Mount Lindsey

North Couloir

Difficulty

Class 2

Snow Steepness: Moderate
Advanced, D5 / R2 / II

Risk Factors

ExposureModerate
RockfallModerate
Route-FindingConsiderable
CommitmentConsiderable

TrailheadHuerfano/Lily Lake 10,700 feet

Summit14,055 feet

Elevation Gain3,900 feet with a high-traverse to the couloir
4,400 feet if climbing the entire couloir

Length Round-TripRT8.75 mi

Peak Conditions332 reports

Downloads

GPX

KML

Snow Only Route

This route should only be climbed with consolidated, stable snow, usually in spring or early summer. In mid-winter, many snow routes have frequent risk of avalanche.

Trailhead

From the town of Gardner, located northwest of Walsenburg, take Colorado 69 west for approximately half a mile, then turn west onto County Road 550. The trailhead is 22+ miles from this point. Start measuring mileage here:

At 7.0 miles, the road turns to dirt.
At 11.8 miles, stay left on Forest Road 580.
At 15.7 miles, stay left at the entrance to the Singing River ranch. The road becomes narrow, but usually still 2WD with good clearance.
At 16.7 miles, pass the entrance to the Aspen River ranch.
At approx. 20 miles, reach the the west side of large, landslide area where the road was re-routed in 2016. After this point, there's a steep section that requires 4WD.
Continue 2 miles on the rough, narrow road to reach the Lily Lake TH. There are dispersed camping spots along this section.

Route Description

Taken from far to the north, 1 and 2 show Mt Lindsey's north face. First, follow the Northwest Gully Route to reach the 13,150-foot saddle between Iron Nipple and Mt. Lindsey - 3. The north couloir is not visible from the saddle. To reach it, you must head east, below Lindsey's north slopes. Drop off the ridge ( 4) and zigzag down the slope to reach easier terrain near 12,800' - 5. Traverse east for 1/2 mile ( 6) to intersect the north couloir - 7.

Enter the couloir and begin climbing - 8, 9, 10, 11. Near 13,800', the couloir becomes steeper as you approach the final pitch - 12, 13. Pick your line and climb to the top of the couloir and summit - 14. For the descent, either take the same route or use one of the standard routes.

Skiing?

With good snow coverage, the north couloir can provide nearly 1,900' of skiing. Remember, you'll have to ascend back to the 13,150-foot saddle on your way out.

Notes

IMPORTANT: This route enters the Sangre De Cristo Wilderness area. Designated wilderness areas have special regulations and restrictions for party size, dispersed camping, campfires, etc. Also, dog owners should read the wilderness information carefully because some wilderness areas prohibit dogs to be off-leash and/or limit how close dogs can be to lakes and streams. If you have questions about the wilderness area, please contact a U.S. Forest Service office for the National Forest(s) listed above.

Maps

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Interactive Map & 3D Flythrough

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Weather

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Mount Lindsey

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