Overview
Mt. Timp, as the locals call it, is the 2nd highest mountain in the Wasatch Range. What sets this peak apart is its location. It towers over the Provo, Orem, Pleasant Grove area and it’s a very dominant feature. It rises 7000 feet from the valley floor and draws your gaze to it again and again. This mountain may be the most popular one in the state of Utah and is certainly the most climbed. Mt. Timpanogos is a huge mountain, extending almost seven miles in a north to south direction with many of its peaks reaching over the 11000 foot mark. You can normally hike to the top of the highest summit but when the snow flies or a storm is present; it becomes very quickly a mountain you need to take very seriously. One interesting fact about Mt. Timp is that is has the only real glacier in Utah, although it is very small. The glacier is one of the highlights for many of those who summit the mountain, using it as a quick descent route.
Route Via Everest Ridge
Everest Ridge is a local name that gains its meaning from an early 1990's Mt. Everest Expedition team from Utah. The team used this route in the winter for training. The route Everest Ridge route begins at the saddle between Big Baldy and Mt. Timpanogos. This point can be reached from a variety of directions.
From the saddle begin climbing the ridge towards the summit of Timpanogos. Climbing is steep, but relatively straight forward. The crux of the route comes in the last 400 feet of the ridge before reaching the summit in an area called “The Step”. Depending on the conditions, this portion can either be bypassed by traversing to the right or climbed up directly. This section is exposed and dangerous. An unprotected fall would likely result in severe injury or death.
Essential Gear
Make sure to bring your 10 Essentials. In the winter/spring you must have an ice ax axe and crampons. Some groups even rope up. The steepest parts of the ridge are around 55 degrees. The crux of the route (the final 400 vertical feet to the summit ridge, named "the Step") is often navigated with a rope in the winter/spring.
