1,
2 and
3 provide an overview of the Box Creek couloirs. In winter and early spring, it's unlikely that you will be able to drive up the entire 4WD road to reach the upper South Elbert trailhead. Park where you can and walk to the upper trailhead. Follow
Elbert's East Ridge Route (or pick your own line up through aspens) to reach clearings on the east ridge, near 11,600' -
4. Continue to tree line, near 11,800' -
5 and
6. Staying on the ridge crest or following the summer trail if it's melted out, continue to a broad saddle, at 12,400' -
7 and
8. This is the point where you will split from the east ridge route cross over to Box Creek.
Walk to the north side of the ridge and contour left into the Box Creek cirque -
9. Continue over 1/2 a mile and 300' of elevation gain to reach upper Box Creek, below the couloirs. The easiest line, but not always the safest, is to climb directly up the center of the slope -
10 and
11. That's the option that will be described here. Hike to the base of the couloirs and begin your climb -
12.
13 and
14 provide a good look at the terrain with sufficient snow coverage. Between 13,000' and 13,400', this slope averages just under 35 degrees in steepness -
15. Above 13,500', the slope angle approaches 38 degrees -
16 and
17. Near 13,700', the slope angle eases. Angle left to reach a broad snow field near 13,900' -
18. Continue up to the summit -
19 and
20.