Starting up Skywalker
Dominic leads the way up the moderate apron of the classic Skywalker Couloir on South Arapaho Peak's south face.
A classic couloir climb followed by a fun ridge romp
Dominic leads the way up the moderate apron of the classic Skywalker Couloir on South Arapaho Peak's south face.
Dominic's been at sea level for the past two weeks so I take the lead and kick steps up most of the couloir. There hasn't been a good freeze overnight and the top few inches are soft so kicking steps is easy. We never punch in more than a few inches though.
Me leading up toward the direct "Princess Leah" exit.
The slope gets considerably steeper as we approach the top.
Dominic takes over for the final push up the Princess Leah finish which maxes out at between 50 and 60 degrees.
Dominic kicking the final steps to the top of the couloir. The snow here was shallow and it was clear the direct exit would be melted out very soon.
Dominic strolls onto the summit of South Arapaho Peak. Even at our modest pace it has only taken 3 hours to reach the summit from the Fourth of July Trailhead.
North Arapaho Peak as seen from the summit of South Arapaho Peak. The connecting ridge is rugged but only half a mile long.
Mount Neva as seen from the summit of South Arapaho Peak. There are several popular snowclimbs in the shallow couloirs on the face.
Since it was only 8am we decided to try the traverse to North Arapaho Peak. The first part was snowy and we had to watch our step.
Dominic climbing a wave of snow on the ridge.
Cornices still plagued the ridge but they were avoidable. Be careful!
About halfway across the ridge the snow on the crest gave way to dry rock.
Dominic climbs up a cool gendarme.
Dominic on one of the cruxes of the traverse, a fun scramble.
View west from the ridge.
Rugged terrain on the second half of the traverse.
The final climb up to the summit of North Arapaho Peak comes into view.
View down into the forbidden Boulder Watershed. Mount Albion is on the left.
Dominic rests by the giant cairn atop North Arapaho Peak.
Navajo & Apache Peaks as seen from the summit of North Arapaho Peak.
Dominic downclimbing steep snow just below the summit of North Arapaho Peak.
Dominic climbs past an interesting tower on the return trip to South Arapaho Peak.
"Quarter to Five Peak" as seen on the descent of South Arapaho Peak.
Skywalker as seen on the hike out.