Colchuck Peak, in the Stuart Range, was to be our first real climb of 2007. We camped near the trailhead the night before and then got a 4:00am start on the climb. The road to the trailhead was closed due to a mudslide that needed to be cleaned up. We pushed and rode bikes for 4 miles up the dry gravel road.
Mark crossing the bridge over Mountaineer Creek.
Doug, Mike and Dave enjoying the view.
Dragontail Peak is on the left, Colchuck Peak is on the right and the Colchuck Glacier is in-between. Our route would start directly below the summit as seen from this angle. Colchuck Lake was still frozen. We were able to save a lot of time by going straight across the lake.
Our route was the North Buttress Couloir (NBC). It is the snowy strip going up the left side of this photo. This is the NE side of the peak.
Heading up the lower part of the NBC. The snow was in great shape on this side of the peak. We could easily kick in steps and they were solid.
Dave, the moraine and the end of the lake.
We made it up to the notch and crossed over to the NW side of Colchuck. The snow on this side was loose dry powder.
Mark with Colchuck Lake in background.
Mark, Doug and Dave on top of Colchuck Peak with Mt. Stuart and Sherpa Peak behind us.
The Colchuck Glacier consisted of hard icy snow. We were numb by the time we finished glissading down to the lake!
Dave takes a lot of flower pictures. Here is just one. We hopped back on the bikes, made good time coasting down to the pickup, ate some real food and headed for home.
