Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir Trail Guide

Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir is a fantastic snow climb for beginner hikers looking to gain experience in a couloir. The climb is about 900ft on 30-35 degree slopes topping out a few hundred yards from the summit of Horseshoe Mountain which is a Colorado centennial at 13,898ft. Although the majority of this hike is on public lands, it does cross through a number of privately owned plots. Please respect (leave) all mining artifacts in the area and as always, demonstrate leave no trace so that future hikers can enjoy this beautiful area.

Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir Quick Facts

Virtual Trail Guide: Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir

Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir: ★★★★ (⅘  Stars)

Distance: 6-8 Miles RT (Depending on descent) 

Elevation Start: 11,619ft 

Highest Point: 13,898ft 

Total Elevation Gain: 2,300ft 

Estimated Time to Complete: 3-5 Hours (depending on season, approach/descent method)

Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty System Explained

Class: Class 2 What does this mean?

Snow Climb Rating: Easy to Moderate (Sustained 30 degree climbing, steepest sections nearing 40 degrees) 

Season: Late March- Early June – Can be climbed outside of this period, but beware of conditions

Weather: Check the Weather Forecast

Avalanche Forecast: This route and area is avalanche prone, check conditions here.

Directions to Horseshoe Mountain

Trailhead: Fourmile Creek

Getting Here:  From Fairplay: Take 4Mile Creek Road for 11 miles to reach a road junction and small parking area on your left. This is the start of the hike unless you have a 4×4 vehicle and clear road conditions which may be able to drive a bit higher. 4Mile Creek Road is dirt and does get rough for the last 1.5-2 miles before the TH but all passenger cars should be able to access this hike with careful driving and an experienced driver. In the winter months, the road may be closed several miles from the spring/summer starting point and add additional road hiking. 

You can enter Fourmile Creek Trailhead:

Fees: There is no fee to hike Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir.

Parking: Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir has extremely limited parking (maybe 5-10 cars max). You can park along the 4×4 road or across from that road in limited capacity but be sure to not block private property as there are several cabins and yurts in the area. 

Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir Summary

Horseshoe Mountain Camping: There are two campgrounds: Fourmile Creek and Horseshoe campground about 5 miles before the TH in addition to a handful of dispersed camping spots along 4Mile Creek. Be sure to avoid all private property in the area. 

Dogs: Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir is not dog friendly, but if you just hike the mountain via the ridge, this is a dog friendly hike. 

Make it a Loop: The most popular way to tackle this hike is up the Boudoir Couloir and down the northwest ridge making this a lollipop loop. If you want to descend the couloir or hike the standard route it will be an out and back hike. 

Trail X Factors: Road to Trailhead

Without a doubt, the biggest x factor on this hike is the road to the TH. If you can get to the start of the hike mentioned above, you will have a very short approach to the couloir which is somewhat rare in Colorado. If however, you are attempting the climb in winter and early spring in a heavy snow year, you may have to tack on miles of additional hiking. 

Hike Tip: The Boudoir Couloir is east facing, so be sure to get an early start on this climb if you plan on attempting during a time when avalanche conditions exist. 

Best Views: While approaching and climbing the couloir you will be in a beautiful valley near two high alpine lakes. It’s peaceful, picturesque and you feel oddly secluded even though you are less than 2 miles from the road. From the summit, you can see most of the Sawatch Range and Collegiate Peaks in addition to nearby Mt Sheridan and Mt Sherman.

Trail Route: Up Couloir down ridge

Gear Needed

• Mickey’s Mountain Kit
• Backpack – this has been my go to
• Mountaineering Boots that accept crampons
• Crampons
• Crampon Bag
• Mountain Axe or Ice Tool
• Helmet
• Map of area or GPS – I use the Garmin inReach
• Protection from the sun: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses  – lots of exposed hiking
• Optional: Snowshoes in winter or spring 
• Optional: Ski/Snowboard
• Optional: Depending on Season – Avalanche Gear: Beacon, Probe, Shovel
• Optional: Hiking Poles
• Optional: Gaiters (in winter)
• Optional:Camera and Lens
• Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod
• *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.

My Trip: Horseshoe Mountain Boudoir Couloir May 2020

Spring of 2020 seemed to end abruptly and summer was taking over the state rapidly. Snow was melting fast and the window to climb couloirs was closing rapidly. I had been eyeing centennials close to home and Horseshoe Mountain had a nice couloir to climb so it was a perfect two-for. With snowpack levels settled and avalanche risk very safe, I solo climbed the Boudoir Couloir in a beautiful morning before the afternoon storms rolled in. I had debated about bringing my snowboard, but wasn’t sure what coverage was like so decided to leave it at home. The snow was excellent, climbing very enjoyable and hike straightforward. I will certainly be back to this mountain for a future trip and take the snowboard this time! 

Virtual Trail Guide

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