Northeast Couloir, North Peak AI 2 4th Class

High Sierra, California USA

Currently 4.0/5

Avg time to climb route: 1-2 hours

Approach time: 1-2 hours

Descent time: 1-2 hours

Number of pitches: N/A

Height of route: 900'

Overview

A rare, easily accessible ice route, North Peak (12,242’) is a satisfying day’s adventure for the emerging Sierra ice climber. There are three prominent couloirs left of the summit of North Peak, but this route describes the rightmost one, which is technically the easiest, and also the most dependably in condition.

The Northeast Couloir is a coveted snow/ice climb in the Sierra. The just-steep-enough-tobe- fun couloir leads to a short rock scramble that gains the summit with breathtaking views of Mt. Conness and the many surrounding lakes. In the summer, the couloir can usually be found in névé conditions, which many climbers find to be the quickest and most fun condition. In late fall it turns into blue ice, which is more technical.

Photos - View all 17 photos of Northeast Couloir as: Thumbnails | Slideshow