North Ridge of Hayden Spire a.k.a. The dumbest idea in the park

This is basically the crest of Hayden's main North features, starting at the lowest point, Topping out on the East Pinnacle. Someone has had to have climbed it, but we found no evidence. We did 9 roped pitches, 1 -100' rappel off a tower, and lots of "easy" scrambling.

3 out of 9 pitches were really good, the rest is....mountainy

we dodged a few obviously sick sections of exposed arete/ridge for the sake of time and cranky weather, but It's clean all the way if you stick to the ridge!

Descent: Continue to divide and Flattop trail via Hayden's long summit ridge (3rd class).

OR arrange a descent back to Lonesome Lake to the east of the Spire for Trail Ridge Rd access.

The route name was inspired by our good friend Kelly Cordes, who, upon hearing about our torturous hike exclaimed, "That must be the dumbest idea in the Park!"

Hayden Spire in Hayden Gorge approach via Trail Ridge or as we did from Flattop Mountain Trail.

Either way is relatively long and arduous. If you approach via The Divide (Flattop), it requires dropping down around 1500' into the cirque. Almost creating a committing "Black Canyon-esque" feel.

Single rack, maybe extra 1" stuff.