Kelso's North Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

The couloir descends from the summit of Kelso Mountain to Steven's Gulch Road. In soft snow conditions it is possible to set a skin track all the way up the couloir. It is also possible to ascend Kelso via the south facing slope and enter the couloir from the summit.

This couloir is a slide path with terrain traps. Plan accordingly.

Park at the Grays and Torreys lower/winter trailhead (just south of the I-70 highway). Skin up Stevens Gulch Road towards the Grays and Torreys summer trailhead. About 2 miles in, you'll pass an old mining building and turn right off Steven's Gulch Road onto a small access road (may be roped off). The access road crosses the stream and takes you to the base of the couloir.

Once at the base, climb straight up. It is also possible to continue on Steven's Gulch Road and ascend via Kelso's south slopes. Note that both ascent routes pass through avalanche terrain.

Once at the peak, descend down the couloir back to Stevens Gulch Road. The couloir itself offers two thousand feet of consistent 30 degree turns. With sufficient snow coverage, you'll be able to ski back to your car at the lower trailhead. This is a fun, relatively short tour with minimal approach that can be done car to car with a single transition.

The snow on Stevens Gulch Road is usually packed out by other backcountry travelers and snowmobiles.

There is previous mining activity in this area.