HomeUSAColoradoAlpine RockSan JuansNeedles, TheWest Needle MountainsSnowdon PeakNorth Face5.11aSouth Rib via The Back Up Plan5.7Edit modeWest Buttress4thtradalpineFA unknownCREATED May 2023UPDATED May 2023DescriptionThe West Buttress is a great route that follows the prominent buttress directly under the summit of Snowdon. The rock is of decent quality for the San Juans, but there is still plenty of loose stuff. The route starts off as a scramble and steepens as you get higher. Most parties will want to rope a couple hundred feet from the summit or it is possible to bypass the 4th class sections climbing through the gully just to the right of the Buttress.LocationTake the climbing trail until you are able to ascend the scree field to the base of the climb. The route follows the buttress between two gullies. Follow the Northeast Ridge Route to descend.ProtectionA light alpine rack with a selection of nuts and cams. A helmet is recommended.Routes in Snowdon Peak1Northeast Ridge3rdTrad · Alpine2North Face5.11aTrad · Alpine3West Buttress4thTrad · Alpine 4South Rib via The Back Up Plan5.7Trad · Alpine5South Ridge4thTrad · Alpine