Mount Sopris

Laundry Chutes

Mt. Sopris dominates the view of the lower Roaring Fork valley. This impressive mountain has some of the largest vertical gain in the state. While most will diss it as an ardous hike, there are four couloirs, also known as the Laundry Chutes, that come off the eastern summit. All of these can be done as snow/ice climbs (and great ski descents!). The most interesting is the couloir on the right. In the fall the lower part ices up and makes for an fun alpine outing.

To get to the trailhead, follow Highway 133 south. After you pass the Baptist church on the left, look for Prince Creek Road. Take a left. This soon turns to dirt and climbs steadily. Eventually you will come to a road leading right. Follow signs for Dinkle Lake and in a few more minutes you will come to an open parking area. Follow the obvious trail for 4 miles to Thomas Lakes. Contour around the west side of the lake and make your way up into the bowl below the eastern summit. The Laundry Chutes should be obvious.

Be sure to check avalanche conditions before comitting to these climbs, as you will be in prime slide terrain until you top out. Make your way up the steep snow slope to the base of the routes. Expect some thin ice and rock, with lots of snow climbing.

Descent: Follow the hiking trail back to the parking lot.