Page Type:
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Route |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
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43.71900°N / 110.797°W |
Route Type:
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Scrambling |
Season:
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Summer |
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Time Required:
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One to two days |
|
Rock Difficulty:
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Class 4 |
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Grade:
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II |
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Overview
Diagram of the Northwest Couloir route of Nez Perce.
Getting There
The North Face of Nez Perce seen from Garnet Canyon. With snow, there is a challenging ski route called Spooky Face here.
Cloudveil dome seen from the base of Nez Perce. The south fork of Garnet Canyon is just out of the photo to the right.
The Northwest Couloirs of Nez Perce seen in late summer free of snow.
The northwest couloirs of Nez Perce seen in June with a moderate amount of snow.
The Northwest Couloirs of Nez Perce seen in winter with large amount of snow and ice on the route.
Route Description
Looking down towards the south fork of Garnet Canyon from the base of the Northwest Couloirs of Nez Perce.
The Grand Teton seen at first light from the base of the Northwest face/couloirs of Nez Perce.
At the base of the Northwest Couloirs you will see several steep gullies. From here you have several options in order to reach the main couloir which leads towards the summit. If you pick your route correctly you will be able to stick to 3rd and 4th class terrain. There is a rock ridge in between two of the lower gullies which has some pretty exposed low 5th class moves. Following this ridge to its top will lead you to a satellite peak of Nez Perce which looks like the main summit on the way up. The traditional Northwest Couloir route starts in the Couloir to the climbers left of the rock ridge, and stays to the left the whole way up(although it does zigzag a bit).
Looking down from partway up the Northwest Couloirs of Nez Perce
Looking up from midway on the Northwest Couloirs.
A climber looking down from high on the rock ridge leading to a satellite peak, just beneath the actual summit block. The more traditional Northwest Couloirs route is further to climbers left and is significantly less exposed.
The view from the satellite peak of Nez Perce, just beneath the main summit block. Traversing off of this peak to the main route requires a very exposed traverse. If you end up here, a rope and a few cams are very handy.
Once you reach the main couloir the route traverses left over a large rock buttress, and then up a steep rocky slope. This leads to the main summit block, which can be ascended several ways. The 4th class way zig zags its way up the left side of the cliff, finally leading to the main summit ridge. There is a rappel station located just beneath the summit block on the northwest side. Reaching the rappel anchor requires a small amount of down climbing. The anchor is located underneath an overhang. One 50-60 meter rope is sufficient.
The Grand Teton seen from the summit of Nez Perce, with a storm approaching.
The North Face of Mount Wister seen from the summit of Nez Perce, looking towards the south.
Essential Gear
Looking at the traverse that must be made from the satellite peak of Nez Perce, to the main summit block.
Looking up steep low 5th class terrain, which is very easy to wander into on the Northwest Couloir route.
If you are climbing in the early season or winter, an ice axe and crampons is a must. Even in mid summer you may encounter snow and ice on the route. Bringing along a rope is a good idea, if only to use for rappelling. If you intend to ascend the rock ridge leading to the satellite peak, a couple mid sized cams are recommended. A helmet is a must on this route. There is a lot of loose rock, particularly in the lower reaches.
The Grand Teton seen from halfway up the Northwest Couloirs/Face of Nez Perce.
Teewinot seen from midway up the Northwest Couloir route.
Video taken from the summit of Nez Perce after summiting via the Northwest Couloirs/Face route. A storm is approaching quickly. Always be prepared for weather in the Tetons, particularly on mountains like Nez Perce, where the way down may not be quick and easy(unless you want to start a rock slide).
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