Looking into the cirque on the E/SE side of Audubo...
Description
Approach from the north end of Mitchell Lake. Head up the boulderfield following a drainage into a cirque on the SE side of Mt Audubon. We stayed above the drainage of the cirque by contouring first north then west around the lower SE ridge of Audubon, heading for the headwall. The Audubahn Couloir (as named by Roach in his Colorado Indian Peaks guidebook) gains the notch in the SE ridge. At the end of July the snow was hard with some alpine ice; crampons and ice axe necessary but no rope. From the notch, scramble up class 3-4 ledges to the south shoulder of Audubon and from there head up to the summit. An enjoyable alternative to the crowded east slopes trail with a nice classic alpine feel. Only greater length would make it better. Some variations on the headwall could add some roped climbing. The coulior has a similar feel to Lamb's Slide on Long's, might be a tad steeper.
Protection
In early season, you might want to belay from the rock or use snow pickets or flukes. In late season when the couloir turns to ice, a few screws might be desirable, depending on your comfort level.
The southeast ridge of Audubon (i.e., the ridge forming the south side of scoop-like cirque) is a fun hike/scramble that is rarely done. This includes climbing into, and out of, the notch at the top of Audubahn Couloir.
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