Mt. Aetna and Taylor Mt.
Mount Aetna (13,745') and Taylor Mt (13,651') are located in the Sawatch Range near Monarch Pass. Mount Aetna has a spectacular rockslide gully known as the Grand Couloir, which is popular in the late winter/spring for ski descent (extreme avalanche risk). Distance: 9.2 miles. Elevation Gain: 4800 ft. Class 2+. ( depending on route)
On the west edge of Garfield is a well marked 4 WD road (#230), near Monarch Snowmobile Tours to Boss Lake TR (and Middle Fork TH). From Garfield hike approx. 1.4 miles to Boss Lake Trailhead. Follow the CDT until approx 10,900ft, then head north, on Aetna south ridge to the summit, Class 2. The route crosses the rocky Grand Couloir .
Descend the east ridge of Aetna to the saddle. The summit of Taylor is 1.5 miles from the summit of Mt Aetna. The difficulty does not exceed class 2+. SW from the Taylor summit is an area on the map called "Hoffman Park." A rough 4WD road leads up into the basin, the road will connect with 230, and will bring you down to Boss Lake Trailhead.
- Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding, Hiking, Ski Mountaineering, Snowshoeing
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Avalanche Terrain Rating Complex View avalanche forecast.
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult Class D
- Length: 9.2 mi
- Elevation Gain: 4,800 ft
- 13,745 ft
-
Land Manager:
U.S. Forest Service
Salida Ranger District (PSINF)
- Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.
- Mount Aetna Grand Couloir
- Mount Taylor
- Mount Aetna
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