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A casual approach to a low-angle and playful slope with optional steeper glade lines.


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Map Key

2.0

Miles

3.2

KM

Ascent

11,122' 3,390 m

High

9,945' 3,031 m

Low

1,178' 359 m

Up

57' 17 m

Down

12%

Avg Slope (7°)

36%

Max Slope (20°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry
Respect private property crossings.

Description

On a powder day, you'll need a 4WD car to access the top part of Caribou Road since the road is not plowed in the winter. Park alongside the road by the old mining structures, or at the end of the road.

The approach is mellow and flat for about 1.75 miles. Take the second fork in the trail, to the right. From the broken down cabins on the left, follow the trail to the right. Here you'll start your ascent up the base of the slope. This hike takes about 10 minutes and there should be a distinct skin track when no fresh snow has fallen. At the top of the knob, head right to the open meadow and choose your line.

This area is lap-able without backtracking on the approach. The slope is open and east-facing, so prone to wind loading and fills in nicely early season, but can lead to stability issues on steeper aspects.

Overall, this is a relatively safe and playful slope that you can lap 3 - 4 times on a good day.

On the hike out, get ready to strap skins on, as the last section of the hike is a low-grade climb out to the parking lot.

Contacts

Shared By:

Sallie Hoefer

Trail Ratings

  3.2 from 19 votes

#2

in Indian Peaks

#155

Overall
  3.2 from 19 votes
5 Star
11%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
53%
2 Star
11%
1 Star
5%
Ascent Rankings

#2

in Indian Peaks

#33

in Colorado

#155

Overall
376 Views Last Month
21,320 Since Mar 12, 2015
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

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Photos

Just below Baldy Summit, at the top of what Powder Project calls "Caribou Approach" ascent.
Jan 2, 2021 near Nederland, CO
Permanent skin track at Caribou.
Jan 9, 2023 near Nederland, CO
Glades for days
Jan 9, 2023 near Nederland, CO
Near perfect backcountry skiing
Jan 9, 2023 near Nederland, CO
Enormous pow stashes at Caribou
Jan 9, 2023 near Nederland, CO
Transition Cabin - time to start skinning another lap.
Jan 9, 2023 near Nederland, CO
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 92 days ago
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