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Winter Climb of North Star Mountain

Breckenridge, Colorado

4.0/5
based on 2 reviews

Details

Distance

8 miles

Elevation Gain

2400 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brian Lewis

North Star is a relatively short and safe introduction to winter snow climbing. There is minimal elevation gain on the approach and some fun class 3 ridge scrambling brings you to a crowd-free summit with awesome views of the high peaks of the Tenmile Range.

From the west parking lot at the top of Hoosier Pass, take the 4x4 road as it climbs through a forest west of the pass. Before long, the trees thin and you'll stay on the road through treeline and reach a gate at just over 12,000 feet.

Stay right at the gate and continue on this old mining road as it passes some mine ruins and provides outstanding views of Mt. Lincoln, Montgomery Reservoir and the headwaters of the South Platte River. The road switchbacks a few times and can be confusing to follow, but keep in mind your target is the southeast shoulder of the mountain and the narrow summit ridge beyond.

Once on the ridge, the way is fairly obvious and the hiking turns to scrambling over medium to large boulders. Just before the ridge, it's probably a good idea to exchange snowshoes for microspikes and stash your poles since snowshoes will be cumbersome on the rocks and you'll want your hands free for scrambling.

The ridge is frequented by mountain goats and has amazing views of Lincoln and Democrat to the south and the nearby summit of Quandary to the north. Quandary is a very popular winter 14er and you'll likely see people on top, but you'll be almost guaranteed solitude on this seldom-visited peak. Continue on the ridge, trying to find the most obvious path near the crest and you'll avoid most of the serious exposure or avalanche danger along the route.

There will be a final rocky and steep push towards the summit, but once on top, try to find some shelter from the wind and enjoy the views of the surrounding snowcapped wonderland. Carefully retrace your steps back down the ridge and back to Hoosier Pass.

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Features

Photography
Snowshoeing
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
Wildlife

Winter Climb of North Star Mountain Reviews

Beautiful hike! Very windy so be prepared!

Safe meaning it is almost always avy safe if you stick to the ridge (similar to its more popular and taller neighbor, Quandary) but the winds can be brutal. Ive known really big climbers get blown off their feet...Still a very winter option!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Ski or Snowshoe McCullough Gulch

Winter Hike to Quandary Peak (14,265')

Hike McCullough Gulch to Upper Blue Reservoir

Discover Ancient Trees on Windy Ridge

Hike the East Ridge of Pacific Peak

Camp at Kite Lake