Introduction to 3rd Class: Learning while Scrambling on Mount Sneffels

Most of Colorado's 14ers can be climbed by a constructed summit trail or by modest off-trail scrambling. However, there are 19 routes that are graded Class 3 or 4, which entail significantly more challenging scrambling.
As part of CFI's mountain safety efforts, we bring you Introduction to 3rd Class, which profiles some of the the issues you will contend with when you start tackling these more difficult climbs.
In this episode CFI Executive Director Lloyd Athearn climbs Mount Sneffels near Ouray, Colorado, and explains how Class 3 climbing differs from hiking on a Class 1 trail or a Class 2 off-trail scramble. The video covers safety equipment like helmets, why it is important to understand where you are on the mountain, and how to be prepared for changing route conditions due to complex routes and rapidly changing mountain weather.
REALITY. Climbing is inherently dangerous! People die on Colorado 14ers every year.
NO GUARANTEE. CFI’s goal is to provide you with education and perspective. Our videos do not address all climbing risks. Viewing the videos does not guarantee your safety!
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY! Be fit. Get educated. Be aware. If you choose to climb, you accept and assume the inherent and other risks. You remain responsible for your decisions, your actions and your adventure!

[@jlwoolf]

Glad a video like this exists. I made the mistake of attempting Long's Peak with limited preparation/research. I trusted my own fitness and experience, which was enough to summit, but got lost on the descent and went down the wrong gully. Took me much longer to get back. Even though I've done quite a few 14ers, I always need to remind myself to take every one of them seriously. Situational awareness was something I normally didn't struggle with, but I realized then I need to focus more intently.

[@scottvincent770]

"This is why we climb 14er's!" So true! It's a feeling that's *way* beyond an adrenaline rush -- it's a rush of accomplishment!

[@BS2Dos]

Situational awareness is great advice. So easy to be focused on where you’re headed rather than noting where you’ve just come from. 👍👍

[@dmbeaster]

Basic routefinding. As you climb, also look down as you progress upward. Make a memory of what the correct route down looks like. It always looks different from your upward perspective.

[@marksteiner3810]

Lloyd will set you straight for harder climbs like this. Good video and advice.

[@alextownsend6662]

My 17yo daughter, our 11lb Papillion, and I followed this route to the summit 7/9/22. It was our first 14er. It was a little tougher than we expected, but entirely worth the effort.

[@Theninjaonthemountains]

great video, lots of good information!

[@jacobcoleman638]

Man I wish I was out there hiking right now

[@CentennialTreks]

I just climbed this earlier today (9-8-21). I found the class 2 slope tedious & annoying, and I think the best way to tackle it is to stay on the large, more stable boulders. The upper gully is more stable and more fun. It's interesting - Wetterhorn also has a "V" notch to go through. Anyway, good information & pointers - more people should probably see this.

[@cmcer1995]

I liked climbing 14ers to get a great view from above. Mt. Sneffels I did in 2001. It didn't really feel like a Class 3 to me back then, but it does qualify. But, I can see how someone could easily get confused route finding. I was more intimidated by Wetterhorn especially down climbing which I did the day before. Great advise for those who have little of no experience. It was actually #34 for me.

[@XtryL]

Instead of doing th crux, I climbed in the crack right next to it. I found it easier and a lot safer due to less exposure...

[@LifeAtHighAltitude]

On Whitney's mountaineer route , I made cairns on the way up and took them down on the decend

[@cubanb7839]

Thank you! More like this please! From, a CO native.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Very good ,dont be an ego driven fool . The mountain will still be there .