Report Type | Full |
Peak(s) |
Kit Carson Peak - 14,167 feet |
Date Posted | 06/12/2016 |
Date Climbed | 06/11/2016 |
Author | youngk2844 |
Cole's (South) Couloir - Kit Carson Peak |
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Approach = Spanish Creek (This trailhead is on private property and you must obtain permission from The Crestone Mountain Zen Center before hiking this approach) Total Elevation gain = ~6,000' RT miles = 12 miles Climb Time (from camp at 12,000') = 3.5 hrs up, 2 hrs down Three weeks ago I attempted this climb as a one day trip and had to turn around at the entrance to Cole's Couloir (12,800'). It took me six hours to hike the 4.8 mile leading to the couloir and by 9:30, the snow was getting too soft. This time, I broke it up into two days with a base camp at 12,000'. The Spanish Creek approach is pretty rugged. It's about 4,000' of elevation gain with five stream crossings, a lot of deadfall, and a trail that disappears frequently. The snow is rapidly melting and Spanish Creek was raging. The stream crossings were even more exciting this time (submerged logs). I actually put on microspikes for a couple of the crossings. Three weeks ago, snowshoes were very helpful from about 11,000' to 12,000'. This time I ended up hauling them all the way up to my camp at 12,000' and never used them (#$&@!). What snow remained in the trees could be avoided. The comparison photos will give you an idea how fast the snow is melting. ![]() ![]() After setting up the tent, I had plenty of time to do nothing but enjoy the sights and sounds of the high country. While wandering around I discovered I could have completely left my tent at home. There were two natural shelters near by formed by two large boulders. These natural shelters had been improved by the addition of rock walls to block the wind. ![]() ![]() ![]() On summit day, I started up the slope towards the couloir around 5:30. The photo below shows the route I took for this climb as well as the route I took on 22 May. ![]() The traverse from the top of the lower snow field to the entrance of Cole's Couloir was about 800' of dry, very loose talus. The snow for both the lower snow field and Cole's Couloir was mostly consolidated and made kicking steps easy. There were a couple icy spots mid way up the couloir. On the way down (starting after 8:30), it was pure plunge-step pleasure. ![]() I exited the couloir climbers left below the first rock rib near the top of the couloir and angled my way across the snow fields to gain the ridge. It won't be too much longer before all the snow is off the ridge. I made the summit a bit before 8:30. ![]() The following photos show the condition of upper Willow Lake, Challenger's north slopes, and the Challenger Point ridge. ![]() ![]() ![]() The Crestones were looking mighty fine in the morning light. ![]() The hike off the mountain was uneventful. By the time I made it back to base camp, it was getting really hot. I unfolded my sleeping pad and made some shade for a noontime nap. The temp in the shade with a slight breeze was perfect! ![]() Once again, there was not another person on the trail or the mountain allowing for complete solitude for the trip. This is a rare thing for the Crestone group. Spanish Creek is a rough approach but the solitude and views in the upper drainage are worth it. ![]() |
Comments or Questions |
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