Distance
4.7 mi to summit
10.3 mi total
Elevation
6,975 ft start
14,163 ft max
Vertical
7,192 ft gain
Time
7 hr 23 min to summit
11 hr 45 min total
Icy snow made the ascent more challenging than expected. On the way back, I witnessed the helicopter rescue of a skier caught in an avalanche above Helen Lake (not on the standard Avalanche Gulch route).
Route name
out-and-back
Obstacles
routefinding, rockfall/loose rock, snow on route, avalanche danger
Key gear
ice axe, crampons, helmet