The Beta Version is our rendition of travel tips and ideas for prospective adventurers to the areas we have been. In other words, what we wished we had found in a blog before we went there and what we want to make sure we remember the next time we go. Email us if you want to share some beta. Tally-ho!

Camping: There were some primitive campsites along the river near the main parking lot that I wish we had known about, although having your camp intruded upon by a bear or your tires eaten by a porcupine are true risks. Ever since our first trip years ago when we camped at the trailhead and hardly slept because of the animals roaming around our tent all night, we’ve opted to camp elsewhere and make the drive in to the trailhead in the morning.

The Cobalt Lake Trail was not nearly as tracked as the main trail, but more gradual and still scenic. This would be an awesome backcountry ski in the winter.

From the ridgeline where you can first get a full view of the East side of the Bugaboos there were a number of high alpine meadows that made for great camping options, with patches of snow melting creating an easy water source. These meadows were higher than Cobalt Lake and we saw no signs of bears, although the vermin were courageous. We buried our food

in snow and still lost a few items that were ingeniously discovered.

The Brenta-Northpost Spire Traverse. The rumors were true: the rock on the eastern spires is pretty loose and unpredictable. That said, the views offer a completely different and beautiful perspective, particularly of the Vowel Group. The traverse still had some snow patches and could mostly be done with hiking/approach shoes, except for the last third, which was definitely more technical, with some route-finding issues.

The route description took us to a cliffed-out section that we weren’t comfortable traversing. Instead, we descended down the east side to a series of ledges that brought us around the crux. It was still pretty spicy, with any fall likely resulting in injuries, but was better than the alternative plus offered a clear bail-out option of rappelling down to Cobalt Lake.

Cobalt Lake Spire: The rock was so loose on this scramble that we almost decided against it. It was the worst of all the peaks and not worth doing. Rather terrifying.

Crescent Spire: With moderate scrambling, some low fifth class moves, good rock, and intricate rock formations, this scramble from the Whipping Post-Crescent Spire col was fun and well worth the effort.

Eastpost Spire: Well-marked and fun scramble up the north ridge. Maybe some low fifth moves, but no pro needed, save for a helmet since rock fall was a consistent risk.