Pacific Peak (3)

Statistics

• Date - 06/23/2008
• Elevation - 13,950'
• Route - North Couloir
• Miles - 7.0
• Elevation Gain - 2,780'
• ACME Mapper - Link
• CalTopo - Link
• Partners - Not Applicable

Description

I climbed the North Couloir of Pacific Peak which is in the Colorado Snow Climbs book.  This was my third summit of Pacific Peak by a third route.  Snow climbing season is finally here in 2008.  Unfortunately since it is somewhat late, the nights aren't getting that cold and alpine starts are even more important.  I left Highlands Ranch, Colorado, at 2:00 and was hiking by 4:30.  The initial trail gains a fair amount of elevation and was somewhat muddy.  Once in the upper basin, the grade eases up until the actual climb.  The North Couloir is a straight-forward snow climb that dog-legs left about half way up below a large cornice on the north ridge.  The couloir didn't seem a steep as advertised, but I was utilizing good steps presumably kicked by climbers from the previous weekend in softer conditions.  I did the route car-to-car in 4 hours and 30 minutes, which was pretty fast for me.  Since it was so early in the day when I got back to the trailhead, I decided to swing by Quandary Peak and climb the Cristo Couloir too.

Photos

ApproachStart of the climb.Working up the apron,Nearing the large pinnacle on the right.Looking down into the basin.Looking up the North Couloir.North CouloirNorth CouloirLooking down the couloir after gaining some elevation.Looking down the couloir 200' from the summit.Crystal PeakAtlantic PeakQuandary PeakMohawk LakesDescent