Curvaceous Couloir

Overview

Curvaceous Couloir is Pauite Peak's standard route. It can be seen all the way from the plains east of Boulder. Curvaceous ascends northwest from the unnamed lake 11,833'. In the late summer after snow melt, it is a class 2 scree-filled couloir. In the spring and early summer, it is filled with snow and provides a great snow climb and/or ski descent.


Curvaceous Couloir from Brainard Lake

Getting There

Follow CO 72 to Brainard Lake Road just north of Ward, CO. Follow Brainard Lake Road 2.7 miles to the Red Rock Lake Trailhead and winter road closure. The road does not usually open until mid June. In summer, drive an additional 2.5 miles to the Mitchell Lake Trailhead. Brainard Lake Recreational Area

Route Description

Follow the Mitchell Lake trail to Mitchell Lake, then continue west to Blue Lake. Continue northwest to the unnamed lake at 11,833'. Curvaceous Couloir is obvious from here and is just west of the South Rib. Climb the couloir to where it intersects the southwest ridge. Follow the ridge to the summit. The northwestern of the two summits is the true summit.


Curvaceous Couloir via Brainard Lake.

Spring/Early Summer

Roundtrip Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 3208'

Late Summer

Roundtrip Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 2608'

Essential Gear

Spring/Early Summer: ice axe & crampons if uncomfortable on frozen snow
Late Summer: shoes

Guide Books

Front Range Descents
Skiing Colorado's Backcountry Northern Mountain's - Trails & Tours

Images

View Curvaceous Couloir Image Gallery - 4 Images