A misstep on the ridge could send an unprotected climber falling hundreds, or maybe more than a thousand feet in some places. The exceptionally rough rock is fortunately solid and stable.

The traverse from Little Bear to Blanca is a mile long, and climbers must precariously crawl along the top. Rope is often no protection and slows down the traverse immensely. An inexperienced person should never attempt this ridge.

The road up to the base at Como Lake passes three of the most feared 4x4 obstacles anywhere- Jaws 1, 2, and 3. Most climbers don't attempt to drive it. All of the Jaws regularly eat Jeeps.

The standard route up Little Bear passes through the Hourglass. This constriction of a chute becomes a rock scramble for which there is fixed rope experienced climbers know better than to use. The danger is anyone above the Hourglass, or on the ridge, who knocks down a rock, sends it into the Hourglass, making a helmet essential gear. People die here from rock fall, with and without helmets.

The music is a dizzying five voice fugue in waltz time and tempo, reflecting the delicate toe dance one must do to climb this formidable mountain. The Spanish flavor reflects the strong Spanish-Mexican influence and history of this mountain.

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