Spalding's Goldfinger couloir
15 Jun 2003 - by Dalene Russo
My partner and I hiked Spalding's Goldfinger couloir
this Sunday. On the outside I'd say it is 1.5 mi round
trip and 1,500 vertical. Colorado's Thirteeners by
Gerry Roach, Jennifer Roach provided an excellent
description and all the information we needed to plan
our mini adventure. We started a leisurely hike /
scramble shortly after six am to approach the east
facing couloir base at 12,400. What followed was
approximately 600 vertical feet of snow which was
increasingly softening. The consolidated snow was good
to great, with no exposed rocks. The angle is
impressive especially when viewed from the top. My
partner and I opted not to rope up feeling secure with
our crampons and ice axe. Rock fall was heard twice,
most of the rock fall occurred in Spalding's Badfinger
the couloir immediately to the left of Goldfinger. I'd
recommend this couloir for anyone who has some
technical snow and climbing skills and is looking for
a taste of couloir snow climbing or just wants a quick
fun adventure close to Denver. Get there soon as the
snow is melting. Arrive early this couloir receives
morning sun. Exit via the east Spalding ridge.
Spaldings summit is 0.7 miles south from the couloir's
top.
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