14ers.com • Peak Condition Update

Peak:	Ellingwood Point (14er)
Route:	North Ridge via South Zapata Creek
Range:	Sangre de Cristo
Posted By:	434stonemill
Date of Info:	07/06/2020
Date Posted:	07/07/2020

Details
Attempted to summit via C2 couloir . As viewed through binoculars from the base of the gully, I thought I could bypass the small snow pack still remaining in the upper portion of the couloir on the right hand side. Reached the bottom portion of the snow at roughly 12,850 ft and at 8:30 am. Sun had still not reached into the couloir. The snow pack was bulletproof ice. Without any crampons or ice ax, couldn't manage to climb up the snowpack. Was uncomfortable trying to get around the snow on the right so ended up bailing and descended back down. Not sure if climbable later in morning as it softened up. I figure about another week before the C2 couloir is snow free. Photos (click for slideshow):

Details

Attempted to summit via C2 couloir . As viewed through binoculars from the base of the gully, I thought I could bypass the small snow pack still remaining in the upper portion of the couloir on the right hand side. Reached the bottom portion of the snow at roughly 12,850 ft and at 8:30 am. Sun had still not reached into the couloir. The snow pack was bulletproof ice. Without any crampons or ice ax, couldn't manage to climb up the snowpack. Was uncomfortable trying to get around the snow on the right so ended up bailing and descended back down. Not sure if climbable later in morning as it softened up. I figure about another week before the C2 couloir is snow free.

Photos (click for slideshow):

Comments or Questions

Marmot72

You were not alone...
07/08/2020 23:17

in turning back. I climbed Twin A that day and met a woman who had also opted to turn back on the ascent up the couloir. I've summited EP four times but that was my first time seeing it from that vantage.