Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
The trek started at the Castle creek road which we drove with no problem to the bridge. Had to shoulder the skis for about 15 minutes until we hit continuous snow near the Mace hut. Overcast day hiking to Pearl Pass allowed for supportable skinning.
Cathedral peak in background left.
We were some what skeptical about the snow conditions on the south facing Gunnison side, but were delightfully surprised to see good coverage and stability for it being mid-afternoon in early May. We were able to ski nice, smooth corn all the way to the Friends hut.
After dinner, whiskey, and a few games of cards it was easy to call it a night. Started the next morning a little after 7am, and began skinning up the basin to the base of the south face of Star Peak. The June couloir is the prominent snow line that usually fills in to the summit, but not this year.
We followed the snow climbers left to the top of a tight couloir that topped out less than 100ft to the summit.
The snow was locked up in the couloir as it had not seen the sun yet. It made for easy cramponing/climbing. From the top it was an easy rock scramble to the summit. The views of the Elks and the Sawatch were quite nice.
The Elks, Teocali center East face of Castle
The south facing couloir was not warming up very fast, but we knew we had a big day ahead of us to get back to castle creek, so we dropped in around 10:45am. In a few SE aspects of the couloir there was some soft corn snow, but most of the couloir ski was survival skiing. There was some nice frozen debris and rocks to negotiate, but it was fun exposed skiing.
June couloir Howie skiing well on the setup he used for the Grand Traverse.
Made it back to the hut for clean up and omelets. The Friends hut is equipped with a CD player and stereo system, so we enjoyed the sunshine and tunes on the south facing deck. Refueled and and ready to go, we headed back up to Pearl pass.
Headed back to Pitkin county
We were able to traverse most of the way to the Mace saddle (with minor side stepping), and decided to hike the ridge up Greg Mace peak to ski a line that took us back to the Castle creek road.
This decision was well worth the extra 25 minute hike, as we had an aesthetic ski down to the valley in some very nice corn.
Howie reaping the harvest Greg Mace NW face
This descent was the icing on the cake for the trip. As soon as we knew it, we were back at the truck for cold beers. Fantastic two day tour, wish I could have stayed out there longer. The snow is melting fast, get it while you can.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Check out picture #18 that I just added, it's the only shot I have of Taylor.
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
