Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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CaptPenner wrote:
Sunny, is Holy Cross the only one you have left? You have been a busy little hiker. Uncompahgre with you and your husband is still my favorite climb. Thanks for the recommendations.
N Maroon and Mt of the Holy Cross are remaining on my 14er list. Rubbed shoulders with N Maroon today. Aspen in the area are excellent.
We had fun hiking with you, Scott. Ready to go again! You gotta get a little closer to the ground, though...
The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana.
+1 for La Plata. +1 for maroon bells wilderness. Was on pyramid on Friday and the colors were fantastic. I'd suggest picking a weekend in mid sept and then choose the peak based on day-by-day info. They can turn and fall pretty quickly.
I'm planning a trip for SW Colorado the first week of October. My wife and I would like to take a swing at Handies Peak. We did Greys, Torreys and Bierstadt a few weeks ago. Coming from MN and not afraid of any cold---and we realize weather is unpredictable---BUT, in most years, will Handies Peak be free of snow (traditional route) thru early October?
prichard1115 wrote: ↑Tue Sep 07, 2021 2:08 pm
I'm planning a trip for SW Colorado the first week of October. My wife and I would like to take a swing at Handies Peak. We did Greys, Torreys and Bierstadt a few weeks ago. Coming from MN and not afraid of any cold---and we realize weather is unpredictable---BUT, in most years, will Handies Peak be free of snow (traditional route) thru early October?
The last 2 years Handies was free of snow in early October. I don't think you could say most years, but you could say often.
Some day our kids will study Clash lyrics in school.
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
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October is when it starts changing, you should be free of snow early on, but it's hard to say. Capitol Peak has lots and lots of aspens on the hike into the lake. La Plata also has alot of aspens.
"There's always the possibility that some a**hole will be offended." -Clint Eastwood, Escape from Alcatraz
"Life is cruel, why should the afterlife be any different".-Davey Jones
"The decision to triage us to death...I understand. I don't know that I would agree with it. Certainly not in retrospect because obviously I made it."-Beck Weathers, Dark side of Everest
Hard to say, watch the forecast. Here is a photo of Handies from Whitecross last month on Aug. 20. Note the snow was already melting on the eastern slopes facing the morning sun.
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"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." - Norman Maclean
i recall a boatload of aspens on the approach to Uncompahgre. if you had to road walk that one from 2WD parking, it would definitely be worthwhile in the fall.
also there are some real gems off CR390 and anything accessible from Cottonwood Pass. happy hiking!
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
Scott P wrote: ↑Mon Sep 24, 2012 7:14 am
Because of the longer approach than most 14ers and because the route passes through many aspen groves, Capitol is excellent in fall.
Absolutely, Capitol. That iconic face and a sea of aspen meet you the moment you step out of the car.
Any of the Elk 14ers are great for aspen viewing. You will get aspen driving to the trailhead and at the beginning of your hikes.
