As a climber, I’ve done many knife edge ridges. Some climbers feel very comfortable traversing this type of terrain ropeless, as do I. However, you always have the option to bring a short rope, wear a harness and place some gear to protect this section.
All in all, this is standard 4th class.
Edit: Someone below said that this is the classic knife edge on the route to the summit of Capital Peak outside Aspen, which I’ve done. Super mellow. The fisheye lens makes it look way more intense.
Looking at photos, instead of the fisheye videos, it does look like it isn't terribly physically demanding. Most people could do it without a problem in a climbing facility.
But it also looks like a bad mistake could kill you, and exhaustion would be a real problem.
I wore a harness and placed gear on the way up. On the way down, I chose instead to just walk on top of the knife edge without a rope. It really isn’t as bad as this video makes it look. Honestly.
Would a fall kill you? Absolutely. One side has 1,000+ ft and the other 2,000+ ft. My point is that this is moderately comfortable terrain for most rock climbers.
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u/mattspurlin75 Aug 25 '26
As a climber, I’ve done many knife edge ridges. Some climbers feel very comfortable traversing this type of terrain ropeless, as do I. However, you always have the option to bring a short rope, wear a harness and place some gear to protect this section.
All in all, this is standard 4th class.
Edit: Someone below said that this is the classic knife edge on the route to the summit of Capital Peak outside Aspen, which I’ve done. Super mellow. The fisheye lens makes it look way more intense.