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Trip Mileage : 13 Miles
Trip Elevation : 2,300'
Trip Time : 8.5 Hours
I'm pretty sure it's no surprise to anyone who knows me or reads my trip reports, but I REALLY like the Lost Creek Wilderness. A lot. It seems that no matter how many amazing experiences and sights I find in the LCW, I keep finding more. This trip was no exception.
As I have done in a number of my previous LCW reports, I have kept details of our route to a minimum, specifically to provide the opportunity of adventure for the next party. I'll let the pictures/captions tell the story. If you would like any additional details, feel free to send a PM.
The Start and Approach
I was able to round up Brian Thomas and Vonmackle (Cameron) for this trip, which ended up being surprisingly easy considering how hard it is sometimes to find partners for 10ers and 11ers. After meeting in Morrison to carpool, we headed to the Lost Park Campground/TH and arrived at 7:30AM. The trailhead is located at the end of Lost Park Road, about 20 miles from the intersection with 285 just south of Kenosha Pass and takes about 1.5 hours to drive to from Denver.
The first 4-4.5 miles is a long, easy trek heading east along the Wigwam Trail. The trail gains no elevation over the distance, and in fact loses close to 200'. One is able to move through this part quickly. We left the trail when we were directly Northwest of 10926, then proceeded to bushwhack directly up towards it. After some huffing and puffing, we reached the true start of the fun.
Morning breaking along the Wigwam Trail.
Bison Peak looming large above us.
The day's goal, ahead in the morning haze. (10926 on left, 11230 on right.)
Following the pleasant, smooth Wigwam Trail.
Wigwam Trail.
Approaching 10926 on the trail in.Photo by Cameron
The Ascent of 10926- Ledges, Caves and Cracks
Ledges
Northwest cliffs of 10926.
North face weakness on 10926.
Cameron starting up the north face ledges.
Brian and Derek on the ledges. Photo by Cameron
Brian and Cameron exiting from the ledges onto an overlook, Buffalo Peak in the distance.
Caves
Cave number one.
Unsuccessful attempt to exit cave number one, Brian watching below.
Cave number two, Derek near the exit. Photo by Cameron
Exit ledge. (Summit ascent option #1)
Derek on the exit ledge. (Summit ascent option #1)Photo by Brian
Exit ledge from above. (Summit ascent option #1)
Cracks
Headed for "The Crack". (Summit ascent option #2)Photo by Cameron
Exiting "The Crack", Brian watching below. (Summit ascent option #2)
Cameron sucking it in for "The Crack". (Summit ascent option #2)
Teamwork for "The Crack". (Summit ascent option #2)
Summit of 10926, looking towards Lost Park with some old slings left over from previous ascents.
A summit oddity.
A summit view. (Buffalo Peak on right, Windy Peak just out of view on the left.)
Descending.
The Ascent of 11230- Ridgin' It
After descending 10926, we continued SE to the next peak: 11230. While there are likely simpler ways to ascend this peak, but we decided to stick with the west ridge.
Looking ahead at 11230.
Workin' the cliffs to the base of 11230.
West Ridge of 11230.
Chock stone move.Photo by Cameron
Ascending the chock stone.
Above the chock stone move, looking down.
Brian on the ridge.
Ridge scramble.
Brian on the ridge, 10926 in the background.
Cameron topping on 11230Photo by Brian
McCurdy Mountain from the summit of 11230.
Windy Peak.
The Descent and Detour to Pt 10973
Carefully descending 11230.
Looking up towards the top of Pt. 10973.
10926 from Pt. 10973.
"Diving Board" rock on the summit of Pt. 10973.
Looking back at Cameron and 11230 from Pt. 10973.
Fall in the LCW. Along the Wigwam Trail.
Trekkin' home.
Most exhilarating moment of the day....catching a trout with my bare hands.Photo by Brian.
Fin
Map of the Day
Another fantastic fall day in the Lost Creek Wilderness.
My visit to LCW this summer was as super as expected. That's an amazing area! Great report on some more of it! Enjoyed your excellent photos showcasing it at it's best!! Thanks for posting!
Very nice shots, Derek! I must say that 10926 is right up there with The Castle as one of my favorite LCW summits to date. It is shall we say ”interesting” with snow. It is an unusual summit to figure out for sure with that cave! Looks like a very cool crack route alternative you found! I'll have to go back some day and explore that.
this place looks really cool. Having now hiked, climbed, and camped in this area, these peaks look attractive and inviting.
Thanks for the write up and pics!
Shall we have another February camp and climb?
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