Taylor Park, CO Backcountry Report: Playful Chute, Spring Powder, and Perfect Turns

Josh Jones mid-descent. Photo: Dominic Gawel

Report from Monday, March 22, 2021

Spring has officially sprung in western Colorado. Today Park Cone yielded some epic turns, fresh snow, perfect weather, and great views. The day began by parking along Taylor Reservoir and skinning up Park Cone. My roommate Josh and I made good time up the cone, following an old skin track for the majority of the ascent. As we ascended through some clearings, Park Cone presented us with some stellar views of Taylor Reservoir and the Sawatch Range.

Our objective was to ski Catch and Release Chute. After reaching the top of the chute, we climbed a couple hundred more feet to the summit. We transitioned and began our descent. There were several different entrances to the chute—all of which looked worth coming back to ski.

Skinning up Park Cone. Photo: Dominic Gawel

The ski descent was one of my favorite this season. With several inches of fresh snow on top of a crust, the chute produced plenty of hoots and hollers. The highlight was a choke in the middle of the chute with untouched powder. Upon reaching the bottom, several people were fly fishing in the Taylor River.

Looking upon our tracks down Catch and Release Chute. Photo: Dominic Gawel

The region has been in a mild storm cycle that will continue for the next several days. Luckily, we had several inches of fresh snow and skied in a perfect break in the storm cycle. Partly cloudy skies, low winds, and good visibility only added to the experience. Once we started driving home, it began to snow – perfect timing!