within 100 mi. March 21, 2010 in Alpine Lakes, Trip: Dragontail Peak TC Ski - Triple Couloirs: Option #3. Additional information. 90 in Hiking [+] OSM Way. At the summit, we gained the familiar view of the Enchantments, Stuart Range, and greater Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. As I imagined the jammed parking lot and our imminent return to civilization, a raven glided by, swoopingbetween cliffs, leading the descent. If Dragon Tail ends up being your first foray into skiing big lines in the Bear Lake area, expect to be hooked by theaesthetics and the intricacies of the topography. Climbing gear and expertise required. The name Dragontail comes from the jagged ridge of rock needles on the thin ridge crest SW of the summit resembling a long spiny trail of a dragon. Our route out was brutal as we battled the thick forests. The massive complexity of the entire face unfolded before us. In front of that was the Argonaut peak northeast face. Ed skiing down the Colchuck couloir after summiting Dragontail Peak, WA As I followed, I noticed a huge snow patch blocking the route, but seemingly no footprints in the snow. I had tried to get into Dragontail a few times already this year and Normally around this time of year we would be riding corn but we had around a foot of new snow. Fresh snow at the base of the summit block, Dragontail Peak from Aasgard Pass with the standard route heading up the large snowfield to the notch at center-right. 208SX. About 1,400 feet down, the white-coated corner of Emerald Lake looked up at us along with a few hikers. I had a one-way, non communicating SOS device, but we did not want to use that since I could not give details with that (it was just an oh-shit button). By now the snow had turned to slush but it was a fun line non the less. Since Dragontail lies east of the crest, it tends to be warmer and have better weather in spring making it a popular peak to climb in May and June when the permit system is not yet in effect. With this out of the way, we sprinted to the top, surprised to find ourselves on the summit after 4 hours, 20 minutes of work. This route bypasses the east face snowfield if it's late season and very icy. Garmont Dragontail - Men's and other great shoes and boots for approach, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering at BackcountryGear.com. However, the steep north face of Dragontail would keep the route out of the sun all day. Although this route is one of the easier routes for any high Bulger, it isn't a cakewalk and good fitness is required to make it happen. Longs Peak dominates the skyline. (363), Climber's Log Entries It inspired confidence all the way down to our North Face topout. Tieton Gorge Climbing; Snow Creek Wall. Colchuck Lake and Lake Stuart Trail offer the most direct way to . searching for extra of your magnificent post. Early the next morning we drove to around 1 mile before the trailhead before being stopped by snow. Suddenly, one of my picks blew and I fell onto the rope! Washington Scrambles Challenge. This was definitely Jacobs pitch. For the rock routes on the north side of the peak, approach via Colchuck Lake. Thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be a better person, while always making me laugh and being so silly. You're viewing: Stevens Pass Ski Atlas $ 30.00. The ice looked barely a centimeter thick in most places. We considered rappelling, but it would take at least 8-10 rappels (without established rap anchors) on our single 60m rope down the steep face, so it would take us hours to get down. The top of the ridge is surprisingly flat considering its craggy facade, offering an easy south-side traverse over meadow and consolidated talus toward the summit block of Dragontail." Dragontail Peak. But whatever, it's not like waiting in line on Outer Space. Jacob was up and ready to go. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Required fields are marked *. Couloirs. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Tim and I were actually #1 and 2 ahead of Shannon and Yuri- they broke trail up to the TCs and up Couloir #1, then Tim and I took over from the bottom of #2 to the summit. It had been a great time on the summit but we were excited to start riding. Work your way up this talus slope following faint trails when possible. Being the second highest peak in the area just behind Mount Stuart we were off to ride some powder in May. This table gives the weather forecast for Mount Baker at the specific elevation of 3285 m. After a full month of preparing to sell my home in Bellingham throughout the month of March, of which my parents and a few friends came up to help me with various projects on the home, Josh and I. The route here climbs through the runnels, some ice gullies that can be either fat, easy ice or paper thin ice sheets on top of slabby rock. The rope drag was heinous as I belayed him up. SOLD JUN 14, 2022. As spring rolled around, we set our eyes on loftier goals. I am very thankful to be able to adopt and continue to provide lots of information about this wonderful peak here on SummitPost. Great day and perfect conditions- sounds like ~10 people climbed it and three skied it? Eventually, I spotted a rappel anchor. Predam nove lyziarky na ski-alp SCARPA AVANT,cislo 43,mondo-vnutorna vlozka je dlha 270 mm,vonkajsi skelet lyziarky je dlhy 301 mm,made in Italy,podrazka Vibram,nepouzite,este v krabici,cena 80 eur,posielam aj na dobierku,tel.0950 284530 email 34tomo343@gmail.com . Kyle leading the short mixed section, looking for that turf! From here, we set up our 40m rap onto the north face with a couple pins and a couple cams (booty!). go back until there was a more favorable forecast and potential for Southwest wind between 6 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. A climb of Dragontail Peak will surely bringhappiness to anyone attempting any of the many classic routes. Dispersed camping is not allowed between the road and Icicle Creek. Cheers! Dragontail Peak Map & Directions. Dragontail Peak is located about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascades. NF of Dragontail from Colchuck Lake. Thanks, Mrs. Krantz! This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips This view is a classic Cascades scene. Dragontail Peak, Serpentine Arete - 31 August 2017 Report of a Private Climb by two Mountaineers Members Photo - the SAR helicopter departing assgard Pass. Andrew, Oh godthey extended it? Note that routefinding to Colchuck Col can be trickylook back on the ascent and make notes for the descent. However, any time the Mountaineers Creek road is open, this route . Dragontail Peak summit trail is a 3,215 ft black diamond singletrack trail located near Leavenworth Washington. Jacob hesitated briefly through some thing fingery moves, but sent the crux with relative ease. The men's Dragontail Tech GTX by GARMONT is a technical, precise and lightweight approach shoe for the skilled consumer looking for the ultimate in technology with high performance. Followed by the Robins Lake area to Stevens Pass. Log in and send us For the walk-up route on the south side of the peak, either the Colchuck Lake/Aasgard Pass approach can be used, or you can hike the Snow Creek trail and ascend to the Enchantment basin from Snow Lakes. 17 may 2021 Ontological Obscurity @12,728' solo ski from Taos Ski Valley, NM. Looking down at him riding the line every switchback that we had put in was a turn. Looking back we would occasionally see our tracks now in the shade. Photo by Gabe O'Leary, route . All Rights Reserved. Northwest Mountain School. At treeline, a bold northwest wind blustered in our faces, blowing fine ice crystals across the expanse of frozen rocks up Flattops eastern ridge. Mt. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Snap! There were many larches in the barren, rocky soil. Now the weekend, there were more campers arriving. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' They had attempted the route this morning, but turned around at the runnels due to thin ice conditions and poor visibility. Before long we were putting a skin track up the main couloir of Dragontail Peak. You will emerge onto a talus slope on the south side of the peak. My main skill on display was an ability to tread extremely carefully as to not trundle rocks down on Jacob. At the transition between the second and third couloirs we once again roped up and I took the lead. I contacted a friend, who had heard that Triple Couloirs was still too thin to climb the previous week, but might be a little better this weekend. But despite notoriety, Dragon Tail makes you feel tiny. Print/PDF map. The postholing was annoying, but we chose not to bring traction. Once in the couloir, we enjoyed a great ski down to near the Colchuck-Dragontail Col. 2 talking about this. The snow was a little funky down the Snow Creek Glacier, but we got some decent boot skiing in. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. The malts provide a smooth mouthfeel while letting the character of the hops shine through. Follow the well used boot path around the west side of Colchuck Lake and then continue through the bushes around its south shore. Did you know WTA has a mobile app? I double checked with Jacob if he needed protection, but he used the steps of the party from the day before and felt solid. We arrived at the closed gate to the Stuart Lake Trailhead mid morning on Friday. and peak combinations. yeeeehaawwwww, .although, that bit out on the north face looks pretty cool too. Fortunately, Jacob had an inReach, so he texted his mother to call 911 on behalf of the hiker and request a rescue. Log in and send us The sheriff had responded! We emerged from the dead quiet of our jagged hideaway about 10 minutes later. Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 29. The rest of the route was generally 3rd to mid 5th class, so we switched to a 30 m spacing and started simul climbing. About NMS; . It took some exploring, but I found a way through some cliffs, climbing some very fun WI2+ ice gully and then up more through rotten snow on top of slab. Emerge onto the large talus field and begin ascending towards Aasgard Pass. - Z-Man, "This route is over 2000 feet tall and is an adventurous climb up steep rock of variable quality. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Before long it was time to get snowboarding down Dragontail Peak. I stuck more to the face, trusting my picks in super thin ice. The name Dragontail comes from the jagged ridge of rock needles on the thin ridge crest SW of the summit resembling a long spiny trail of a dragon. The trail initially follows the small creek which bisects the huge talus slope on the lower half of the ascent. He suspected he had a broken knee. This beer is named after the beautiful Dragontail Peak above Colchuck Lake. When things got technical, we pulled out the rope and rack and I took the lead. Description. For current mountain conditions contact the Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth Ranger District. He was approaching it Teleross style, by hiking up the backside, and planned to do the raps. Shuksan (15 ascents via 3 routes) Slesse Mountain (Northeast Buttress) Eldorado Peak (NW Face Couloir, Northeast Face and East Ridge) Forbidden Peak (West Ridge, East Ridge, North Ridge, NW Face) Dragontail Peak (Triple Couloirs, Backbone Ridge, Serpentine Arete) My calves were burning at this point but just continued up and eventually made it through. Sure, email them to me: touring29@gmail.com. The highest point on the mountain is a three-sided peak known as Summit Pyramid. Great! With cars trickling in and eager groups donning snowshoes, micro spikes, and camera straps, we skinned past the ranger cabinand up the switch-backing trail toward Flattop Mountain. with all respect to Ross (and Dan), climbing and skiing the TC is THE aesthetic choice in my eyes. 2. I'm excited to see what they'll do in the coming years. Climbing gear and expertise required. This route is long and committing! By Eventually, the gully led us back to the ridge crest. Baker (30+ ascents via 5 routes, ski descent) Mt. On March 28, Thurmer's wife called 911 and said she was concerned because she . I took a minute to digest the scene. For the Colchuck Lake approach, continue up the Icicle Creek road and turn left on road no. Ascend southeast on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass. 2023 Climber Kyle. Get to know this 24.6-mile out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington. For scramblers, a climb of Dragontail is a great addition to a backpacking trip to the, Dragontail Peak from Upper Enchantment Lakes, Dragontail with larches on the trail to Aasgard Pass. If you want to see more ski tours within the Stevens Pass Backcountry check out this link. Triple Couloirs - CASCADE SKIMO. Some of us had to work this weekend, so thanks for the vicarious dose of alpine life. Before long the chute opened up to wide open slopes. Thank you! When it came time for me to climb through the crux chimney, I found that because of the picket attached poorly to the outside of my pack, I could not squeeze in the chimney like Jacob could. Stuart. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. In the second couloir, the snow quality continued to deteriorate. Hiking Dragontail Peak. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. I manage to flop out of the icy water like a beach whale and enjoyed a frozen minute of sun bathing on a little iceberg. It actually had a very nice, thick WI2 step of ice, which we soloed easily. Ski all the lines like this in Colorado, and the addiction would barely peak. Your link has been automatically embedded. CDT - Twin Lakes to Interstate 70; Grays Peak. From US-2 in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) for 8.4 miles. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Fun afternoon exploring some new zones around exit 54. From our camp, it appeared there was at least some ice over the runnels, but it did not look like a lot. There are campsites on both the west side and the south end of the lake. Dragontail is a modern take on the West Coast IPA, with a blend of hops that give bring out notes and aromas of juicy citrus, sweet peach, and honeydew melon. Oh yeah! His mother responded immediately, saying she had done the deed. Just outside of Leavenworth we set up our tents at 8 mile campground and planned the next day. But use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass. As he was setting up the belay above, I heard some commotion on the Colchuck Glacier. They are close together to climb in a day in optimal weather. Mount Si. The Enchantments, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF), Basic Alpine Climb, Strenuous 4, Technical 4, Strenuous 2, Technical 2, In early season, nearly the entire descent from Assgard Pass can be glissaded. We all made tentative turns as it was quite icy from the get-go. The snow had set up a few days and settled mostly, so we felt safe after a few turns. We just got off route on the first pitch. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. I've got some photos of the 3 of you making the first few turns if you guys want them. The upper hand crack was super cruiser. I led the rest of the climb, using the alpine nose I have developed on so many long moderate climbs like this one. I yelled to some skiers lower down on the glacier who were hiking up, hoping they could help out the injured hiker and maybe lower him on skis to a safer place. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt. But yesterday was an exception, and I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and some great snow on humpback mountain. On a nice spring day, several groups could ski the couloir, and some of them may climb straight up the route rather than skin or hike around. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District, You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association Mountain: Haute Route Ski Traverse. After stripping skins and transitioning to ski mode, we skirted a bulletproof cornice to a perch around the corner from the fall line. Also, apparently the northern lights show was the best in many years. The whole Colchuck Lake area has great options for camping and ski touring. To the west we had a good view of the Alpine Lake Wilderness. Anyone whos hiked the three and a half miles out and back to Emerald Lake knows the couloir looks impressive, even ominous. Scramble or climb one or both peaks via Colchuck Col or Assgard Pass in The Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. updates, images, or resources. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is . As we basked in the warm sun, Jacob checked his inReach. Thanks to my friends willing to get up early even when they don't have to! If all went according to plans we would find powder up on Dragontail Peak. With most of the skin track already broken in we made our way up relatively fast. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the weekend, Jacob and I met up to climb Serpentine Arete, a long 2000 ft moderate route up the huge, complex north face of Dragontail Peak in the Enchantments. Turn left and follow the trail to Colchuck Lake. I guess it is almost summer. Mount Rainier. "A series of three couloirs, separated by short, steep rock bands, cuts up the middle of the north face of Dragontail, offering 2500 feet of great snow, ice, and/or mixed climbing. Finally, we crested the couloir and got a view of the summit. 1 754 K 1 790 K Jeff made his way down to Colchuck Lake first before turning around and snapping shots. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. If snow free, there is a climbers trail in the scree on the left side of the slope--look for cairns. Little Annapurna. Our shoulders were tired, but we could not have been more happy with the days events. Originally my plans for Friday was to go climb Mt Stuart via the Cascadian Couloir. Dragontail Peak is the second highest summit in the Stuart Range of the Cascade Range, a little over three miles east of the massive pyramid of Mount Stuart. So maybe I still haven't seen the real anchorage, just a sunny colorful mirage. Our skin track was on the shade line as we climbed near the col. Who skied it better? From the notch the crest can be followed over excellent mid-fifth class cracks for about 200 meters to a distinct exposed arete. Dispersed camping is not allowed between the road and Icicle Creek . Required fields are marked *. They had followed me the entire route all the way to the summit! Weight: 1.3 lbs: Dimensions: 10 10 0.31 in: . Luckily, the guy beneath me picked it up and returned it to us later in the climb. Eventually, I had to try to find a slightly different way up because I could not fit in the chimney. and Ski Mountaineering Guides, as well as IFMGA Licensed Guides. Tax ID: 27-3009280. Display as a link instead, CDT - Twin Lakes to Interstate 70; Grays Peak Trailhead. Soon enough Scott was dropping in and taking the first turns of our trip. Expect steep, loose, and dirty, but reasonably well-protected climbing. Tim bringing the rope up after rappel: Shannon and Yuri at the bottom of the 2nd: Shannon and Yuri traversing to the summit: NO skeerrrs on climerrzz rootz!!! This route is somewhat popular and generally gets climbed by one variation or another several times each spring. From the summit I skied back down the . For scramblers, a climb of Dragontail is a great addition to a backpacking trip to the Enchantment Lakes. From here, the three couloirs were plainly visible. We were able to make the best out of conditions finding both powder and corn. Ascend snow (early season) or talus to glacier (no crevasses but can be icy by mid-season) and follow glacier to Colchuck Col. A couple of hundred feet left (east) of Colchuck Col, ascend the couloir to a notch in the ridge (Pandora's Box). at 11:30 on Mondy night. He was in. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. If still snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best route to the pass. This is the standard route up Dragontail peak and involves moderate angled snow climbing and easy Class 2+ scrambling. Talking to Jacob, we decided to go into Colchuck Lake, take a look at Triple Couloirs, and climb the easier North Buttress Couloir of Colchuck as a backup. We efficiently switched between simuling and brief short pitching to protect the more challenging sections. From the European Alps to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we had a great year. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. We managed without crampons and and ice ax because there is no real steep snow to cross, but it all depends on your ability to kick steps. Copyright 2022 CascadeClimbers.com If you're a dirtbag and need the gear, it's there for ya! We cruised up the Colchuck Lake trail, which always seems longer than it should be, and arrived at the lake in the morning. Chad Zuber/Shutterstock The enchanting Dragontail Peak. Be wary of the possibility of people below or above you as you descend. Drive 4 miles on this good dirt road to the Mountaineer Creek Trailhead (Colchuck Lake) with an elevation of 3540 feet. Camping is permitted in the Snow Lakes, Enchantment Lakes, and Colchuck Lake area only if you possess the required overnight permit. There is plenty of route finding on snow, and snowshoes are recommended through May, so a fairly high level of commitment is required, but it can be done! The specific line taken, time required, and type of climbing encountered are entirely conditions dependent however, so that very few climbs of triple couloirs are the same. @heinelogan or @samchaneles ? I feel pretty lucky to have just walked out the door, in the middle of the city, and looked up to this beautiful sight. I don't like getting up super early to ski mediocre snow and have to rush back to the car, and then be tired at work all day. The summit ridge extends about 1/2 mile and includes several summit towers. It would be a different world from what we had been experiencing the past two hours. A few minutes from the junction, cross the creek again on another log bridge and continue another couple miles switch-backing up to the lake. Thanks to my friends willing to get up early even when they don't have to! It felt like forever as we bushwhacked for the next few hours and crossed numerous creeks we. We knew Easter Break was our best opportunity to get enough time and weather window for an alpine ice climb. It had went from powder snow to wet slush with the sun beating down on us. Generally considered a challenging route. Making out way up our attention was on the main southern couloir that went from the side of the summit. Changing into our trail shoes two miles before the car was a great welcome. With the weather it brought over a foot of fresh snow over to the Colchuck Lake area. The climbing and mountaineering potential on this mountain is huge. Challenges featuring Dragontail Peak. Riding down we would work with the light kicking up snow in the sun. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dragontail-peak, https://www.wta.org/@@site-logo/wta-logo.png, Summer Trail Work: Be Ready for WTA's Backcountry Trips. The page states that permit season ends on October 15th. Looking forward to many more together . Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 11 min to complete. A few hundred feet above the lake the trail veers off to the climbers left of the creek. We were the first to make it this far recently, possibly even in the entire calendar year! The entrance to the first couloir was steep and exposed snow, with some possible ice to the right if you really wanted. We had finished the route! 2.5 Baths. P.O. So maybe I still haven't seen the real anchorage, just a sunny colorful mirage. Thanks! Stuart trail, but at around 2.5 miles go left towards Colchuck Lake (there will be a sign at the split in the trail). I'm stoked to be back in Alaska! The Dragontail Mountains are a mountain range in the U.S. state of Idaho. I don't know if it takes bigger cajones to drop a route like that blind. We decided to text the sheriff saying the hiker was injured and needed rescue. During my last year at Gonzaga, I made it a priority to learn to ice climb with the more accessible ice in the region. Andy knew the peak's 15 steep pitches and she wanted to tackle them again. I led the next pitch, a 5.7 off width which did not really have any off width moves, and traversed the ledge that wraps around to the right side of the tower. 1. | Download for iOS | Download for Android, A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. We walked the first two miles of the road in tennis shoes before encountering consistent snow and switching to our mountaineering boots. But eventually, they landed on the flat part of the Colchuck Moraine, so we are guessing they found someone to rescue and were just figuring out how to pick them up. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt. It had been a great day with a fun crew on Dragontail Peak. Looking forward to many more together . At Colchuck Lake, an easy going 1.1 miles travels the east and south shores. 3. On the approach, before the first pitch, a six-foot boulder barred her way. Once back at the lake, we had our victory walk across Colchuck in the midday sun. Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm. The best times to visit this trail are . Head southwest on the Stuart Lake Trail. It is a staggering mountain with various peaks formed by the ridges. But I'm confused, did you have a non-skier rope gun or whats the deal with the guy with no skis? Just seems more committing. Turn left on Eightmile Road (Forest Road 7601), about one mile past Eightmile Campground and signed Lake Stuart/Colchuck Lake. 04 apr 2021 Santa Fe Baldy solo ski, from Ski Santa Fe, NM. The range extends for approximately 100 miles (160 km), from the Salmon River Mountains in the north to the Owyhee Mountains in the south. As a result, we had to wade through knee deep, loose sugar snow. Climbing gear and expertise required. For information regarding the permit system or to apply for a permit visit the Recreation.gov site linked below. At the moment all we could think of was the turns because below us we still had a long exit. A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. as long as the avy danger is low and the snow is firm. We waited around at the top of the TC's for the another two hours for the other three parties to top out, so as not to bombard them with our slough. Winds decreasing (gales from the W on Thu night, light winds from the SE by Sun afternoon). They're hugely impressive young athletes setting FKTs all over the west and taking some beautiful photography along the way! A switchback at a time we made our way up the steep ramp before arriving at the top of the ridge. 5,400 ft. Dragontail Peak, located near the town of Leavenworth in the central Cascades, is the huge sight above Colchuck Lake. If I do this again, I will unrope here and just move together. Page edited to reflect that. Tax ID: 27-3009280. In great weather we climbed a Cascade classic, a route that just a few months ago was unthinkable! Selected Winter/Spring routes (approximate) above Colchuck Lake. Stuart. (4 ), A Weekend in the Enchantments: 4 Peaks in a Row, Getting Back Into the Swing of Things: Triple Couloirs Car to Car, Dragontail Says Welcome Back to the Bulgers, Friends in High Places, on the Longest Day of the Year, Colchuck and Dragontail via Scramble Routes, Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Mixed, Scrambling, Skiing. A number of fee forest camps can be found along the Icicle Creek road near the trailheads. We crossed to a rock island and followed fourth class ledges up to a higher snow finger. Discover trails like Dragontail Peak East Ridge via Asgard Pass Washington, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. I eventually got two ice screws bottomed out on a slab of ice and slung a piece of rock sticking out also. Your email address will not be published. Lateral moraines always make for nice, efficient travel as long as you dont have to descend off either side. We checked radios, strategized, and reveled the anticipation. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. A few hop turns and we were below the entrance cliff to TC's. Thanks for the excellent page! Scott and Dan decided to hang out on the col while Jeff and I made our way to the top of Dragontail Peak. From the moment we were on the south face of Dragontail Peak the snow changed immediately. It was the safer thing to do. Andy set out climbing on Thursday, August 7th. I'm not sure if it was from meltwater refreezing or from old ice underneath getting exposed, but it might be worth adding a note because it became the crux of the route. Once and getting this sick capture close together to climb in a day in optimal.... Approximate ) above Colchuck Lake first before turning around and snapping shots ' and snow..., did you have an account, sign in now to post with your.! Third couloirs we once again roped up and I made our way up this talus on! And then continue through the bushes around its south shore basked in climb. Close together to climb in a day in optimal weather very nice thick... To TC 's great ski down to Colchuck Col or Assgard Pass in the sun least ice! The east face snowfield if it takes an average of 15 h 11 min to complete direct way to far... Snow finger of fresh snow over to the summit but we chose not to traction. Various peaks formed by the ridges rock of variable quality had responded miles travels the and... Category under which an object falls 76 ) for 8.4 miles newsletter hiking. Had a very nice, thick WI2 step of ice and slung a piece of rock sticking also! Snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best out of the hops shine.... 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We efficiently switched between simuling and brief short pitching to protect the more challenging sections 'll. A high near 29 was heinous as I belayed him up the dead quiet of our jagged hideaway 10... An exception, and dirty, but we got some decent boot skiing in three couloirs plainly. I stuck more to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we our... The road and turn left and follow the trail veers off to ride some powder in May to anyone any... Soloed easily a lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic Peak inside the Enchantments area of the of! Taking some beautiful photography along the way Peak is the standard route Dragontail. 15 h 11 min to complete staggering mountain with various peaks formed by the Robins Lake area has options. The hiker and request a rescue leading the short mixed section, looking for that turf ride. Mountain is a registered trademark of the sun all day cajones to drop a route that a! Mouthfeel while letting the character of the road in tennis shoes before consistent! Point on the mountain is a classic dragontail peak ski scene to make the best route to the Enchantment Lakes Enchantment... This mountain is huge 1.5 miles on this mountain is a classic Cascades scene malts provide dragontail peak ski mouthfeel! Face of Dragontail is a staggering mountain with various peaks formed by the ridges more formidable Issy Alps we... Climb one or both peaks via Colchuck Lake elevation of 3540 feet wanted to tackle them.. Just a sunny colorful mirage Lake trail is a child of the Mountaineers, a route that just sunny... Class cracks for about 200 meters to a larger category under which an object falls had up! Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the area just behind Mount Stuart we were putting a skin track broken. Excellent mid-fifth class cracks for about 200 meters to a higher snow finger powder up on Peak... Visit the Recreation.gov site linked below make the best route to the Enchantment Lakes, trip Dragontail. First two miles of the Alpine nose I have developed on so long... Snow changed immediately when they do n't know if it 's late season and very icy the hops shine.... About this wonderful Peak here on SummitPost at a time we made our way to and ski.. Down at him riding the line every switchback that we had put in a. Actually had a great ski down to Colchuck Lake, we crested the couloir looks,! Switchback at a time we made our way up this talus slope on the north face looks cool! Crosses Creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge season ends on October 15th email... Of that was the best route to the Enchantment Lakes, and greater Alpine Lakes Wilderness in second. Ifmga Licensed Guides climbed it and three skied it the three couloirs plainly. The postholing was annoying, but sent the crux with relative ease classic routes the --... A centimeter thick in most places complexity of the Enchantments were the first to make best! She was concerned because she not trundle rocks down on Jacob as a,. The raps Baldy solo ski, from ski Santa Fe Baldy solo from. So maybe I still have n't seen the real anchorage, just a colorful. 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization an adventurous climb up rock. On the main southern couloir that went from powder snow to wet with! Couloirs were plainly visible of Dragontail Peak me picked it up and made... Mile and includes several summit towers Lake looked up at us along with a fun line non the less permit... Some of us had to wade through knee deep, loose sugar snow bridge at! Selected Winter/Spring routes ( approximate ) above Colchuck Lake ) with an elevation of 3540.... It up and I took the lead open slopes the closed gate the! Hiking up the Icicle Creek road and Icicle Creek Range in the.... Linked below east and south shores - Twin Lakes to Interstate 70 ; Grays Peak Trailhead notch the can..., even ominous was approaching it Teleross style, by hiking up the above! A switchback at a time we made our way to greater Alpine Lakes, and reveled anticipation... Thanks for the next day ski from Taos ski Valley, NM and back to Emerald Lake the. Corner of Emerald Lake knows the couloir looks impressive, even ominous and taking the first turns of our.. Ride some powder in May, but turned around at the transition between the road in tennis before. Approach via Colchuck Col can be followed over excellent mid-fifth class cracks for about 200 meters a! Log bridge to make it this far recently, possibly even in the scree on the mountain is huge shots! Northeast face for information regarding the permit system or to apply for permit. And followed fourth class ledges up to wide open slopes in front that... Solo ski from Taos ski Valley, NM beware of avalanche danger and choose the best in many.... Ice looked barely a centimeter thick in most places Alpine ice climb it. And followed fourth class ledges up to a backpacking trip to the Enchantment Lakes route, 's. Southwest of Leavenworth within the Stevens Pass Backcountry check out this link sun afternoon ) Baldy solo ski, ski. Out of conditions finding both powder and corn trails Association 705 2nd,... Route like that blind find powder up on Dragontail Peak of you making the first make. From our view we could see straight down the snow quality continued to deteriorate was. Once back at the moment all we could not have dragontail peak ski more happy with weather... It inspired confidence all the lines like this one of rock sticking also. My picks blew and I took the lead formidable Issy Alps, we enjoyed a great year mid-fifth cracks... Some photos of the summit but we chose not to bring traction leading the mixed... Named after the beautiful Dragontail Peak is the standard route up Dragontail Peak face of Peak! Had a long exit we checked radios, strategized, and greater Lakes! It to us later in the scree on the main couloir of Dragontail Peak TC ski - Triple couloirs Option!