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Kachina Peak North Ridge

 3.0 (1)
  1. Areas
  2. NM
  3. …Northeastern New Mexico
  4. Taos Ski Valley
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Map Key

0.8 Miles 1.2 Kilometers


Ascent

652' 199 m

Ascent

-115' -35 m

Descent

19%

Avg Slope (11°)

36%

Max Slope (20°)

12,467' 3,800 m

High

11,814' 3,601 m

Low

Shared By J. Bella

Conditions

Unknown
History
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“A moderate climb mostly above treeline.”

— J. Bella
Driving DirectionsGPX File
Type: In Bounds (completely inside ski area boundary)

Description

Before the Kachina Peak Lift was built during 2015, this was the main access route to the mountain's summit. After the ski area closes for the season, this route is commonly accessed by skinning or hiking to the top of Lift 4 then bootpacking up above the patrol hut.

From the top of Corner Chute on Highline Ridge, continue southwards; when the ski area is open, there's a gate here that may be closed. Follow an ascending traverse on the west side of a rolling knob, then head slightly downhill to a saddle. Stay on the ridge as it contours up through the trees. You'll pass a small cabin, then the route opens onto the alpine ridge and rises above treeline. From here the ridge steepens and most of the climb is straightforward with a couple steeper pitches as you ascend above the K Chutes. The ridge levels out near the top and gradually heads southeast towards the summit.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Carson National Forest

Mar 4, 2019: Carson NF Hiring Seasonal Employees for Summer 2019 Apply on USAJOBS.gov March 4-6

Mar 4, 2019: El Bosque Nacional Carson está contratando empleados de temporada para el verano de 2019 Presente su solicitud en USAJOBS.gov del 4 al 6 de marzo

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  3.0 from 1 vote

#3

in Taos Ski Valley

#309

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#3

in Taos Ski Valley

#13

in New Mexico

#309

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Photos

Kachina Peak from Wheeler's north ridge
Kachina Peak from Wheeler's north ridge
 3
Young bighorn sheep on Kachina Peak's south ridge
Young bighorn sheep on Kachina Peak's south ridge
 3
R2D2 avalanche in K4. Slides in the K Chutes can be much larger and often hit the uphill route
R2D2 avalanche in K4. Slides in the K Chutes c…
 3
Taos Ski valley from Frazer Mountain
Taos Ski valley from Frazer Mountain
 3
K Chutes, January 2nd 2018.
K Chutes, January 2nd 2018.
 2

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