Name: Box Creek Chutes
Rating: 4.3

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Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

The standard route (Mt. Elbert: NW Ridge) is closed miles below the trailhead until late spring, meaning you must take the slightly longer East Ridge route.

Overview

III D6 R3
Depending which chute is chosen, the difficulty can vary. Generally, the further east the easier the descent. However, the easiest options seem to be in the open section in the middle.

Description

From the summit of Mt. Elbert, pick your way east avoiding the patches of exposed talus. Stopping just before the rollover, take turns ripping down your choice of the walled-in, wind-loaded runs. To exit the drainage, you can go north (to the standard route) or south (to the east ridge), or just skip the exit entirely and ski alongside the creek to the Colorado Trail.