Lower Clear Creek

Conditions Update - Clear Creek 06.30.2024

The Clear Creek Trailhead is open and operational. Grab your Summit Pass, Wilderness Permit, and Human Waste Packout Bag before departure. All are available for self issue at the trailhead. A 2wd vehicle can make it all the way in currently.

All downed trees have been cleared and the trail to the spring is in good shape. Please tread lightly around the spring and stick to traveling on designated trails or snow-covered ground to decrease your impact. As always, Leave No Trace. Camp at least 100 feet from all water sources.

The Clear Creek climbing route has largely melted out, with primarily dry surfaces. However, snow travel is still required on route. Patchy snow begins near treeline and continues past the springs. Two large snow islands exist on route between 9,000 ~ 11,000 feet, (see photo). These sections may require the use of an ice axe, crampons for those not as sure footed. The route is not steep, but novice climbers might find comfort with the added traction of crampons. Microspikes and trekking poles can be useful for more savvy climbers. Above 11,000 feet, the route is snow free to above Mushroom Rock. Small snow patches still reside on the head wall section (13,000 feet) below the Summit Plateau. With the right navigation, climbing on dry ground through this section is still possible. The Summit Plateau and the Summit Pinnacle are still holding decent snow coverage. 

This is the easiest and lowest angle route on the mountain. That said, don't take it lightly. Search and rescue incidents occure every year on the Clear Creek route, usually in the form of climbers becoming lost, or slips causing ankle injuries, etc.

Rockfall is not really a thing on this route, EXCEPT for the short, steep section above Mushroom Rock. This short headwall can be navigated by following the path of least resistance, straight up and through. You can also go left or right. Choose your own adventure. Most go straight up. If you get on snow, it's steep enough to take a slip and fall, and this is where one might want an ice axe and crampons.