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"...
I am happy to say I finished the sawatch range today with a beautiful mountain and a beautiful woman. My wife Amanda has been very supportive in my grand endeavor to climb/hike the Colorado 14ers, and today she proved it once again. We left the house at 215am to reach the S. Winfield trailhead at 530am, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy going the road was. I didn't have to put the car into 4wheel drive, but I did have to take it pretty slow in a few sections due to some larger rocks and dips in the road. We hit the trail at 6am to clear skies and fairly warm temps.
Besides hiking with my wife today, we decided to bring our little troublemaker (Einstein) as well. I wasn't sure how he'd handle hiking a 14er, but I've taken him on some decent hikes in Boulder so I figured if he couldn't make it, I would carry him!
This trail is very easy to follow and has numerous rewards for all of your efforts, one being the beautiful 3 apostles. I was shocked at how jagged these mountains are especially for being in the Sawatch.
Shortly after the 3 apostles make their appearance, our final destination made its debut. I have to admit, it is nothing spectacular, nothing more than a large round bump, but to my wife it was imposing. I remember the pep talk I gave her, "remember it's not a race, and if you get tired you can stop."
She always impresses me with her resolve, and this time was no different. She pressed on, spurred by the beautiful scenery.
Nearing the top of the ridge we finally had the sun on our side. To me there is something soul lifting about the light, and the heat of the sun, much to my wife's chagrin who forgot her sunglasses!
As innocuous as this picture is, I just wanted to show our dog. This little dog dragged my butt up the mountain, and actually pulled me down nearly as quick, his short little legs are strong. You can nearly see the summit from here.
Amanda was starting to feel the hurt, I don't blame her. It was her first hike of the season, and number 4 on her 14er list, so again I gave her a pep talk and reminded her of how close we were to the summit. There is something about the top of a mountain that seems to attract people, and Amanda is no different. She pushed through the pain.
This picture was taken from the same location as the previous picture, it looks down on the meandering trail before it gets tough.
Here's our little crag hopper nearing the summit.
I once told Amanda that the closer you get to a tough summit, the further it seems. She received a dose of that reality today. This picture shows how close, yet so far the summit can seem. The talus near the top isn't bad because of the decent trail through it.
The crowds were in full swing today on Huron, but hey what can you expect when the weather is this nice?
In shear anguish my beautiful wife still manages to smile for the camera. (Of course seeing the summit helps too)
Congratulations on your 4th 14er Amanda!
We tried to get the dog to pose as well, but that didn't work out. The 3 apostles dominate the view in the background, which was awesome!
Looking past the crowd to Harvard, this was a cool perspective on a somewhat hidden monarch.
I love hiking with my wife, I don't get to experience it too much so I savor these hikes. I love spending time in the outdoors and it is made so much sweeter when shared with loved ones. I am glad I finished the Sawatch range in the company of my wife, and our dog. (his 1st 14er) I can now focus on more challenging climbs in the Sangres and the San Juans!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Love the report. I‘m taking the kids on Huron in September, they sometimes get the little ”you‘re almost there” pep talks too. Congrats on finishing the Sawatch Range. What vehicle did you take to the TH? Would a 2wd pickup w/good clearance make it?
Way to go jay!! That is soo cool..glad your wife did it with you!!Nice pics we are hoping to get a couple of 14ers in this summer but we are currently addicted to mountain biking...plus i just got cleared to hike from my ortho doc
I read this the day before I finished the Sawatch with my wife, who is not a big climber, but really supportive. It was like you wrote the rough draft for me. Enjoyed the report, and great pictures!
We took our 4runner up to the TH, and yes I think your 2wd truck with good clearance could make it. The only issue I would worry about are some spots of the road were a little steep but with weight in the back you might make it. Also the last bit of road is very narrow, you risk getting stuck if you pull off of the road to let someone pass. The traction control only went off once or twice, but again we didn't put it into 4wd.
Chicalorado- Your dog Cubbie was awesome! You know Ryne Sandberg (Ryno) was t my favorite ball player when I was growing up.
cftbq- thank you and I look forward to the challenge!
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.