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"...
Whale Peak from Hall Valley, Gibson Lake Trailhead Total Mileage: 6.1 miles round-trip per GPS Total Elevation Gain: 2700 feet Climbers: Sunny1 and Fishdude
Background: We were looking for a quiet, non-committing hike. Something we could easily complete in a half-day from the Denver area.
I present this option with details, to save you from re-inventing the Whale.
Getting to the Trailhead:
From Denver, take 285 South to Grant.
Continue 3 more miles south on 285, then turn right on Co Rd 60, Hall Valley Rd.
This is a 2 WD road until just after Mile 5.2 from the intersection of 285 and Hall Valley Rd.
At that point, the Hall Valley Campground turn off will be on your left (Rd 120B).
Continue straight with care on Rd 120C 0.2 mi to the stream crossing.
There are rocks to navigate in the road.
Just before the stream crossing, there are a few places to park, if you have 2WD, this is the place to park.
A 2WD with high clearance and good tires or 4WD (preferable) can make it to the Gibson Lake TH, 1 mi further after the stream crossing, or 6.4 mi from where you turn onto the Hall Valley Rd.
The trailhead
There's a weather beaten sign at the south end of the parking lot, indicating the start of the trail:
We measured 2.3 miles one way to Gibson Lake (rather than the 3 mi noted on the sign), and approximately 1500 ft of elev gain to the lake
The trail takes you through a very nice forest. It's a serene hike.
At around 1.6 miles, you'll begin to reach treeline.
Reaching treeline. Fishdude getting hungry for Whale. The peak is just right of center above.
Continue on a well defined trail to 11,879 ft, where you'll find Gibson Lake.
Gibson Lake - there were trout jumping in there
From here you have 2 options to climb Whale Peak. In the photo above, you can hike left of the lake and climb up on the rock shelf, then on to the ridge and hike right to Whale's summit.
We decided to take a direct route, staying to the right of the willows in the picture below.
Fishdude nearing the top of the willows. The summit is to the left, out of sight. Proceed to the grassy shelf, then left up
Getting closer, continue upward on the tundra
From the summit, looking at the Tenmile Range. There were great 360 degree views up here
Sunny1 on the summit with Grays and Torreys Peaks in the background (photo credit Fishdude)
Gentian - one of late summer's floral treats
Close up of Gentian
Thank you for reading!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Other peaks from the Gibson Lake TH 8/7/2012 3:23am
It'd be a little far for the Boulder Watershed.
Depends what you're looking for - there are 12ers in the area that could easily be added to Whale. Or, you could continue North from Whale and go across Handcart Pk (12er)to Webster Pass, then to Landslide/Geneva/Sullivan/Santa Fe. Might want a 2nd vehicle for that.
Another option would be hiking Whale from Georgia Pass from the south - you'd get Glacier Pk (12er) enroute to Whale. If you're feeling energetic, you could retrace your steps to Georgia Pass then head south to Mt Guyot, 3 mi r/t from the pass.
I‘m confused. Is this a mountain, a fishing expedition, or a lethargy study? Are you sure there was altitude gain involved here? Just kidding. Glad you managed to get out and enjoy a short jaunt close to home! Must have been refreshing. Whale done.
Thank you for the comments and "Likes" 8/8/2012 1:26am
Dave: glad you found it helpful - it is a very serene hike.
Jay521: I didn't peer over the northern edge of the summit. My loss!
Doug: thanks for the kudos and for reading it. Sorry I missed you this year!
Joe: Never enough puns, I toned it down It was all the things you suggest. Thanks for the chuckle!
Have wanted to go up to Gibson Lake and Whale Peak for a whale now, and your trip report gave me the nudge I needed. Went last Sunday, August 12, and parked my 2wd-passenger car just outside the campground. It was a very pleasant trip, although had hazy views in comparison to when you were there as indicated by your clear summit pictures. Added bonus was seeing two moose near the trail on the descent through the forest below the lake.
Thanks for the TR, looks like a nice hike! Love the Gentian pics!
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.
