pitches, but the pattern would be hard to describe because of many ramps, ribs and crags along the crest. The quality ofthe rock was inconsistent, but there were some good sections. On the long summit ridge, the climbing deteriorated to a long scramble. (NCCS II or III, F7.)

Fred Beckey