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After arriving in Denver at around 6pm on the 4th of July, my climbing partner and I began the 5-hour drive to the San Juan's. Upon arriving to his sister's house in Ridgway, we crashed and planned to climb the Twin Peaks the following morning. After waking up late and getting on the trail around 11 o'clock, we expected to get T-stormed off the mountain, which sure enough happened right on schedule at about 1 o'clock.
The alarm clock went off at 5:15 the next morning and we were packed and set to climb our first 14er, Handies Peak. We got to the trailhead at around 8:40 and were off. (Don't try the Ouray to American Basin Road w/out 4-wheel and high clearance.) The trail starts off by winding upwards into American Basin, and gives some excellent views of American peak. You do still have to cross some mellow snowfields along the way.
American Peak.
Such as this one
Cool waterfall along the way to Sloan Lake.
After you wind around going up very gentle switchbacks, you eventually reach Sloan Lake, which was still frozen over in July!
Views looking back down into the basin.
Views of the remaining route.
Views as you are approaching the summit, on the last steep section.
Views from the summit.
More summit pics.
The massive San Juan's
Wetterhorn and Uncompaghre in the distance.
Views of the basin coming down.
The hike down was pretty uneventful, but still offered some nice views of the surrounding peaks. It took a little while less descending than it did going up the peak.
The wildflowers were out!
Columbines.
Blue Bells.
Not sure what these are...anyone?
Again not sure hehe...
Handies had some awesome flowers!
Overall, Handies made for an awesome first 14er. It offered some minor snow fields to cross, there were beautiful wildflowers, and we just had a great hike!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I am definitely not a wildflower expert, but I think your first unidentified pic is of Purple Fringe. No clue about your second shot though.
Great pics.
Im did some more searching, and im pretty sure the first one is a purple fringe also, thanks!
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