North America, United States, Idaho, Elephants Perch, Southwest Face, Sawtooth Range

Publication Year: 1979.

Elephants Perch, Southwest Face, Sawtooth Range. On August 9, 1977, Ried Dowdle and I completed a very fine route on the prow of the “perch”, where it turns from a south into a west face. The route follows the large corner system located on the prow. Two leads of moderate free climbing end on a small ledge down and to the right of the large corner. A pitch of shallow cracks and hard face (F9 or F10) lead to the base of the corner. A short aid pitch ends on a good belay ledge. From this ledge a long, hard aid pitch (A3) brings one to the upper less steep part of the corner. Two pitches of free and aid leading up and right brings one to a crack and corner system which slants up and left. Four obvious free and aid pitches on this lead to a sloping ledge, the first decent ledge in six pitches. Three more awkward pitches end on the summit. NCCS V, F9, A3.

David Hough, Unaffiliated