Knife Edge

I think this is a pretty common name for hiking and climbing routes in similar settings, but it certainly fits this place well. North of Old Snowy, the PCT follows the crest of a jagged ridge for a mile or two. I followed it to Elk Pass, before turning around and heading back.

The trail is pretty good (though sections were covered in packed snow) and while it drops off steeply in both directions, it's not terribly precarious. I've found myself increasingly sensitive about exposed heights in recent years (Vors Fleslers Kirke), but even the snowy switchbacks down from Old Snowy didn't bother me much.

It might be interesting in some places were one to encounter pack horses, or converging packs of goats, but there was only one other party and they didn't go the whole distance.

The regular PCT goes up and over the shoulder of Old Snowy - but there is an alternate trail designated for pack animals that cuts across the broad talus on the mountains northern slope. It's an easy enough route, but there were rocks constantly rattling down the slope as the sun warmed the icy slopes.