Pacific Peak (III)
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• Statistics:
  • Date Hiked:  June 23, 2008
  • Miles Hiked:  7.0
  • Elevation Gain:  2,780'
  • Hiking Partner(s):  None
• Description:
  • I climbed the North Couloir of Pacific Peak which is in Dave Cooper's "Colorado Snow Climbs" book.  This was my third summit of Pacific by a third route.  Snow climbing season is finally here in 2008.  Unfortunately since it is somewhat late, the nights aren't getting that cold and alpine starts are even more important.  I left Highlands Ranch (CO) at 2:00 am and was hiking by 4:30 am.  The initial trail gains a fair amount of elevation and was somewhat muddy.  Once in the upper basin, the grade eases up until the actual climb.  The North Couloir is a straight-forward snow climb that dog-legs left about half way up below a large cornice on the north ridge.  The couloir didn't seem a steep as advertised, but I was utilizing good steps presumably kicked by climbers from the previous weekend in softer conditions.  I did the route car-to-car in 4.5 hours which was a really fast time for me.  Since it was so early in the day when I got back to the trailhead, I decided to swing by Quandary Peak and climb the Cristo Couloir too.
• Maps:
  • Click here to view a 2D map of the area where this hike is located.
• Photographs:
  • Approaching the climb with the large rock pinnacle evident in the center of the photo.
  • At the base of the climb with the rock pinnacle pointing at the cornice above it.
  • Working my way up the apron with the cornice now noticeably above.
  • Nearing the pinnacle still on the initial section of the climb.
  • Looking down into the basin below after making the dog-leg turn.
  • Looking up the North Couloir shortly after making the turn.
  • Another photo looking up the couloir in the upper section of the route.
  • The notch of Pacific's twin summits is in sight.
  • A photo looking down the couloir approximately 200 feet from the summit.
  • Looking down the route from the notch with a fixed line present on the right.
  • Crystal Peak
  • Atlantic Peak
  • Quandary Peak
  • A view towards Mohawk Lakes and the approach basin.
  • The descent route off of Pacific's east ridge contained a nice glissade.

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