Telluride, Colorado head the list at #1.

Top 10 Ski Towns in the USA
   <http://www.americasbestonline.net/skitowns.html>
Cheers,
Dow


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

http://castawaysmarina.com/ngrbXP9zp7.html

Vicki:

Yep:  Hiking poles are a must.  Glad you had a good time.

Jim

On Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:35:31 -0600 Vickie Rutkowski <ver3298@...>
writes:
>
> I wonder if visiting an oxygen bar before a climb would help :-)
>
>
>
> We used our hiking poles on Quandry and I can truly say, without
> them - I'd still be sitting on that mountain.  I think I'll check
> out having my knees injected before trying another one.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> To: coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com
> From: jillnjimmac2@...
> Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:42:46 -0400
> Subject: Re: [Colorado Fourteeners] Re: Climbing Pikes Peak
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Vicki:
>
> This brings back memories as Quandary was my first peak about seven
> years
> ago - I've since done twelve more. We live in Baltimore so the
> change
> in altitude is brutal. Last trip several weeks ago we climbed the
> road
> up Mt. Bross just to help get acclimated before climbing Mt. Belford
> two
> days later. There is no way to get totally acclimated in several
> days so
> we just go slow & don't get frustrated. When I retire I may stay for
> several months in Colorado to get acclimated and try to climb a few
> more
> "Reasonable (Class 2)" 14ers. It's too bad one can't get an
> injection of
> red bood cells to increase the hemaglobin count before climbing to
> assist
> with oxygen transfer.
>
> I agree with comments on poles (below) but we have found adjustable
> hiking poles work just fine.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Jim (65)
>
> On Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:29:30 -0000 "Terry" <tlm80209@...>
> writes:
> > Hey Vickie,
> >
> > I suggest trekking poles, or a walking stick for the downhill.
> They
> > make all the difference. I have much more trouble going down the
> > mountain than I have going up. I perfer a solid oak walking stick
> > with a rubber tip. The rubber tip grips the surface of rocks best
> > (among the rocks is where I need the most help), and the extra
> > length gives the most leverage to cushioning the downhill stride.
> > Also, the length is continously adjustable as my grip moves up or
> > down the length of the shaft with the varying terrain.
> >
> > Terry (58)
> >
> > --- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com, Vickie Rutkowski
> > <ver3298@...> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi All,
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Last weekend, my husband and I (62 and 57 respectively) climbed
> > our first 14er - Quandry Peak. We had planned to go with some
> > others who were familiar with Quandry, but they opted not to go.
> > Since I hadn't really researched much about Quandry, it was not
> what
> > I expected in many ways.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > We got to the trailhead at about 6:20 am and had to park about a
>
> > quarter of a mile away. The lot was that full! We didn't reach the
>
> > summit until 10:45. My husband and I do a lot of hiking, but at
> > lower elevations. Intellectually we knew the altitude would make a
>
> > difference, but we didn't really understand how exhausted our
> > muscles would get as the oxygen thinned.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > We had GREAT weather - sunny but not hot, no afternoon storms,
> and
> > little wind on the trek up. At the summit it was very windy and
> > really, really cold. We snapped a couple of pics and headed back
> > down. The descent was the hardest part for me. I have bad knees
> > and that steep descent was like a day in stilettos!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > It took us 8 hours to make the round trip! I embarrassed that it
>
> > took so long, but at least we made it. I'll do quite a bit more
> > training before I try another one!
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Vickie
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > To: coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com
> > > From: climb14ers@...
> > > Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 21:59:59 +0000
> > > Subject: [Colorado Fourteeners] Re: Climbing Pikes Peak
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Last week I took the Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak and had sunny
> warm
> > weather, and a doughnut.
> > > I also hiked up to Chasm Lake on Longs Peak for sunrise, which
> was
> > easy & fun.
> > > Now that it's peak climbing season, how about some trip reports
> > from long-time members, or questions from newbies? It's been
> awfully
> > quiet here lately...
> > > Gary Stearns
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > __________________________________________________________
> > > Get free photo software from Windows Live
> > >
> >
>
http://www.windowslive.com/online/photos?ocid=PID23393::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:e
> n-US:SI_PH_software:082009
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
> >
>
> __________________________________________________________
> Criminal Lawyers - Click here.
>
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTOVoKbjfR05O1FvnsQCiBTu
dGvjJAiQdJKO7fVlXNO8UnvBwoVclC/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your vacation photos on your phone!
>
http://windowsliveformobile.com/en-us/photos/default.aspx?&OCID=0809TL-HM
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I wonder if visiting an oxygen bar before a climb would help :-)



We used our hiking poles on Quandry and I can truly say, without them - I'd
still be sitting on that mountain.  I think I'll check out having my knees
injected before trying another one.







To: coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com
From: jillnjimmac2@...
Date: Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:42:46 -0400
Subject: Re: [Colorado Fourteeners] Re: Climbing Pikes Peak





Hi Vicki:

This brings back memories as Quandary was my first peak about seven years
ago - I've since done twelve more. We live in Baltimore so the change
in altitude is brutal. Last trip several weeks ago we climbed the road
up Mt. Bross just to help get acclimated before climbing Mt. Belford two
days later. There is no way to get totally acclimated in several days so
we just go slow & don't get frustrated. When I retire I may stay for
several months in Colorado to get acclimated and try to climb a few more
"Reasonable (Class 2)" 14ers. It's too bad one can't get an injection of
red bood cells to increase the hemaglobin count before climbing to assist
with oxygen transfer.

I agree with comments on poles (below) but we have found adjustable
hiking poles work just fine.

Thank you.

Jim (65)

On Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:29:30 -0000 "Terry" <tlm80209@...> writes:
> Hey Vickie,
>
> I suggest trekking poles, or a walking stick for the downhill. They
> make all the difference. I have much more trouble going down the
> mountain than I have going up. I perfer a solid oak walking stick
> with a rubber tip. The rubber tip grips the surface of rocks best
> (among the rocks is where I need the most help), and the extra
> length gives the most leverage to cushioning the downhill stride.
> Also, the length is continously adjustable as my grip moves up or
> down the length of the shaft with the varying terrain.
>
> Terry (58)
>
> --- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com, Vickie Rutkowski
> <ver3298@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> >
> >
> > Last weekend, my husband and I (62 and 57 respectively) climbed
> our first 14er - Quandry Peak. We had planned to go with some
> others who were familiar with Quandry, but they opted not to go.
> Since I hadn't really researched much about Quandry, it was not what
> I expected in many ways.
> >
> >
> >
> > We got to the trailhead at about 6:20 am and had to park about a
> quarter of a mile away. The lot was that full! We didn't reach the
> summit until 10:45. My husband and I do a lot of hiking, but at
> lower elevations. Intellectually we knew the altitude would make a
> difference, but we didn't really understand how exhausted our
> muscles would get as the oxygen thinned.
> >
> >
> >
> > We had GREAT weather - sunny but not hot, no afternoon storms, and
> little wind on the trek up. At the summit it was very windy and
> really, really cold. We snapped a couple of pics and headed back
> down. The descent was the hardest part for me. I have bad knees
> and that steep descent was like a day in stilettos!
> >
> >
> >
> > It took us 8 hours to make the round trip! I embarrassed that it
> took so long, but at least we made it. I'll do quite a bit more
> training before I try another one!
> >
> >
> >
> > Vickie
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To: coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com
> > From: climb14ers@...
> > Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 21:59:59 +0000
> > Subject: [Colorado Fourteeners] Re: Climbing Pikes Peak
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Last week I took the Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak and had sunny warm
> weather, and a doughnut.
> > I also hiked up to Chasm Lake on Longs Peak for sunrise, which was
> easy & fun.
> > Now that it's peak climbing season, how about some trip reports
> from long-time members, or questions from newbies? It's been awfully
> quiet here lately...
> > Gary Stearns
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________________________________
> > Get free photo software from Windows Live
> >
>
http://www.windowslive.com/online/photos?ocid=PID23393::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:e
n-US:SI_PH_software:082009
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>

__________________________________________________________
Criminal Lawyers - Click here.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTOVoKbjfR05O1FvnsQCiBTudGvjJAi\
QdJKO7fVlXNO8UnvBwoVclC/








_________________________________________________________________
Get your vacation photos on your phone!
http://windowsliveformobile.com/en-us/photos/default.aspx?&OCID=0809TL-HM

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Vicki:

This brings back memories as Quandary was my first peak about seven years
ago - I've since done twelve more.   We live in Baltimore so the change
in altitude is brutal.  Last trip several weeks ago we climbed the road
up Mt. Bross just to help get acclimated before climbing Mt. Belford two
days later.  There is no way to get totally acclimated in several days so
we just go slow & don't get frustrated.  When I retire I may stay for
several months in Colorado to get acclimated and try to climb a few more
"Reasonable (Class 2)" 14ers.  It's too bad one can't get an injection of
red bood cells to increase the hemaglobin count before climbing to assist
with oxygen transfer.

I agree with comments on poles (below) but we have found adjustable
hiking poles work just fine.

Thank you.

Jim (65)

On Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:29:30 -0000 "Terry" <tlm80209@...> writes:
> Hey Vickie,
>
> I suggest trekking poles, or a walking stick for the downhill. They
> make all the difference.  I have much more trouble going down the
> mountain than I have going up.  I perfer a solid oak walking stick
> with a rubber tip.  The rubber tip grips the surface of rocks best
> (among the rocks is where I need the most help), and the extra
> length gives the most leverage to cushioning the downhill stride.
> Also, the length is continously adjustable as my grip moves up or
> down the length of the shaft with the varying terrain.
>
> Terry (58)
>
> --- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com, Vickie Rutkowski
> <ver3298@...> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> >
> >
> > Last weekend, my husband and I (62 and 57 respectively) climbed
> our first 14er - Quandry Peak.  We had planned to go with some
> others who were familiar with Quandry, but they opted not to go.
> Since I hadn't really researched much about Quandry, it was not what
> I expected in many ways.
> >
> >
> >
> > We got to the trailhead at about 6:20 am and had to park about a
> quarter of a mile away.  The lot was that full!  We didn't reach the
> summit until 10:45.  My husband and I do a lot of hiking, but at
> lower elevations.   Intellectually we knew the altitude would make a
> difference, but we didn't really understand how exhausted our
> muscles would get as the oxygen thinned.
> >
> >
> >
> > We had GREAT weather - sunny but not hot, no afternoon storms, and
> little wind on the trek up.  At the summit it was very windy and
> really, really cold.  We snapped a couple of pics and headed back
> down.  The descent was the hardest part for me.  I have bad knees
> and that steep descent was like a day in stilettos!
> >
> >
> >
> > It took us 8 hours to make the round trip!  I embarrassed that it
> took so long, but at least we made it.  I'll do quite a bit more
> training before I try another one!
> >
> >
> >
> > Vickie
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > To: coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com
> > From: climb14ers@...
> > Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 21:59:59 +0000
> > Subject: [Colorado Fourteeners] Re: Climbing Pikes Peak
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Last week I took the Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak and had sunny warm
> weather, and a doughnut.
> > I also hiked up to Chasm Lake on Longs Peak for sunrise, which was
> easy & fun.
> > Now that it's peak climbing season, how about some trip reports
> from long-time members, or questions from newbies? It's been awfully
> quiet here lately...
> > Gary Stearns
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _________________________________________________________________
> > Get free photo software from Windows Live
> >
>
http://www.windowslive.com/online/photos?ocid=PID23393::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:e
n-US:SI_PH_software:082009
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>
>

____________________________________________________________
Criminal Lawyers - Click here.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTOVoKbjfR05O1FvnsQCiBTudGvjJAi\
QdJKO7fVlXNO8UnvBwoVclC/

Hey Vickie,

I suggest trekking poles, or a walking stick for the downhill. They make all the
difference.  I have much more trouble going down the mountain than I have going
up.  I perfer a solid oak walking stick with a rubber tip.  The rubber tip grips
the surface of rocks best (among the rocks is where I need the most help), and
the extra length gives the most leverage to cushioning the downhill stride. 
Also, the length is continously adjustable as my grip moves up or down the
length of the shaft with the varying terrain.

Terry (58)

--- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com, Vickie Rutkowski <ver3298@...>
wrote:
>
>
> Hi All,
>
>
>
> Last weekend, my husband and I (62 and 57 respectively) climbed our first 14er
- Quandry Peak.  We had planned to go with some others who were familiar with
Quandry, but they opted not to go.  Since I hadn't really researched much about
Quandry, it was not what I expected in many ways.
>
>
>
> We got to the trailhead at about 6:20 am and had to park about a quarter of a
mile away.  The lot was that full!  We didn't reach the summit until 10:45.  My
husband and I do a lot of hiking, but at lower elevations.   Intellectually we
knew the altitude would make a difference, but we didn't really understand how
exhausted our muscles would get as the oxygen thinned.
>
>
>
> We had GREAT weather - sunny but not hot, no afternoon storms, and little wind
on the trek up.  At the summit it was very windy and really, really cold.  We
snapped a couple of pics and headed back down.  The descent was the hardest part
for me.  I have bad knees and that steep descent was like a day in stilettos!
>
>
>
> It took us 8 hours to make the round trip!  I embarrassed that it took so
long, but at least we made it.  I'll do quite a bit more training before I try
another one!
>
>
>
> Vickie
>
>
>
>
>
> To: coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com
> From: climb14ers@...
> Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 21:59:59 +0000
> Subject: [Colorado Fourteeners] Re: Climbing Pikes Peak
>
>
>
>
>
> Last week I took the Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak and had sunny warm weather,
and a doughnut.
> I also hiked up to Chasm Lake on Longs Peak for sunrise, which was easy & fun.
> Now that it's peak climbing season, how about some trip reports from long-time
members, or questions from newbies? It's been awfully quiet here lately...
> Gary Stearns
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get free photo software from Windows Live
>
http://www.windowslive.com/online/photos?ocid=PID23393::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI\
_PH_software:082009
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Hi All,



Last weekend, my husband and I (62 and 57 respectively) climbed our first 14er -
Quandry Peak.  We had planned to go with some others who were familiar with
Quandry, but they opted not to go.  Since I hadn't really researched much about
Quandry, it was not what I expected in many ways.



We got to the trailhead at about 6:20 am and had to park about a quarter of a
mile away.  The lot was that full!  We didn't reach the summit until 10:45.  My
husband and I do a lot of hiking, but at lower elevations.   Intellectually we
knew the altitude would make a difference, but we didn't really understand how
exhausted our muscles would get as the oxygen thinned.



We had GREAT weather - sunny but not hot, no afternoon storms, and little wind
on the trek up.  At the summit it was very windy and really, really cold.  We
snapped a couple of pics and headed back down.  The descent was the hardest part
for me.  I have bad knees and that steep descent was like a day in stilettos!



It took us 8 hours to make the round trip!  I embarrassed that it took so long,
but at least we made it.  I'll do quite a bit more training before I try another
one!



Vickie





To: coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com
From: climb14ers@...
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2009 21:59:59 +0000
Subject: [Colorado Fourteeners] Re: Climbing Pikes Peak





Last week I took the Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak and had sunny warm weather, and
a doughnut.
I also hiked up to Chasm Lake on Longs Peak for sunrise, which was easy & fun.
Now that it's peak climbing season, how about some trip reports from long-time
members, or questions from newbies? It's been awfully quiet here lately...
Gary Stearns









_________________________________________________________________
Get free photo software from Windows Live
http://www.windowslive.com/online/photos?ocid=PID23393::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:SI\
_PH_software:082009

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Last week I took the Cog Railroad up Pikes Peak and had sunny warm weather, and
a doughnut.
I also hiked up to Chasm Lake on Longs Peak for sunrise, which was easy & fun.
Now that it's peak climbing season, how about some trip reports from long-time
members, or questions from newbies?  It's been awfully quiet here lately...
Gary Stearns

Yesterday I climbed Pikes Peak from the West side. I was not aware of a route on
the West side until a couple of days ago, but it was a pretty nice trail. There
is a lot of road construction on the road so a lot of noise at the top. It was
also windy and COLD.

Nelson

Hello,

I'd like to pass along the following invitation to your group.  REI
and Boulder Digital Arts are co-sponsoring the 2nd annual Spirit of
the Outdoors Film Festival, an opportunity for filmmakers of all ages
to create and submit a short video about their outdoor adventures.
The festival aims to reward and encourage people who love nature and
the wilderness, and with no entry fee and prizes for various
categories, we thought the members of your group might like to know
about it.  The official blurb is below:

REI and Boulder Digital Arts announce the 2nd Annual Spirit of the
Outdoors Film Festival premiering on April 25, 2009.

Everyone is invited to participate in this fun and exciting way to
make videos about where you spend most of your time - outdoors!  Are
you an adventurer?  Green-minded?  Active?  Energetic?  Determined to
make a difference in the world?  Then go on!  Make a movie.  Tell us
your story.

REI and Boulder Digital Arts are sponsoring this festival to promote,
encourage, and reward people with a zest for the outdoors.  Never
used a camera?  You can learn with a wide variety of workshops and
classes from Boulder Digital Arts.  These specially-priced courses
will help prepare filmmakers of all ages for the festival.  Pre-
register for classes at http://www.boulderdigitalarts.com.

Getting Started with Outdoor Filmmaking
February 24, 6:00 - 8:45 pm
REI - 9637 East County Line Road, Englewood, CO
&
April 9, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Boulder Digital Arts - 2510 47th St., Suite 202, Boulder, CO

Shooting Outdoor Adventure Video
March 10, 6:00 - 8:45 pm
REI - 1789 28th St., Boulder, CO
&
March 23, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
1416 Platte St., Denver, CO


Submissions must be 5 minutes or less and there's NO entry fee!
Submissions will be accepted from March 25 to April 8, 2009, and all
entries will be eligible to win great prizes.

Judges include James Balog, award-winning photographer and filmmaker;
David D'Angelo, owner of Serac Adventure Films; and Meryem Ersoz,
owner of Red Pine Films.

Please consider forwarding this to the rest of your group, submitting
it to your mailing list, calendar, etc.  Feel free to contact us with
any questions you may have, and thanks for your time!

--
Kira Woodmansee
Event Coordinator
Boulder Digital Arts
events@...
720.331.5940
http://www.boulderdigitalarts.com

I have done all the 14er peaks on Massive, but only because I was not
on the main trail and kept seeing peaks that were higher.

Nelson

-- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com, "Jim" <jminnicks@...> wrote:
>
> Hello
> I just joined the group and hopefully as a Newbie to this Group I can
> create some interest in postings.
> I climbed Elbert via Black Cloud, Longs, Wheeler Pk in NM, Whitney,
> and Half Dome last summer and plan to get to the summit of several CO
> 14ers this summer.
>
> I am interesting in communicating with someone that has hit all 5 14er
> peaks on Massive.
>
> I live in Arizona and frequently hike Grand Canyon so if anyone has
> questions I would be happy to address them.
> Thanks
> Jim
>

Hello
I just joined the group and hopefully as a Newbie to this Group I can
create some interest in postings.
I climbed Elbert via Black Cloud, Longs, Wheeler Pk in NM, Whitney,
and Half Dome last summer and plan to get to the summit of several CO
14ers this summer.

I am interesting in communicating with someone that has hit all 5 14er
peaks on Massive.

I live in Arizona and frequently hike Grand Canyon so if anyone has
questions I would be happy to address them.
Thanks
Jim

Hiker Was Wearing Jeans, Rain Jacket, Tennis Shoes

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/14339691/detail.html?treets=den&tid=2655993\
522813&tml=den_7am&tmi=den_7am_1_08000210162007&ts=H

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Also on this topic - July has more daylight hours,
which can be a consideration for slower hikers. Both
July and August have afternoon thunderstorms, so an
early start and early finish are recommended.  I
always have gloves, a warm hat and a windbreaker with
me.  I did hikes this past August where it was 70 and
sunny and just a little breezy at 14,000'; but also
had a day of 38 degrees with 60+mph winds (wind chill
in the teens); and also several days with early (10-11
a.m.) thunderstorms requiring a hasty retreat.  So be
prepared!
Gary
>
> --- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com,
> "mountains0524"
> <mountains0524@...> wrote:
> >
> > I am planning a trip next summer up to Colorado,
> planning to hike
> some
> > of the 14ers, Mt Massive, and others, what is the
> best month, July or
> > August. info would be great, thx
> >
>
>
>



      
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
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http://autos.yahoo.com/new_cars.html

July or August would be fine. Sometimes in a heavy snow year not all of
the snow has melted by July, but that hasn't been the case for the past
several years. Also you should know that in July or August it might
snow while you are climbing. This shyouldn't keep you away, just don't
bring only Summer clothes.

Nelson

--- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com, "mountains0524"
<mountains0524@...> wrote:
>
> I am planning a trip next summer up to Colorado, planning to hike
some
> of the 14ers, Mt Massive, and others, what is the best month, July or
> August. info would be great, thx
>

I am planning a trip next summer up to Colorado, planning to hike some
of the 14ers, Mt Massive, and others, what is the best month, July or
August. info would be great, thx

At one point we had some photos posted - I'm not sure
what happened to them.  At any rate, there are now 3
albums (14ers, 14er summit pics, and wildlife).  I
added some pictures from my recent trip to Colorado.
I have a lot more from previous trips posted on my
website at
http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/trails/8225/ .
Gary


      
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____
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I have never posted before, but I was interested the fact that no one
ever posted photos in this group. Well I got it started off by posting
a few of my own. Now I want to see some contributions

Object of value apparently lost Aug 8th found below El Diente Peak Aug
16.  Identify to claim.

By the way.  There is almost no snow left in the gully descending north
from El Diente Peak, and that makes it dangerous and trecherous to
descend

Van Williams

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/13904905/detail.html?treets=den&tid=2655993\
522813&tml=den_7am&tmi=den_7am_1_08000308162007&ts=H

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I haven't hiked Huron via Cloyses, but yesterday I did
it from Winfield - excellent and easy trail, very
straightforward, and I didn't even mind hiking the
extra two miles from the 2WD parking lot.  Great
summit views, and we beat the afternoon thunderstorm.
Gray



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Has anyone hiked this route?

I attempted it today and failed miserably. I think the day was doomed
from the start. I invited a friend who had never hiked a 14er
before...first mistake. I wanted an early start to get to the
trailhead by 8, but he wasn't able to do that. We got to Rockdale
around 9:45 and then headed up the jeep trail. I drive an Audi
allroad and have had success with most trails, but ran into a snag
early on in the trail. A large boulder in the middle of the road and
a small gap to try to clear it proved to be more than my car could
handle. I tried it, but due to a lack of traction (all-season tires
as opposed to some good off-road tread) I just spun out on the rocks
while my back tire floated 3 inches off the ground. Failing to reach
Cloyses as planned added another 4 miles to the round trip and was
much more than my friend and his running shoes had anticipated. We
reached Cloyses and followed the trail on the west side. Soon after
the lake, following Dawson's Guide, we then began to bushwhack our
way up. Well, we lost sight of any semblance of a trail and just
began to head straight up. We followed areas that appeared to be
possible trails, but most of these were just run-off and trails from
mountain goats or deer. We saw some fresh tracks and a fresh dung
pile, but no animals. This was most likely due to us scaring them off
from cursing loudly at our route choice. We did finally find the
basin above Lois Lake, but after trekking straight up the side of the
mountain we had spent a good bit of energy. Also, my friend had
failed to mention that he had to be back in Denver by 6 o'clock so
reaching that basin above Lois at 12:20 meant there was no way we
were going to summit and get back down in time. So, we had some
lunch, relaxed for a minute, snapped a couple photos and then headed
back down. We followed the trail down from Lois for a bit, but then
quickly lost sight of that and again made our own route. At one point
we had to sit on a tree and slide down the branches to avoid a 10-
foot drop. To add to the calamity, along the way I managed to lose my
camera. I realized the loss just past Cloyses and had to appreciate
the fact that my friend actually wanted to go back and try to find
it. I had to laugh at the absurdity of thinking we would EVER find it
on our random route, but it's nice that he wanted to try. We headed
out, checked out the burnt remains of the cabin on the east side of
the lake, and then continued down to our car. The drive out added one
last little adventure for us. I cautiously drove down the trail and
approached the crossing on Clear Creek. When I first crossed the
creek I did it slowly and this made my friend nervous thinking we
were going to get swept away. I decided to attack the creek a little
more aggressively going out and this was the last mistake of the day.
Water rushed over the hood and splashed up the windshield. The engine
stalled (I'm not sure if it was the water or a complete lack of
traction heading in) and we did float a little. Tom panicked and
bailed out the door. I panicked a little and a few thoughts ran
through my head..."how are we going to get out of here, what was I
thinking, what's my insurance going to say". I tried to restart the
car and nothing happened; slightly more panic. Then rational thought
returned and I realized that I couldn't start the car with it in
drive. I pushed the selector to park, turned the key and then
VROOOOOM, the car was running again. I called Tom back into the car
and pulled it into drive. She got traction and we drove right out
with no problem.

Tom was happy for the adventure of the day, but I was severely
disappointed at having failed to summit. This is actually my second
failed attempt at Huron. I have summited 20 others solo, but have
failed Huron twice, both times with someone else in tow. My previous
attempt we got up to a boulder field, but were chased off due to
eminent storms and not being able to clearly identify where the
summit was. I think that this route is just a little rough because
there doesn't seem to be any real defined trail. I guess maybe I
should do the Winfield route to conquer the second lowest 14er.


P.S.
If anyone happens upon a Canon A620 in a gray case somewhere in the
woods between Lois and Cloyses, let me know... :D

Esmaa,
Quandary has one of the best views in Colorado.  See
how many 14ers you can spot from the top!
Have you finished "The Fatherless"?
Glad to hear your rehab is going well.
Anybody else getting out there?
Gary



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Gary,

I'll be back home in Colorado about Aug 10th.  My targets this year are North
Maroon, Wilson Peak, and El Diente, but none of my usual climbing partners are
available, so I will be looking to hook up with someone, especially for the
backpack into Wilson.

Van Williams



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Van - Thanks!  I have the 13er guide and also Ormes'
"Guide to the Colorado Mountains".  USGS now allows
you to print out full-size topo maps for free, so I
did that too.
I'll post a trip report when I get back, along with
any other climbs I do on my vacation.
What are other members climbing this summer?
Gary


      
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Gary,

I have climbed Powell.  It is one of my favorite climbs even though
it doesn't quite make 14.  It is nicer than a lot of the 14ers, and
I have climbed 50 of them.  It has been a few years, but our
approach was north from Vail via Red Sandstone Road to a trailhead
near Piney Lake Dude Ranch.  We left Denver about 10 AM and then
packed in for an early start the next morning.  The first part is
pretty flat and then you leave the valley floor and climb steeply up
to the NE.  I would not expect snow to be a problem in August, even
this year, but there is some rock scrambling.  I had some delays
finding the route my first try and then got chased out by weather.
The book "Guide to the Colorado 13ers" has directions, but it is
back at home and I am not. Good luck.

Van Williams



--- In coloradofourteeners@yahoogroups.com, "Gary Stearns"
<climb14ers@...> wrote:
>
> Hi - Is anyone familiar with the Gore Range?  I know they're just
> thirteeners, but I'm planning to pack in and climb Mt. Powell
(13,575')
> and maybe Eagle's Nest Peak (13,432').  The information I find
online
> and in guidebooks is a little sketchy, so if anyone knows the
shortest
> and/or easiest approach I'd appreciate hearing about it!
> I'll be doing some other climbs in August as well - Mt. Elbert,
Holy
> Cross, Mt. Meeker and maybe Mt. Lindsey.
> I'm from Tampa and I have to haul all my gear out on a plane...how
are
> the snow conditions this year?  Does anyonyone know if I would
need an
> ice axe on any of the above mountains on a standard route in
August?
> Gary
>

Hi - Is anyone familiar with the Gore Range?  I know they're just
thirteeners, but I'm planning to pack in and climb Mt. Powell (13,575')
and maybe Eagle's Nest Peak (13,432').  The information I find online
and in guidebooks is a little sketchy, so if anyone knows the shortest
and/or easiest approach I'd appreciate hearing about it!
I'll be doing some other climbs in August as well - Mt. Elbert, Holy
Cross, Mt. Meeker and maybe Mt. Lindsey.
I'm from Tampa and I have to haul all my gear out on a plane...how are
the snow conditions this year?  Does anyonyone know if I would need an
ice axe on any of the above mountains on a standard route in August?
Gary

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In a message dated 5/10/2007 10:56:01 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
jimgil35@... writes:

Hi  Group,

Myself and 2 of my friends are going to try and hike up to the
Conundrum Hot Springs. Our plan is to hike to the Hot Springs the first
day, then hike to the top of Castle Peak the next day, then the third
day hike home (to the car). Is there another trail to the peak besides
the Electric Pass route? Has anyone been there and could maybe talk to
us about the routes?

Thanks



Hi

    Conundrum Hot Springs is a great place and   it is always nice to sit  in
the hot springs arng  clothing  optional    Just so you know .
  I have been in there a number of times and there are a  few ways Up catle
peak  Electric pas being OK   but it you  want   just  pick your way up the
west there are a few  paths made by  hikers .
  you can also  takea much more difficult  route  up the from the southwest

Though officially closed  The Electric pass rout is used  by hikers and
should be easy to find But  it does c go up to castle  peak  y  te  abandoned
rout
brings you out to the 13,600 electric  pass   a  sub peak along  Cathedral
peaks  north ridge  . a l the hike is nice  and vies are spectacular but.  a
long
ways  from castle peak .
  there isa  sometimes carined    marker  to the un official trail  the  is
well trodden  up  the west face  .  it is a class the scramble on 45 + degree
slopes and ledges with rotten lose rock , that  is  not d  fun to descent .

  I would climb castle from the east  via  either the  snow slope   to the
North west riide  or the north east ridge  my preferred  rout it is easy  a
class  - 3 scramble   at most great views  . and    a relatively  fast way down
as you will want to be down before    noon and  below high points  . and   away
from water  .

  If you want a  overnight to a 14nr  Snowmass  is a great  option  and  one
of Colorado's    most  spectacular  places to camp the vies of the granite
spire  of  Hagerman peak ,  Snowmass' s  many  sub  peaks   along with the
snowfield    a  nice way  up   if  there is snow  all the way  down  to the lake
.
other wise it is a scramble on huge boulders
  When are you going  that will make a big difference  in conditions .

   Feel free to email me

Rick






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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi Group,

Myself and 2 of my friends are going to try and hike up to the
Conundrum Hot Springs. Our plan is to hike to the Hot Springs the first
day, then hike to the top of Castle Peak the next day, then the third
day hike home (to the car). Is there another trail to the peak besides
the Electric Pass route? Has anyone been there and could maybe talk to
us about the routes?

Thanks