Date Climbed: April 30, 2022

Trailhead: Fremont Pass South

Trailhead Access: Passenger

Mt. Arkansas is most commonly climbed via the North Ridge route, which allegedly goes at class 2+ but I found to be more like class 2.

Alternatively, many people choose to summit this peak via the North Couloir, also know as the Moonshine Couloir. It’s popular among skiers and couloir climbers alike, and relatively easily accessible from the trailhead. Snowshoes are highly recommended as there usually is not a distinct trail heading up to the couloir.

The moonshine couloir itself is not terribly steep, and can be done with simple mountaineers ice axe, crampons and helmet. Early in the year there is usually a huge cornice at the top that must be overcome in order to top out, but heading into the spring that cornice melts away to climbers left and becomes a simple walk out.

From the top out the summit is only another 50-100 ft away. After summiting you may choose to ski down or downclimb the couloir, or walk off the North Ridge which is generally avy safe if you stick mainly to the ridge before descending back to the trailhead.

I didn’t get any pictures of the ridge but you basically stick to ridge proper for the most part.