Stego Spine

The south ridge of Black Pyramid (aka Peak 11,477) is a spiky black spine offering a pretty fun 4th-class scramble. This is a convenient side-trip for those hiking the Mammoth Crest/Duck Pass loop, and a necessary passage for those attempting the full Blue Crag traverse (i.e. from Crystal Crag to Deer Pass). It is also the descent used for the route

Slayer

on the north face.

Directions from the large meadow at Deer Lakes Pass:

Gain the ridge by scrambling up to the first major saddle along the crest (see annotated photo). Then simply follow the spine to the summit!

One may encounter some 4th-class terrain if trying to stick to the true ridge. Most of these sections can be avoided by dropping a few meters down on the east side of the crest. The most exciting section is a highly exposed 3rd-class catwalk between the two highest points.

Either hike the Mammoth Crest trail from Lake George, or the Duck Pass trail from Coldwater Campground. The latter option requires that you continue cross-country along the ridge from Duck Pass to Deer Lakes Pass, which is a straightforward task. Either way its about 5.5 miles to reach the huge meadow at Deer Lakes Pass. When you get to this meadow, look north and you'll see this spine which bears a vague resemblance to a dragon or stegosaurus or some other spiky-backed creature.

You could bring a rope, but it would probably get snagged repeatedly. Better to do this as a scramble.