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BEAR CLAW | PARRY'S PEAK | BERTHOUD PASS | COLORADO | UNITED STATES

BEAR CLAW
BEAR CLAW
Date Created: 02/08/2011
Last Updated: 02/08/2011
Ranking:Premier
Skiable Vert:4000 ft
Climbing Vert:2076 ft
Top Elevation:13,391 ft
Trailhead Elevation:11,315 ft
Ascent Mileage:4
AVG Ascent Time:5 hours
Ascent Type:Bootpack, Skin
Trees:none
Slope Aspect:North
Steepest Section:45-55 Degrees
Slope Type:Chute, Couloir, Face
Exit:Clean
First Descent:unknown
Nearest Town:Winter Park, CO
AVG Snowfall:
Snowpack:

Highlights

This is a very steep, imposing and aesthetic line. Also, Parry's Peak, at 13,391 ft., is the tallest peak in the area, so the views are spectacular as you cruise across the Continental Divide. The final piece is that Parry's is visible from just about everywhere in the Fraser Valley, and especially from Winter Park/Mary Jane ski area so everyone can see your tracks and wonder what it must have been like to stand on top.

Ascent

two choices: 1.skin up directly through the forest from the Mary Jane Ski area entrance heading East up to the Continental Divide or 2. Skin up from the top of Beerthoud Pass and walk north on the Divide over Mines Peak, Roberts Reak, Flora Peak, and Eva Peak until you reach the top of Parry's

Descent

Many different descent options depending on conditions and time of year. 3 main steep couloirs split the main face with safer options to the north and south. Once below treeline and in the forest proper gradually traverse north and downhill till you end up at the entrance to Mary Jane.

Access/Permits

the entire hike, ski and descent are on public lands. As this is wilderness, no motorized use. The Continental Divide trail provides the most straight forward approach.

Photos

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Lowpro79: January 31, 2010 Uphill: 3,000 ft. | Downhill: 4,000 ft.

a long hike but a killer view from the tallest peak around. Pretty early in the season for this one, but worth every second....[view]
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Need A Guide?

Alpine World Ascents
Alpine World Ascents is a professional ski and mountain guide outfit based out of Boulder, CO, offering instruction and guiding year round locally and around the world: Rock, Ice, Alpine, Ski, Avalanche Safety. AMGA and IFMGA certified guides only....Hire this guide
Alpine Ambitions
Alpine Ambitions leads educational, adventurous, ski experiences in some of the most quintessential ski locations on the planet. No matter where you are on the spectrum of skiers - from accomplished, expert skier ready to ski from the summits of big peaks, and in off-the-beaten-path locations to a novice skier with the desire to ski all-conditions and all-terrain, Alpine Ambitions creates the right environment for you....Hire this guide

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