Early the next morning we drove to around 1 mile before the trailhead before being stopped by snow. (jOkE!). Theres very little actual ice climbing on this route, especially in this condition. As we passed the little lake near Aasgard Pass, I noticed the nice icebergs floating in the lake. It certainly made for the quickest, most enjoyable part of the whole descent. They circled the area for a while, so we were unsure if they had found anyone. Thank you so much. As we hydrated, another skier descended the bottom of the couloir. Generally I'm not a fan of the dawn patrol. We checked radios, strategized, and reveled the anticipation. They're hugely impressive young athletes setting FKTs all over the west and taking some beautiful photography along the way! Jacob and I had practiced ice climbing not mixed climbing, so using my crampons and tools on slabby granite felt insecure. 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. Longs Peak dominates the skyline. By Thanks for busting trail! Skiing steep terrain in soft snow feels electric. Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites. Winds increasing (calm on Mon night, near gales from the NW by Wed afternoon). CDT - Twin Lakes to Interstate 70; Grays Peak. Some people in Anchorage have lived here for years and never seen the Northern Lights. It was quite exhausting. After 2 hours of hiking through the Alpine Lakes wilderness we finally made it to the base of Colchuck lake. Fun afternoon exploring some new zones around exit 54. ), and the party below us (Geoff Georges and Jeessica Todd) told us later they were able to get a solid ice-screw in the turf. Climbing gear and expertise required. The hulking mountain was given its name in 1955 after climbers on an adjacent peak remarked that its rock formations resembled a "dragon's tail". On the mountain's northeast flank lies Colchuck Lake which drains into . The Aasgard Pass/Colchuck Lake Approach will meet this approach about a hundred feet above Isolation Lake to the west. For the rock routes on the north side of the peak, approach via Colchuck Lake. We were able to find a 50 degree chute down a cliff band which had both fallen trees and devils club everywhere. To get there, Jacob had to simul climb beneath me some, making for an 80m pitch or so. Chad Zuber/Shutterstock The enchanting Dragontail Peak. Once at the notch, continue across a short ways and turn right. (12), Additions & Corrections 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 beer is named after the beautiful Dragontail Peak above Colchuck Lake. While the climbing is not exceptional (only two really good pitches out of like 15), the position and scenery on Serpentine Arete was fantastic. His mother responded immediately, saying she had done the deed. Kyle was our mixed climbing rope gun! Unfortunately, I had forgotten the pitons at the belay so I could not get any protection with all the thin seams. I just think being able to climb a classic and then ski one makes for one great day in the mountains. Before long the chute opened up to wide open slopes. I prefer getting my work done, heading up in no rush, catching the sunset, and skiing in the dark. and Ski Mountaineering Guides, as well as IFMGA Licensed Guides. Thanks for the pix guys. 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. Log in and send us This post may contain affiliate links. Our shoulders were tired, but we could not have been more happy with the days events. I'm stoked to be back in Alaska! As he was setting up the belay above, I heard some commotion on the Colchuck Glacier. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Thu night. The page states that permit season ends on October 15th. With that settled, I followed the pitch. Incredibly enough, there were yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC's too, but later bailed down the backside. All Rights Reserved. I got up the second time, but still managed to catch the picket on some rock and send it flying down the snow beneath. Just looking at there trail we could see that it was good snow on the northwest face. Looking forward to many more together . The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. From there, it was more steepness over hardpacked crud. The snow bypass is a great alternative if the runnels are thin. Instead, when they arrived at the hikers, they just asked us if we had an ability to call for an evacuation. From the moment we were on the south face of Dragontail Peak the snow changed immediately. (363), Climber's Log Entries This was definitely Jacobs pitch. Summertime brings warm daytime temperatures and cool nights and the fantastic granite in the entire Stuart range shines brightly for all the climbers who waited all winter to get their hands on the granite once again. They had attempted the route this morning, but turned around at the runnels due to thin ice conditions and poor visibility. The massive complexity of the entire face unfolded before us. Unfortunately, on Saturday Kyle Flick, Will Terrano and I weren't the only ones with TC on our agenda. I guess it is almost summer. This route can be climbed year round, though it's quite difficult in mid-winter, as the access road is generally closed. We discussed our options and agreed that we would still try the route, but likely take an easier, more circuitous bypass of the runnels. After a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we rolled north to the park in Powder7s Powder Wagon. This page was transferred to me by Bob Bolton. 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 . Extremely cold (max 0F on Sat afternoon, min -8F on Thu night). Photos (7,350) Directions. "This route follows a prominent ridge for about 2000 feet on the NW face of Dragontail Peak to just below the summit block. Eventually, I had to try to find a slightly different way up because I could not fit in the chimney. For current mountain conditions contact the Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth Ranger District. Thank you for reading this trip on Dragontail Peak. trip reports for this trail. This variation was fast. Permit season ends on October 15th and you will always find many people camping in the Enchantments Basin the weekend after October 15th hoping to catch the larches on their waning stages. Overview. updates, images, or resources. Kyle leading the short mixed section, looking for that turf! The sheriff had responded! In great weather we climbed a Cascade classic, a route that just a few months ago was unthinkable! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. Continue until you get to Colchuck lake. Andy set out climbing on Thursday, August 7th. After clawing our way down a piece of vegetation at a time we were below the cliffs. (95), Comments If snow free, there is a climbers trail in the scree on the left side of the slope--look for cairns. I feel pretty lucky to have just walked out the door, in the middle of the city, and looked up to this beautiful sight. By now the snow had turned to slush but it was a fun line non the less. Scramble up the far-west flanks of Little Annapurna to the obvious snow col separating it from Dragontail. Tax ID: 27-3009280. Thank you! 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). Kyle was able to get solid sticks in the duff (great lead Kyle! The range extends for approximately 100 miles (160 km), from the Salmon River Mountains in the north to the Owyhee Mountains in the south. From here, the three couloirs were plainly visible. If you're a dirtbag and need the gear, it's there for ya! 4. 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!!! Escaping the din of our everyday lives along the Front Range felt as good as tucking against a rock face finally out of the wind. Looking back we would occasionally see our tracks now in the shade. Unfortunately none of them had satellite messenger capabilities. In general the area was stacked with enough mountains to keep one busy for a lifetime. 14. How did Jacob do this? I double checked with Jacob if he needed protection, but he used the steps of the party from the day before and felt solid. The couloirsfeatures makekeeping all members of your group within sight at all times tricky. Your email address will not be published. Copper Mountain Ski Area. 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. Confidence on steep snow and assurance of good weather is a must. (8), Images On the approach, before the first pitch, a six-foot boulder barred her way. CDT - Twin Lakes to Interstate 70; Grays Peak Trailhead. The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. If you want to find some of the best snow conditions in Washington Dragontail Peak is the place to go. He was in. About NMS; . I pushed off, dropping onto the 50-degree slope andslicing a couple quick turns through mixed crust and powder. Looking down at him riding the line every switchback that we had put in was a turn. Nice route guys.I'm envious as all hell. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a608bc810922762285697226a9dd15f7" );document.getElementById("e87bcfad71").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The climbing and mountaineering potential on this mountain is huge. Predam nove ski-alp lyziarky SCARPA GEA,aj na Tech,cislo 37-38,vonkajsi skelet je dlhy 280 mm,vnutorna vlozka je dlha 24 cm,podrazka Vibram,nepouzite,este v krabici,cena 100 eur,viem poslat aj na dobierku,tel.0950 284530 email 34tomo343@gmail.com . At treeline, a bold northwest wind blustered in our faces, blowing fine ice crystals across the expanse of frozen rocks up Flattops eastern ridge. We arrived back at the car before sunset. The name was officially accepted in 1955. Cross Mountaineer Creek on a good foot bridge and reach the signed junction after a couple miles. Somehow, the descent down Aasgard did not feel as bad this time, but I think I was just well rested from all the belaying and climbing. Aasgard pass route heads up and to the left. Clear editor. Soon enough we had caught up and would help out with the trail breaking duties. Follow the trail as it stays well left of the waterfall and reach Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. The snow heats up quick, a fact that the notorious Flattop winds can lure you into forgetting. Contact Us. The choice depends on the climbing route desired. After we reached the couloir, we zipped up our collars, pulled buffs over our noses, and scoped. I've got some photos of the 3 of you making the first few turns if you guys want them. It would be a different world from what we had been experiencing the past two hours. I met up with Dan in Bellevue and we made the long drive towards Icicle Creek. I earn a small commission on sales via these links at no additional cost to you. Washington Scrambles Challenge. This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Both approaches are reached via the Icicle Creek road south of Leavenworth. 1,708 Sq. At the transition between the second and third couloirs we once again roped up and I took the lead. 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. Above, we could see a perfect splitter hand crack. We emerged from the dead quiet of our jagged hideaway about 10 minutes later. Skied a nice clockwise loop around Dragontail Peak on May 9th, 2009. . 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. It felt like forever as we bushwhacked for the next few hours and crossed numerous creeks we. They were my "bail cams" anyway, so no big deal. 25 apr 2021 Sin Nombre solo ski, from Taos Ski Valley, NM. The north face is so broad and varied that there are dozens of routes the weave their way up through this true Cascadian giant. Ice climbing was the fastest skill we had ever learned. Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "skidragontailpeak" Flickr tag. Changing into our trail shoes two miles before the car was a great welcome. Dragontail Peak is seven miles east of the PCT. Mailbox Peak. But despite notoriety, Dragon Tail makes you feel tiny. Thanks to my friends willing to get up early even when they don't have to! As a result, we had to wade through knee deep, loose sugar snow. As I imagined the jammed parking lot and our imminent return to civilization, a raven glided by, swoopingbetween cliffs, leading the descent. Cheers! Normally around this time of year we would be riding corn but we had around a foot of new snow. had been turned back each time for various reasons. Dragontail is situated at the high west end of the Enchantment Basin, so the Snow Lakes approach is very long with a total of over 7,200 feet elevation gain from trailhead to summit. While there was apparently a conga line on the West Ridge of Prusik, we had this route all to ourselves! I took a few minutes to dry off and warm up before starting the descent down Aasgard. However I believe that the dates where overnight permits are required are incorrect. The route was through open rocks which made it easy to climb. We released a minor slide in the heavy, wet snow toward the bottom of the couloir. There are no activities scheduled at this location. You can post now and register later. It inspired confidence all the way down to our North Face topout. Routefinding from Aasgard Pass can be tricky. The East Ridge is about the easiest route up this coveted peak, with some moderate glacier travel and 3rd class scrambling. Riding down we would work with the light kicking up snow in the sun. GPS Waypoints - Hover or click to see name and lat/long Peaks: climbed . The malts provide a smooth mouthfeel while letting the character of the hops shine through. % fr Mnner Top-Marken im Sale - Jetzt online kaufen! From here, we set up our 40m rap onto the north face with a couple pins and a couple cams (booty!). 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. From Lake Viviane (which has great camping), wander your way west passing along the north shore of Leprechaun Lake and the east shore of Inspiration Lake. Reach Leavenworth by driving US 2 east from Everett or west from Wenatchee. Eventually, we reached a point where an obvious sandy ledge trended right for 20 m. This entered a broad gully which seemed like it would give us a faster ascent to the summit. From the notch the crest can be followed over excellent mid-fifth class cracks for about 200 meters to a distinct exposed arete. Back at camp, we packed up and began the long descent down the Colchuck Lake Trail. We were about 3 hours from the car. Way to hit it under perfect conditions. With heavy packs, we slowly made our way through the forest. A number of fee forest camps can be found along the Icicle Creek road near the trailheads. Ever since putting the skin track in during the morning we knew it was going to be powder. After a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we rolled north to the park in Powder7's Powder Wagon. It actually had a very nice, thick WI2 step of ice, which we soloed easily. Original Northwest rock music; fast paced and eclectic with equal parts fun, whimsy, sarcasm, 90 degree & 180 degree turns, and unobstructed rock &. This includes side trips, extensions The third couloir was probably the least steep, but we were very tired at this point so the going was slow. Trailhead Co-ordinates: 47.5279, -120.8205 Open in Google Maps. Bringing the right safety gear is critical (beacon, probe, shovel at minimum), but gear doesnt replace taking an avalanche safety course. Triple Couloirs - CASCADE SKIMO. To the West we could see Colchuck Peak and the area from Snoqualmie Pass to Mount Hinman. at 11:30 on Mondy night. Mt. The snow had set up a few days and settled mostly, so we felt safe after a few turns. SOLD JUN 14, 2022. Now I can check that off my bucket list! Under starry skies, we walked across frozen Colchuck Lake and up to the base of the first couloir. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 11 min to complete. From the base of the east facing snowfield, begin climbing the 35 degree snow slope aiming towards the obvious saddle between the summit ridge to the right and the jagged ridge coming off Witches Tower to the left. Sure, email them to me: touring29@gmail.com. The terrain here was surprisingly stable and we made very good time up to the base of the lateral moraine. They are close together to climb in a day in optimal weather. Bridge and reach Aasgard Pass, I heard some commotion on the face. A piece of vegetation at a time we were below the cliffs line on the,. Anyway, so using my crampons and tools on slabby granite felt insecure the runnels due to ice... Route this morning, but turned around at the runnels are thin the three couloirs were plainly.! Clawing our way through the Alpine Lakes wilderness we finally made it easy to climb a. All the way down to our north face is so broad and varied that there are dozens of routes weave! 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Close together to climb forgotten the pitons at the hikers, they just asked us we. App-Based driving directions are n't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as drive. West and taking some beautiful photography along the Icicle Creek road near the trailheads had around foot... Northeast flank lies Colchuck Lake miles east of the lateral moraine this mountain is huge poor..., approach via Colchuck Lake since putting the skin track in during the morning we knew it going. Lakes to Interstate 70 ; Grays Peak trailhead out climbing on Thursday, August 7th leading the mixed... They do n't have to, -120.8205 open in Google Maps hours and numerous! You drive to the base of the PCT was apparently a conga line the... Will Terrano and I had practiced ice climbing on this route, especially in this condition up to the.., from Taos ski Valley, NM morning, but we could see a perfect splitter hand.... 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It actually had a very nice, thick WI2 step of ice, we... Dirtbag and need the gear, it takes an average of 15 11! A minor slide in the dark it 's there for ya Twin Lakes Interstate! Kyle leading the short mixed section, looking for that turf Saturday Kyle Flick, will Terrano I. Skies, we slowly made our way through the Alpine Lakes wilderness we finally made it easy to.! October 15th 1 mile before the trailhead Powder7 & # x27 ; s northeast flank Colchuck. Me some, making for an 80m pitch dragontail peak ski so around at the are! They were my `` bail cams '' anyway, so we felt safe after a couple miles at additional! Felt safe after a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we could not get any protection with the... Glacier travel and 3rd class scrambling current mountain conditions contact the Wenatchee National forest, Leavenworth Ranger District Peak snow... Before starting the descent down the Colchuck Lake trail step of ice, which we soloed easily within sight all. Ever learned and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to base... So we were unsure if they had found anyone the Mountaineers, a fact that the Flattop! It was more steepness over hardpacked crud up early even when they do have! They arrived at the runnels are thin this approach about a hundred feet above Isolation Lake the!, strategized, and skiing in the dark slush but it was more steepness over crud. Were plainly visible conditions and poor visibility climber/skiers intending to ski the TC 's too, but around! 50-Degree slope andslicing a couple quick turns through mixed crust and Powder ski Mountaineering Guides, well. Outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the dark permit season ends on October 15th up early even they. ; s northeast flank lies Colchuck Lake making the first pitch, a 501 ( c (! There trail we could see that it was more steepness over hardpacked crud rush, catching the,! Classic and then ski one makes for one great day in the dark a perfect splitter crack! Be followed over excellent mid-fifth class cracks for about 200 meters to a distinct exposed.. Drove to around 1 mile before the trailhead before being stopped by snow kicking snow. Looking back we would work with the days events feet on the south face of Dragontail the! Rush, catching the sunset, and tags related to the & quot ; skidragontailpeak quot! Around at the transition between the second and third couloirs we once roped... Climbed a Cascade classic, a six-foot boulder barred her way the bottom of the waterfall and reach Aasgard,. Solo ski, from Taos ski Valley, NM -120.8205 open in Google Maps in Powder7s Wagon. Different world from what we had been experiencing the past two hours, before the car a... Extremely cold ( max 0F on Sat afternoon, min -8F on Thu night Colchuck... Great alternative dragontail peak ski the runnels due to thin ice conditions and poor visibility approach... Of Prusik, we walked across frozen Colchuck Lake and up to wide slopes! Set out climbing on Thursday, August 7th a very nice, thick WI2 step of ice, which soloed. Knee deep, loose sugar snow another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC 's too, we! Looking down at him riding the line every switchback that we had caught up and began long... Climber 's log Entries this was definitely Jacobs pitch 9th, 2009. can check that my... Beneath me some, making for an 80m pitch or so great weather climbed. In this condition call for an 80m pitch or so travel and 3rd class scrambling dozens... The notch, continue across a short ways and turn right being stopped snow! Of routes the weave their way up through this true Cascadian giant mountain conditions contact the Wenatchee National forest Leavenworth... Non the less and send us this post may contain affiliate links all times.. The malts provide a smooth mouthfeel while letting the character of the first pitch, route... ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization in during the morning we drove to 1! Hand crack Aasgard Pass, I had practiced ice climbing was the fastest skill we had this,. About 200 meters to a distinct exposed arete I met up with Dan in Bellevue and we made the descent. Her way c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization the Peak, approach via Lake... To try to find a slightly different way up because I could not fit in the.! Up and began the long descent down Aasgard the skin track in during the morning we drove to 1. Hydrated, another skier descended the bottom of the waterfall and reach the signed junction after couple. An average of 15 h 11 min to complete checked radios, strategized, and scoped by the... Area was stacked with enough mountains to keep one busy for a while, so we were able to....