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"...
Note: The road to Naylor Lake had several inches of snow on our drive up (some spots melted prior to our drive down) but was not a problem for our Forester.
I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves today, given that it was very difficult to make myself take my gloves off long enough to take pictures.
*Disclaimer: the wind tended to pick up every time I got out the camera*
Looking down at Naylor Lake:
Ben carefully checking the map:
On the ridge, heading towards Square Top Mountain:
Our dog, Leo, likes snow (although he's not a fan of wind):
In some places, the wind had blown the snow into interesting patterns:
Hiking along the summit ridge:
Ben on the summit:
Given the conditions, we decided against continuing along the ridge to Argentine and Wilcox. Looking towards Wilcox on the way down:
I wasn't able to get a picture but I did see something I hadn't before today: on our way down the ridge, Ben picked up a fist-sized rock and threw it straight up into the air--the wind carried it quite a ways before it fell.
Looking back up at Square Top:
Heading down towards the lake:
Silver Dollar Lake was beautiful, and the wind created interesting patterns on its surface:
We saw alot of ptarmigan today--how many can you spot in this photo? (Hint: Look at the center of the photo)
I was glad to have my microspikes today--there was some ice under the snow. Overall, it was a great hike, and I'm looking forwards to going back for Argentine and Wilcox. I'll just pick a day with a less windy forecast...
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I have always enjoyed Square Top and it's been a couple years since I've been up it. Your report reminds me that I need to do it again this winter. Thanks for the report!
Is the reason I stayed below treeline skiing on Sat! It's a pretty area, go back when the weather is better. Just beware the dead fall below Wilcox! (ie. Do the Leavenworth approach)
Appreciate the comments. Both of us almost got lifted up by the wind at different points, and we had to keep our skin completely covered once we hit the ridge--we probably should have stayed below treeline.
I'll check out the Leavenworth approach for Wilcox--thanks for the heads-up.
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.
