North Ridge

This route meanders around the lower slopes of Round Top near the East Ridge, eventually gaining the prominent knife-edge North Ridge which is directly visible upon approach.  This ridge terminates at a rock band of the East Buttress.  If using protection, this starts the technical portion. At this point the climber may either keep left to stay along the ridge proper, or aim toward Crescent Moon Couloir and eventually curve upward and around exposed rock.  Both variations will top out on the East Buttress.  This ridge can be followed to the Round Top summit.  Descend via the West Ridge.

Appropriate conditions are the make or break for this route… Round Top is otherwise a pile of rubble, probably rendering the rock band portion of this route unsafe/unclimbable if snow-free.

Same approach as for Crescent Moon Couloir.  Park at the Carson Pass Sno-Park and hike/snowshoe in toward Winnemucca Lake, approximately 2 miles, following the blue PCT trail markers until Round Top becomes visible.  Early morning may allow for hiking in with crampons, while later in the day floatation may be required.

If using rope, a few pickets may be helpful to manage rope around the pitched portion of the climb. A cam or two might be useful but the rock isn’t very protectable.