West Side Highway

West Side Highway climbs a striking buttress on the remote west side of Shoshoni Peak. The climb is visible but difficult to get to from Lone Eagle Peak, so it certainly has been seen by many climbers. At the time of the first ascent, there was evidence of some climbing activity far to the right of this climb but none on the route itself. The climb ascends the middle of a broad face full of flakes and discontinuous cracks that provide adequate protection through very exciting climbing.

P1. Climb a short and easy buttress for about 100 feet to gain the base of the real climbing (5.6).

P2. Climb up a short, steep crack then continue up on flakes to a ledge somewhat left (5.10, 190 feet).

P3. Climb another short crack then more exciting face climbing. The difficulty backs off after about 100 feet. Stretch the rope out to the top on easier terrain (5.10, 200 feet).

Hike to Pawnee Pass, then head to the last saddle before the summit of Shoshoni. Turn west and hike down to the top of a broad, steep face. Several overlooks will allow you to look down at the routes below. This also provides a good place to rack up and stash a pack.

Descend a steep gully to the right (north), then traverse left (south) onto a ledge system that will take you across the base of the cliff. The route lies on the first buttress encountered as you start traversing the ledge.

Rack up to 3".