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Ascent of North Conundrum Peak on 2010-06-09

Climber: Patrick Lilly

Date:

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Motorized Transport to Trailhead:

Car

Peak:

North Conundrum Peak

Location:

USA-Colorado

Elevation:

14040 ft / 4279 m

Ascent Trip Report

TH: about one-half mile below the first stream crossing(footbridge) at approx. 10,100 ft. Route: Conundrum Coulior (snow climb).
Very little snow to above timberline. Donned crampons at approx. 12,800 ft. Gorgeous, sunny weather. Saw no one else all day except two solo hikers who were heading in as I was almost back to the TH.
Snow was getting soft my mid-afternoon (I didn't get a very early start...) and won't last much longer. The cornice at the top of the couloir was still intact, but easily avoided. I climbed out onto the rock rib to the right about 50 vertical feet from the summit, but could have followed the snow right up to beside the cornice. Only about a dozen register entries for this year. Water, water everywhere! A few pictures are at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/tcogwr/ConundrumCouloir

Summary Total Data

Elevation Gain:

3940 ft / 1201 m

Distance:

8 mi / 12.9 km

Route:

Montezuma Basin, Conundrum Couloir

Trailhead:

Castle Creek Rd., near campsite #3 10100 ft / 3078 m

Grade/Class:

YDS 3

Quality: