North Arapaho Peak
South Arapaho - North Arapaho - Old Baldy
Date: 6/7/2020
Partner: Jim Griffiths
Trailhead: 4th of July
Summits: S. Arapaho, N. Arapaho, Old Baldy
Arapaho Travserse Rating: Class 3. All Else Class 2
Distance: 10.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 4360ft
Start: 6:45am
Duration: 7hrs 30min
GPX
14ers.com Page
The route description on 14ers.com states the Arapaho Traverse is a class 4 route. However in summer conditions we found it to be more in the neighborhood of class 3. In my opinion this route would be a good introduction to class 3 scrambling... but keep in mind this traverse is an out and back so anything you climb on the way out you will need to downclimb on the way back. It is worthwhile to hit Old Baldy on the way out as it provides some pretty sweet views of both Arapaho peaks.
10.8m - 4360ft - 7.5hrs
Jim hiking the Arapaho Pass Trail
Jim with Jasper and Neva behind
Grays and Torreys from S. Arapaho
Jim starting the traverse to N. Arapaho
Longs and Meeker from S. Arapaho
Alex getting the traverse started
The snowy SE face of N. Arapaho
The crux of the traverse just ahead
not too bad
Alex approaching the crux
Jim evaluating his options
There is a little route finding to be had... just follow the path of least resistance.
Jim approaches N. Arapaho's summit. Mount Neva and Lake Dorothy behind
Looking to S. Arapaho from N. Arapaho
Ok... time to head back to S. Arapaho
Jim peering into the basin below. Don't get too close buddy!
Alex down climbing the crux. Probably the trickiest move of the day.
Plenty of hand and foot holds
Almost back to S. Arapaho
Looking over to Old Baldy. This basin is a major water supply for Boulder and can be accessed by permit only.
Jim with South and North Arapaho behind
South and North Arapaho from Old Baldy.
The trail out. Jim with Jasper and Neva
Skywalker Couloir is in! Skywalker is on the south side of S. Arapaho