Begin at the Garnet Canyon trailhead and go to the Platforms (if you are doing a two day climb then the Platforms are an optimal camp site, with a backcountry permit). From the Platforms head toward the col between Nez Perce and Cloudveil Dome, but don't go all the way to the col. Find the couloir and begin your summit approach from the couloir.Early season can be a preferable time for Nez Perce because you can walk over loose talus on snow and skip that arduous process. The Northwest Couloirs are the easiest approach to Nez Perce and doesn't require 5th class climbing skills; however, you will want to be familiar with snow travel, rope work, and rappelling. The view from Nez Perce is spectacular as you can see all of the Garnet Canyon summits and the valley summits to the south.