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Y Couloir (Left Branch)
5.0 YDS 2- French 4 Ewbanks I UIAA 6 ZA MM 1c British X
Avg: 3.7 from 7
votes
Routes in Ypsilon Mountain
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Blitzen Face T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b |
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Blitzen Ridge T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c |
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Prancer Ridge T 5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b |
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Y Couloir (Left Branch) 5.0 2- 4 I 6 MM 1c X |
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Y Couloir (Right Branch) T 5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c |
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| Type: | Alpine, 1500 ft (455 m), Grade IV |
| FA: | unknown |
| Page Views: | 7,899 total · 31/month |
| Shared By: | Willie Mein on Jun 8, 2003 |
| Admins: | Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC |
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Access Issue: Closures
Details
Seasonal closures Feb. 15-July 31. Per the Denver Post:, the Cathedral Wall and all areas above the Loch Vale-Sky Pond Trail are closed to off-trail travel! Per this RMNP website, "Initial closures now occur in Feb. 15 and April, when raptors return to the region and scout for nesting sites. Areas containing general habitat preferred by raptors are closed during this time. Once raptors have selected nesting spots, the initial closures are lifted or adjusted. The specific areas which raptors choose for nesting sites are closed."
For additional information about raptor closures, please visit the Rocky Mountain National Parks area closures website.
General NPS climbing regulations for RMNP posted here.
For additional information about raptor closures, please visit the Rocky Mountain National Parks area closures website.
General NPS climbing regulations for RMNP posted here.
Description
This is one of the most spectacular ski descents in RMNP.
Although this is a climbing site and many people think of the Y couloirs as snow/ice/mixed climbs, the left Y Couloir (climber's left, skier's right) is most remarkable as a ski mountaineering adventure.
Typically the best time to catch this East-facing couloir is in the early morning, in the early spring. One can either approach from the Lawn Lake trailhead (below), or from the Alpine Visitor Center (above). The complete tour, starting from Trail Ridge Road/Alpine Visitor Center and coming out at the Lawn Lake Trailhead is an awesome ski mountaineering experience; however, it is dependent on the opening of TR road. The approach from below is straightforward and allows one to assess the conditions before dropping in on skis.
A single alpine axe and crampons should suffice for ascending the couloir. Many climbers may feel comfortable without a rope.
With many miles, a lot of vertical, high summits, insane exposure, and wicked skiing, this is a very big day under the best circumstances.
Although this is a climbing site and many people think of the Y couloirs as snow/ice/mixed climbs, the left Y Couloir (climber's left, skier's right) is most remarkable as a ski mountaineering adventure.
Typically the best time to catch this East-facing couloir is in the early morning, in the early spring. One can either approach from the Lawn Lake trailhead (below), or from the Alpine Visitor Center (above). The complete tour, starting from Trail Ridge Road/Alpine Visitor Center and coming out at the Lawn Lake Trailhead is an awesome ski mountaineering experience; however, it is dependent on the opening of TR road. The approach from below is straightforward and allows one to assess the conditions before dropping in on skis.
A single alpine axe and crampons should suffice for ascending the couloir. Many climbers may feel comfortable without a rope.
With many miles, a lot of vertical, high summits, insane exposure, and wicked skiing, this is a very big day under the best circumstances.
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