TR: Mount Toll Ski (24 June 2015)
(Last Updated On: July 6, 2015)
Mount Toll is a classic spring skiing line in the Front Range. Some of the Indian Peaks in the area are not very appealing when it comes to looks, but Mount Toll is highly aesthetic as it towers over Blue Lake.
We began in the wee hours of the morning, having to park at the Brainard Lake TH since the road to Mitchell Lake was closed. A nice view of the Indian Peaks in the pre-dawn hours.
After a few miles of hiking, we were at Blue Lake and ready to make our way up Mount Toll.
Pawnee Peak across the lake.
The climb up Toll was pretty with Blue Lake below.
And then the real Indian Peaks made their appearance. Hopi and Achonee.
Apache Peak on the left.
Looking toward Granby.
Me on the summit with Mount Audubon behind.
Unfortunately, Scott had forgotten his ski boots back in Boulder. But, he rallied for the cause, hiking in his shoes to the summit of Toll. I think there was some display of stubborn foolhardiness along the way 😉 So, I passed the camera over to him for the descent.
The ski was pretty fun. The upper slopes of Mount Toll can be steeper than they look!
The conditions were definitely transitioning into summer snowpack.
Admiring Mount Toll on our way out.
I was able to ski a little over 2000′ following gullies through the valley before having to transition back to hiking boots. From there, we followed the trail back to the trailhead and the road back to the car.
A look at the Indian Peaks seen from Brainard Lake in the daylight.
I lived in Boulder and Boulder County for well over a decade. Yet, I’d never managed to make my way up to Blue Lake or Mount Toll. I’m glad I finally carried myself up there, and enjoyed a fun ski along the way!
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