Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
If one weekend could encapsulate why I love Colorado...
Summary:
Wow, what an incredible weekend and time in the mountains! I got to climb 2 of the longest, and most beautiful mountains in the state.
I met some new friends, and climbed with some old friends. I went with some first time-ers, and climbed with some veterans. I climbed a familiar mountain, and claimed a brand new one. I did some hiking, and also got my first taste of what running on a 14er is really like.
This weekend certainly held a wide spectrum of the different experiences to be had on these peaks, and well encapsulates why I spend my weekends "getting high"
Note: These 2 peaks are my first time without a pack (using a running belt)
Our group was 7 interns from work and a rival firm. We are all in early to mid 20's. Two of us (Arjun and I) had climbed Longs before.
Arjun, Boris, Nikhil, and I made it to the keyhole in 3 hours, where we waited for the other 3: Jack, Peter, and Brian. We split up into 2 groups at this point.
Keyhole: one of the best sunrise locations in the state
It took us about an hour and a half to summit. Boris and I took a class IV variation on the left of the trough that I had been eyeing in the past. This time we followed it to it's logical end then went back right to the "crux" move.
Peter, Nikhil, Boris, Jack, Brian, Arjun, and I
On a July weekend, Longs is certainly an ant farm. Probably 300+ people on the mountain Saturday. On descent, Arjun, Boris, and I passed about 50 just on the homestretch and the narrows because we stayed to the right of the bulls eyes above the narrows. The climbing is a bit more difficult but you can get around people, this easily saved 30min.
Interestingly, Boris and I were able to avoid the section with the bolts in the rocks on the ledges. We went above it, and while I don't recommend going off trail it was a cool detour.
Since I had my running shoes, I ran about the last 3 miles of descent. From the 0.5 mi to the TH it took me just under 3 minutes: the closest I've ever come to a 6 minute mile.
Day 2: Mount of the Holy Cross
Start Time: 5:30am End Time: 12:43pm Total Time: 7hr 13min Distance: 13mi Elevation Gain: 5400'
This was a 3 person hike with some fast guys: Craig, Phillip, and me. Craig is my go-to 14er buddy, we've done many peaks together and will continue to do more. Phillip is a new friend who is well experienced, recently having done Pyramid Peak.
We did the loop with halo ridge and all the 13ers, and it is highly recommended.
We started with about a 3 mi pace, and made it to the top of the ridge near the shelter in about 2 hr.
Phillip (right) and I
Trail emerging from treeline 20-30 switchbacks on a very well made trail
The structure on the hill is very well-built and neat to see on the hill from other parts of the ridge. I don't know if it is open in the winter but would offer a great camping spot.
We then proceeded to knock out the three 13ers on the ridge, enjoying the boulder hopping and grassy plateaus. There were some interesting rock formations around the ridge that were overhanging.
What an amazing well-built structure. First 13er on ridge Phillip heading toward second 13er Second 13er on ridge Final 13er on ridge MHC from final 13er. Craig on top of rock face.
The great thing about these boulders, is that there were plenty of bowl-shaped ones with rain water from the day before to drink out of. I only brought about a liter of water, so it was nice to be able to suck down a little extra for good measure.
On the top, Craig and Phillip finished their 18th 14er and I my 19th. Phillip was wise enough to have brought a which wich bag to the top, a decision we would later be very thankful for!
The descent was also done via the standard route on a well made trail. It was a typical 14er staircase, with some orange and yellow plastic flairs as well as cairns to show the way.
Once you drop into the forest, you'll soon encounter a large river, after which there is another 1000' of elevation gain and 3 miles back to the trailhead. This is where I decided to start jogging, and it took me 43 minutes to reach the trailhead from here. (14 minute miles)
Descent Elevation gain on return on standard route
Craig and Phillip arrived soon after, clocking in at 7hr 34min.
The other 2 had brought a copy of the Roach book I've heard so much about, and it certainly helped kill time during the stop-and-go traffic on eastbound I-70. After painful delays we got into Golden at 4:40 pm and enjoyed a free sandwich.
This weekend I was able to get a good taste of some of the greatest parts of the state, with some awesome people. After a deep and needed night of sleep, I experienced a flow of lucid dreaming detailing all the great things I have to live for. I can't wait for what the mountains hold next time!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Different groups of people want to do it so I keep accompanying them. It's totally worth the repeat to see the look on people's face when they first look through the keyhole!!
Good job on Capitol btw! You've really been crankin' em out this summer!
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
