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

Avalanche Gulch

out-and-back
Obstacles

routefinding, rockfall/loose rock, snow on route, avalanche danger

Key gear

ice axe, crampons, helmet

Other peaks climbed on this trip