Spine / ridge crest
Overview
A spine or ridge crest is the high, narrow line of a mountain ridge, forming the dividing edge between two drainage basins. It often provides clear travel despite exposure to weather and wind.
Key points
- Represents the uppermost edge of a ridge or mountain range.
- Often offers expansive visibility and straightforward navigation.
- Exposure to wind, storms, and lightning risk is typically higher.
- Travel can alternate between smooth walking and technical rock features.
- Used for high routes, alternate paths, and scenic traverses.
- Requires awareness of footing, weather, and bailout options.
Details
A ridge crest, sometimes called a spine, forms where two opposing slopes meet at their highest connecting line. These features are common in mountain environments and often provide open, scenic passage across terrain, free of dense vegetation. However, exposure to weather is greater, and abrupt changes in conditions can occur.
Ridge travel varies widely in difficulty: some crests offer grassy or gravel paths, while others contain talus, boulders, or narrow, rocky ridgelines that require careful movement. Because ridges divide watersheds, navigation is often straightforward, though frequent minor ups and downs may add physical effort.
Ridge travel is best attempted with stable weather forecasts and an understanding of escape routes often storms develop.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
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