T3 Recon from Blue Lakes
Date: 3/29/2026
Partner: Brock Stashick
Trailhead: Blue Lakes
Distance: 5.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 3450ft
Duration: 8hrs 30min
GPX
After learning about the 50m crack known as Gunslinger on T3's western aspect, Brock and I set out to get a first hand look and ski some corn.
When we arrived at the base of the climb (Gunsight Notch) we found two stuck ropes descending from the summit which belonged to the party who traversed the Block Tops in the summer of 2025.
Additionally, the crack looked splitter and clean. I knew I couldn't lead it... but maybe I could follow or at least jug?
I began to distribute photos of the route to gage interest with my climbing friends.
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5.1m - 3450ft - 8hrs 30min
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Arriving at Lower Blue Lake... the Block Tops not yet in sight
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Brock approaching middle Blue Lake with S4 behind
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From middle Blue Lake the Block Tops come into view. T3 is the big blocky one in the middle
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Brock 'hunks' with middle Blue Lake and S4 behind
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On our way to Gunsight notch to get a view of T3's west crack aka Gunslinger
![T3 blue lakes 08]()
T3 looking formidable as we get closer
![T3 blue lakes 09]()
The X-Traverse between T4 and T3 covered in snow
![T3 blue lakes 10]()
Brock boots to Gunsight Notch
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We found a stuck rope descending from T3s summit which was later confirmed to belong to a party who traversed the Block Tops in July of 2025. We retrieved the ropes in May of 2026 after climbing the west crack
![T3 blue lakes 14]()
T3's west crack aka Gunslinger looking rather splitter
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After a thorough casing of T3's west aspect it was time to ski!
![T3 blue lakes 16]()
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There is something special about skiing in the presence of Sneffels
![T3 blue lakes 18]()
Laying down some cruiser tracks
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Mission accomplished! We now had a better understanding of T3's west crack aka Gunslinger, along with some great skiing and stellar views
![T3 blue lakes 20]()
S4 and middle Blue Lake
