When we set off for the ascent of Buck Mountain, I had envisioned a low key, very mild day in the mountains with moderate scrambling. The Climber's Guide indicated that the southeast ridge was a class 4 route, which it was for the most part. However, there was one tricky part that scared the daylights out of me. Near the end of the ridge traverse there is a mandatory slab you must cross using friction, but there are adequate handholds. Also, there is a LONG, exposed drop below the slab. When you are climbing this uproped it is very scary because you know you cannot make a mistake. Later I looked up this route on the Exum Guides website, and here is what they say, "The climb via the east ridge involves a small amount of easy, roped climbing with spectacular exposure. Difficulty: II 5.3" So the bottom line is that what I thought was goig to be a walk in the park turned in to a hair raising adventure.

This is a picture from where a climber first gains the southeast ridge, and get a spectacular view to the north of the Grand Teton.