Chris Sheridan leading a pitch low in the North Co...
Description
Just east of the north ridge of Mount Toll lies a moderate mixed couloir leading straight to the summit. The climbing is generally easy, and when Brainard Lake Road is open, offers a great alternate to more popular alpine routes in Rocky Mountain National Park.
The route can be climbed in the spring or fall. Fall conditions will likely yield more exposed rock cruxes, where as spring will be more of a classic snow climb. Either way, its a pretty fun outing. In winter, when the road is closed, the additional four miles of approach make the objective a lot less desirable.
Location
From the Mitchell Lake trailhead, hike west past Mitchell Lake and Blue Lake. Head towards the notch in the ridge just north of Mount Toll. Before you gain the notch, you will see an obvious couloir to the left (east) of the north ridge. Follow this Couloir to the summit.
The easiest descent is to come down the south face. This face has slid on warm spring days so plan you ascent accordingly.
Protection
A light alpine rack. A set of stoppers and four larger hexes worked well in fall conditions.
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