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Base Camp
Up
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: June 25,
2008
- Miles Hiked: 7.5
- Elevation Gain: 3,250'
- Hiking Partner(s): Jeff
Shafer
- Description:
- A couple weeks ago Jeff and I tried to climb James Peak and were
weathered off St. Mary's Glacier. We gave it another shot this
week and were successful in climbing the Superstar Couloir. The
approach up the glacier and across the flats went quickly. There
was still enough snow to complete the traverse to the base of the climb
and avoid descending down to James Peak Lake. Although the snow
was firm enough to kick good steps, it wasn't neve except in the runnel
in the upper half of the couloir. We heard some rockfall as we
geared up below the face, but Superstar was free of any debris.
The cornice still looms heavily over the route, but the left side was
completely melted out and offered an easy direct passage to the ridge.
The left-angling rock ramp and rib used to exit the couloir to the left
of the cornice was primarily class 3/4 with a possible easy class 5
move. We brought a rope and light alpine rack for the finish.
As recommended in Dave Cooper's snow climb book, we built an anchor on
the right side of the couloir on a ledge and then I traversed across the
snow to the rock exit. I only placed one piece of gear before
topping out. We started the hike at 4:45 am and were back in
Denver (CO) before noon after spending 30 minutes on the summit.
Once back in town, we picked up another friend and went to Castlewood
Canyon for some extreme top-roping. It was a good day to be in the
mountains and at the local crag with some genuine friends.
- Maps:
-
Click here to view a
2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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www.
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