We Do Stuff: Eureka Mountain

April 21, 2024
Eureka Mountain 13,505'
Eureka Couloir

Hoping to get some spring skiing in before the snow went away completely, I suggested to Laura that we try climbing and skiing Eureka Mountain in the Sangres this weekend. Weather looked terrible throughout the rest of the state but to the south, the outlook was perfect. Freezing temps overnight, blue sky day and almost no wind forecasted. Our friend Wyatt stayed the night at our home in Colorado Springs and we headed south at 2:30 am. The drive was tense as we went in and out of dense fog almost the entire way to Westcliffe. We didn't know how far we'd make it up Hermit Pass Road, but would drive as far as we could before being stopped by snow. 9,750' was where we stopped.

Wyatt and Justin above the clouds as we climbed Eureka Mountain

We started hiking from there with skis and boots strapped to our backpacks, unsure how long we would have patches of dirt to deal with before the snow became consistent. It soon became clear that snow would be consistent quickly, and after a half mile of hiking, Laura and I switched to skis while Wyatt strapped snowshoes to is mountaineering boots. Progressing up Hermit Pass Road, we were at our intended turnoff, just above Hermit Lake in 2.5 hours.

Laura and Justin skiing toward the base of the Eureka couloir

We could see our snow line in the distance and carefully chose a route through the benches that would allow us the least amount of side hilling. A half mile of traversing and we were at the base of the Eureka couloir. It is a beautiful snow line that climbs 40 degree snow for 1,500' directly to the summit of Eureka Mountain.

Wyatt and Justin switching from skis and snowshoes to crampons

We strapped skis and snowshoes to our backpacks and started up the couloir finding excellent snow conditions much of the way. Wyatt and I swapped off putting in a boot pack to the very upper 25' where the snow became much steeper and a bit unconsolidated. We chose a mixed line, climbing a few rocks to exit the couloir and found ourselves just 20' from the summit of the mountain.

Justin in the Eureka couloir

Justin leading the way through the end of the Eureka couloir

We stood on the summit as a group at 10:40 am. The day was beautiful and the sun had been shining all morning so we made the decision to pick a snow line down and ski out before the snow became too soft.

Justin and Wyatt on the summit of Eureka Mountain

Laura and I skied about 1,000' of excellent snow all the way to Hermit Lake. It was now just past noon and the snow was becoming very soft from the heat of the sun. We did encounter one area of concern just above the lake. While crossing through a rocky and treed area, we triggered several wet slab avalanches. The snow would build up below our skis and when it became too heavy it would slide and take the snow below it as well.

Justin skiing down Eureka Mountain

From the lake, Wyatt made his way over to the road while Laura and I chose to ski the trees down, eventually connecting into the road as well. We all made our way back to the car safely, completing our excellent day in 9:32 car to car, having travelled 11.6 miles.

Below Herman Lake, we skied through the trees

Laura commented, wondering why it was not more well known. It had everything all the classic lines have. Great access, steep snow, a bit of spice at the top and leads directly to the summit. I would highly recommend this as an excellent outing for anyone who likes solidarity and wants to explore a bit of the well known path!