There are different interpretations of the famed "Inspiration Traverse" (depending of if you are climbing or ski'ing) but upon reading multiple reports, for a car-to-car FKT style effort, the following is the most classic, desirable climber's line:
Start from the Eldorado Trailhead and climb the 5 largest peaks of the traverse - Eldorado Peak (8,868'), Dorado Needle (8440'), Klawatti Peak (8485'), Austera Peak (8334'), and Primus Peak (8508') - before returning to the car. (an argument can be made for the point-to-point variation that exits out Thunder Creek, but the usual style for FKTs, especially considering the long car shuttle on this, is to do the car-to-car variations) the order the peaks are climbed is up to the FKT attempter.
This is not a casual trail run. This route route has extensive crevassed glacier travel, steep snow, mid-5th class rock climbing, route finding, and exposed-high-risk terrain. Extensive experience with this skills is highly recommended before attempting. Planning for glacier conditions, weather, and day of the week (to avoid other parties) is a part of the logistics on this FKT. Be sure to read the route descriptions for the 4th/5th class terrain on Dorado, Klawatti, and Austera. You must tag the top of the true summit of each peak for this FKT to count...which on Dorado Needle includes a two move boulder problem that some describe as going at 5.7-5.9yds. Rope is recommended for the glacier travel and climbing.
For those with the experience, fitness, and proper tools, this is perhaps one of the most beautiful and quintessential car-to-car traverse experiences in the state.
Further Research:
https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/trip-reports/inspiration-traverse
http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8006081
https://www.lemkeclimbs.com/inspiration-traverse.html
http://www.cascadecrusades.org/SkiMountaineering/isolationtraverse/isolationtraverse2011/isolationtraverse2011.htm
https://wenatcheeoutdoors.org/2016/06/30/isolation-traverse/
www.peakbaggers.com
Submitted by Jason Hardrath (FKTs)
