N. & S. Arapahoe Peaks
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  • Statistics:
    • Date Hiked:  May 28, 2006
    • Miles Hiked:  7.5
    • Elevation Gain:  3,800'
    • Hiking Partner(s):  Matt and Mark
  • Description:
    • The last minute plan for Sunday was to climb Skywalker Couloir on South Arapahoe Peak.  This plan was solidified after reading a current trip report from Jared Workman and David Pneuman.  My climbing partner got his period, so I was off to the Indian Peaks by myself.  This particular climb has a lot to offer including a short approach, a steep snow climb, a fun ridge traverse, and two peaks.
    • I slept in until 4:00 am and was hiking by 6:20 am.  The road was open all the way to the 4th of July Trailhead and for the most part, the trail was snow free or well packed.  When I reached the apron of the couloir, Matt and Mark were preparing for the climb, so I asked if I could tag along.  They quickly agreed and we were off.  We were the first party in the gully.  The Skywalker Couloir starts off at a moderate angle and remains there for most of the climb.  About two-thirds of the way up, the angle becomes more steep, and then the final section is approximately 60-65 degrees.  The couloir is approximately 1,000' in length, but it goes fast because of the steepness.
    • After reaching a small saddle northwest of South Arapahoe, I said goodbye to Matt and Mark and took off on the traverse.  The ridge went quickly with no difficulties.  My round trip time for the traverse was 1 hour and 20 minutes.  After tagging North Arapahoe and returning to South Arapahoe, I descended the southeast ridge and looped back to the base of the couloir before picking up some tracks and hiking back out to my vehicle by 12:30 pm.  There were a lot of day hikers on the trail on the way out along with many dogs.
  • Maps:
    • Click here to view a 2D map of the area where this hike is located.
  • Photographs:

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