IPW - Paiute Peak-Mt Audubon Traverse
This traverse follows a ridgeline from the summit of Paiute Peak (13,094, Class 3) to Mt. Audubon (13,217; Class 2) following the skyline above Blue Lake in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area for total RT mileage of around 8.2 miles.
From the Mitchell Lake Trailhead following the Blue Lake Trail to Blue Lake and then, traversing along the lake's north shore, onwards to Little Blue Lake in a small hanging basin below the face of Paiute Peak. Climb an obvious couloir, sometimes called Curvaceous Couloir, to reach the summit of Paiute with some moderate exposure and Class 2+/3 moves near the top of the couloir and along the summit ridgeline. Then traverse the ridge connecting Paiute to Mount Audubon for approximately 1.0 miles until you reach the much more popular summit. Descend the Mount Audubon Trailhead back to the Mitchell Lake Trailhead.
- Suitable Activities: Mountaineering, Scrambling
- Climbing Category: Basic Alpine Climb
- Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October, November
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Avalanche Terrain Rating Complex View avalanche forecast.
- Length: 8.2 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft
- 13,217 ft
-
Land Manager:
U.S. Forest Service
Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, Boulder Ranger District (ARNF)
- Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 7
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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