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Quandary Peak

snow South Gully aka Cristo Couloir
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Difficulty Difficult Class 2 
Snow Steepness: Moderate 
Ski/Board: Advanced, D9 / R3 / II  
Risk FactorsExposure: Moderate
Rockfall Potential: Considerable  
Route-Finding: Moderate  
Commitment: Low  
 
TrailheadBlue Lakes
Start11,700 feet
Summit14,272 feet
Total Gain2,575 feet
RT Length2.00 miles
SheriffSummit: 970-453-2232
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last Updated10/2022
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?WARNING!
This route should only be climbed with consolidated snow, in SPRING or early summer. Climbing this route in mid-winter could put you in DEADLY avalanche conditions.

Trailhead

From Breckenridge, drive 8 miles south on Colorado 9. On a sharp corner of Colorado 9, turn west onto the 850 road (Blue Lakes road). Continue on Blue Lakes road as it climbs west. Near 1.4 miles, if the gate is closed, you'll have to park in this area because Colorado Springs Utilities has closed the remaining road to the dam. Follow the road another 3/4 mile to reach the dam.

Route

The south gully (aka Cristo Couloir) is recommended for snow climbing/skiing but can also be used for a descent after climbing the west ridge route. 1 and 2 show most of the route. From the parking area, walk up to the pavement on top of the dam. From the north end, hike south toward the gully - 3 and 4. Ascend 200 feet through rock and bushes to reach to an open area and continue to the gully - 5.

Enter the gully and ascend snow in the center or rocks on the left side - 6 and 7. Above 13,200', the gully widens and you can see steeper terrain ahead - 8 and 9. The steepest section is between 13,500' to 13,800' - 10 and 11. Near 13,900', angle right (east) a bit and pick your line to gain the summit - 12, 13 and 14.

Skiing?

Ski pics: 15, 16 and 17

Notes

None
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17

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