We Do Stuff: Skywalker Couloir

May 29, 2021

South Arapahoe Peak 13,397’

Skywalker Couloir

Skywalker has been on our to do list for several years but Laura and I have never found the time to head north to climb the classic snow line on South Arapahoe Peak. This year we were determined to make it happen so last week we called about the road to the Fourth of July trailhead. The rangers informed us that it was not open but they were working on plowing it. We knew we would be good to go the following weekend. We left home just before 3 am and met Isaac and Nicole at the trailhead at 5:30. There were at least 25 cars there and we were sure we’d have company in the couloir. As we began hiking we did not encounter any other people until we reached the base of the couloir. There were two people who were out hiking but were not climbing. We all could not believe that we were the only ones here. This climb is generally crowded but today luck was on our side.

Working our way up to the base of the mountain

Swampy meadows at the foot of the mountain

Checking out the rest of our route

We stopped and stashed our snowshoes and put on our crampons at the base of the steep snow. The line looked amazing and the snow conditions we perfect. With each kick, we would get perfect crampon sticks and the climb up went smoothly.

Starting up the couloir

Near the entrance of the Skywalker couloir

Looking back at Isaac and Nicole working their way up Skywalker

This marmot was busy doing something and kept knocking ice clumps down on us

Getting close to the Princess Leia exit

Justin taking a break near the end of Skywalker

The top of the couloir has three options and we all chose the most difficult, Princess Leia exit, which goes at about 60 degrees or so. An ice tool along with an axe made the climb secure and we all breezed our way to the top of the couloir.

Justin fighting through a runnel in the Skywalker couloir

Justin working past the cornice to exit Skywalker

Waiting at the exit of the couloir

Isaac coming through the Princess Leia exit on Skywalker

I exited first and as I made my way to the summit of South Arapahoe, I considered making a quick run over to North Arapahoe. Ultimately, I decided I shouldn’t go without my partners and instead chose to relax, eat and enjoy the views from the summit of South Arapahoe. A short while later, Laura, Isaac and Nicole joined me.

Summit of South Arapahoe Peak

Neat dial at the summit of South Arapahoe identifying nearby peaks

We celebrated with a group selfie and started down. The snow had softened so we were able to glissade multiple times making out descent go quickly. The hike out was uneventful and were back at the trailhead at 12:20 pm. We drove to Nederland and had lunch before heading back home.