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Quandary Peak

snow South Gully aka Cristo Couloir
Difficulty Difficult Class 2 
Snow Steepness: Moderate 
Ski/Board: Advanced, D9 / R3 / II  
Risk FactorsExposure: Moderate
Rockfall Potential: Considerable  
Route-Finding: Moderate  
Commitment: Low  
 
TrailheadBlue Lakes
Start11,700 feet
Summit14,272 feet
Total Gain2,575 feet
RT Length2 miles
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedApr 2023
DownloadsgpxGPX Track
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Photo
?WARNING!
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 Breckenridge, drive 8 miles south on Colorado 9. On a sharp corner of Colorado 9, turn west onto the 850 road (Blue Lakes road). Continue on Blue Lakes road as it climbs west. Near 1.4 miles, if the gate is closed, you'll have to park in this area because Colorado Springs Utilities has closed the remaining road to the dam. Follow the road another 3/4 mile to reach the dam.

Route

The south gully (aka Cristo Couloir) is recommended for snow climbing/skiing but can also be used as a descent after climbing the west ridge route. It's a easy to access snow line that's quite popular in spring and early summer - 1 and 2. From the parking area, climb to the pavement on top of the Blue Lakes dam - 3 and 4. Slip around the fence on the north end and walk west a short distance. Turn right and ascend 200 feet of rock and bushes to reach an open area where you can see all of Cristo - 5.

Enter the gully and ascend snow in the center or rocky terrain on the left side - 6 and 7. Above 13,200', the gully widens as you approach steeper terrain - 8 and 9. The steepest section, nearly 40 degrees, is between 13,500' and 13,800' - 10 and 11. At 13,900', angle right (east) and choose your line to the summit - 12, 13 and 14.

Skiing?

Ski pics: 15, 16 and 17

Notes

None
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17

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