Mount Neva (2)

Statistics

• Date - 05/30/2026
• Elevation - 12,814'
• Route - Juliet Couloir
• Miles - 8.1
• Elevation Gain - 2,715'
• ACME Mapper - Link
• CalTopo - Link
• Partners - Not Applicable

Description

This was my fifth time to the 4th of July Trailhead near Eldora, Colorado.  I had been here twice before to climb the Skywalker Couloir, once to climb the Snow Lion Couloir, and another time to climb the north ridge of Mount Neva.  Although I already reached the summit of Mount Neva, the Juliet Couloir has always been on my list to climb.  When I heard the road to the trailhead was open, I decided to give it a shot.

The trail to Arapahoe Pass was 95% dry; however, when I left the trail to head over to Lake Dorothy I was on snow all the way to the summit ridge.  Snow conditions weren't neve and the post-holing was manageable, but I still slowed down quite a bit.  While climbing the couloir, I had to kick two or three times to get a solid purchase as I was punching through every step.  The middle of the Juliet was melted out so there was a short rock step to negotiate.  Nevertheless, I finished the climb and made the short jaunt over to the summit.  I quickly descended the northeast slopes and found myself gearing down near the base of the climb.  The hike out was uneventful, but there were several people out hiking.

I left my house at 3:00 am and was hiking from the 4th of July Trailhead by 4:50 am.  I made it to the apron of the climb by 7:25 am and was on the summit at 9:00 am.  I returned to the trailhead at 11:55 am.  It took me 7 hours and 5 minutes to go car-to-car.  It was definitely a high gravity day for me as I didn't feel very strong and moved pretty slowly all day.

Photos

South Arapahoe Peak and the Skywalker Couloir on the hike in.

My first good look at Mount Neva.

Mount Neva from Lake Dorothy.

A close up of the hourglass Juliet Couloir (left of center) from Lake Dorothy.

Looking up the couloir from the basin below.

Nearing the narrow entrance to Juliet Couloir.

Looking down the initial apron and my steps.

The rock step in the center of the climb.

Looking down from above the rock step.

Summit Photo

Views to the north.

Views to the northeast and Lake Dorothy.

Views to the east and the North Fork of Middle Boulder Creek.

Views to the west.

Views to the south and Mount Jasper.

Two climbers enjoying the boot pack I put in.

Mount Neva from Lake Dorothy on the hike out.

A close up of the northeast slopes of Mount Neva.

Mount Neva on the hike out.

Mount Neva on the hike out.

Mount Neva on the hike out.