Mine Shaft Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Head to the Santiago Mine and pick a chute to climb to the summit of McClellan at 13,587'. From the summit, drop the bowl. There are a bunch of lines to pick through down the bowl, the most pronounced line on the south side of the bowl is known as the Mine Shaft.

When you'll be there the mine will be covered in snow. But if you're looking for info about the mine and access you can find it on the USFS site here: fs.usda.gov/detail/arp/spec…

Ascent:
This is a long approach if accessed from the winter trailhead at Guanella Pass Rd and Leavenworth Creek Rd. Park below the switchback before Leavenworth Creek Rd. Skin up Leavenworth Creek Rd (hopefully you were able to park further up the road). There are a few switchbacks that can be skipped if skiing/hiking.

Once you get to the Waldorf Townsite (about a quarter mile past the Tundra Hut, it is hard to miss on the left of the road), you can ascend directly uphill or use the old railroad beds that head in a northerly direction to ascend to the mine. From the Mine, pick a chute to climb to the summit.

Descent:
This is a steep descent with angles near the top in the 40-50 degree range. There are numerous lines to choose from so pick carefully - they are all fun.

This summit was once a popular tourist attraction from Denver served by the Argentine Central Railway which amazingly had a train that could bring cars of tourists to the summit. The train system even brought a train car full of snow to the Democratic National Convention held in Denver in 1908.