snow climbs at Indian Peaks besides Navajo?

Hoping to do some couloirs etc. in Indian Peaks the first weekend of July. Any recommendations besides the Navajo snowfield? Will North Star, Skywalker, Skyscraper etc. still be in?

Where will be a good place to camp? Will I be too late if I get there Sat. morning?

Cheers,
Al (alfred.kwok@pomona.edu)

Based on the weather we are having, and a climb up Mt. Toll 2 weeks ago, I would guess that any non-north facing couloirs would be melted out or too rotten to climb this weekend. North Star will most likely be melted out at the top, leaving a rotten scree field to enjoy (or not). Skywalker might still be in based on the latest condition report, but it is doubtful. As for your second question, there are camping restrictions in effect for most areas in the Indian Peaks. Some areas require a permit, while others are closed to camping. Check indianpeakswilderness.org/i… for more specific information on the camping regulations. Also, check out Roach's book "Colorado's Indian Peaks Wilderness Area: Classic Hikes & Climbs". In my opinion, this is the best book out there. Oh, and definitely get there Friday to get an early start Saturday morning. Most climbs start to soften up by 8-9 am. HTH.

I did James Peak last weekend and it was a great couliour climb that is basically in the IP just south. There were a bunch of good routes in and the Superstar Couliour was prime with a little cornice at the top. For a good day trip I would highly recommend it.

I did Skywalker on S. Arapaho last week and it was in great shape. There was one thin spot down low and a somewhat marginal snow bridge up toward the top. But the main couloir is inset enough that it doesn't get sun until about 10am.

TR and photos: swarpa.net/~danforth/wj/sky…

It looked like the Neva couloirs are in pretty good shape as well, though they're a lot of hike for not much climb.

Charles