Hayden Mountain North
Date: 04/21/2023
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Hayden Trailhead
Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 3650ft
Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
GPX
Hayden North 14ers Page
I knew it was going to be cloudy but flat light and a wind episode made this day more exciting than I had expected.
The first 1500ft of skinning was relatively steep on frozen corn. It wasn't too bad with ski crampons but the poor visibility forced me to use Caltopo slope angle shading to be sure I was taking the most optimal route to the upper basin.
While the terrain wasn't as steep just above treeline... flat light made it difficult to navigate.
When the skinning got too steep I made it to an east facing ridge feature and began to boot. It was there that the wind started blowing so hard that I had to hunker down for a bit and hope that it would calm down.
Once the wind became more managable I continued to the summit ridge. The cost of admission was a lost hat.
While the wind had subsided flat light continue to be an issue. Thankfully the snow was soft and powdery up high and corn lower down. The skiing was phenominal and 3600ft to boot!
5.5m - 3650ft - 3hrs 45min
Red Mountain 3 ( back right) from Crystal Lake and the beginning of the climb
After some steeper skinning on frozen corn the snow got powdery above treeline
Entering the upper basin
Lots of ski options up here
The visibility was dwindling as the wind picked up
I skinned above the rocks on the right and then traversed left to the ridge. I couldn't tell how steep the terrain was with the flat light. Once on the ridge the wind became punishing and I didn't know if I should continue.
After enduring the wind on the ridge I finally made it to the summit. Looking across to Hayden Mtn South
Looking down Hayden North's NW ridge. No views today :-(
Stoked to be on the summit and excited for the ski
My ski line. It was impossible to tell how steep the skiing was with the flat light. I used Caltopo slope angle shading much of the day to navigate. Good thing the snow was so good. Powder up high - corn lower down.