Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mount LeConte's Waterfall Pitch

Is there any other route up to the summit of Mount Le Conte that avoids going up the infamous Waterfall Pitch? From what I've read and seen pictures of, it seems more class 4 than 3, even from Bob Burd and Matthew Holliman.

I'd like to go up/down via an easier route if it exists.

Thanks for any help,
--Amin

I think you're out of luck. And yeah, it's more like class 4.

When I climbed it in April there was a bit of ice which complicated things, but I guess it could be considered 3rd Class in dry conditions. You might also want to research the East Arete route. I believe it is also rated Class 3, though it looked to be more exposed than the NW Chute.

It is more class 4 than class 3--one option is to take a long sling to assist on the climb. There was one attached last year bit I can not speak to its current conditions