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"...
Sampling of the San Juans Pt 2. Redcliff (great views of Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn)
The Plan: Redcliff and Pt 13241.
Reality: Redcliff and ALMOST 13241 (AKA "Fortress Pk)
After hitting Chicago Basin (see Pt 1 http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=8882) headed over to the Owl Creek Pass an area I just discovered earlier this year which has become one of my favorite areas of the state.
When planning the trip originally I was aiming for hiking Redcliff and Precipice, but I couldn't find any route info for Precipice so I decided instead on Pt 13241 as I found a route description in a guidebook for the Uncompahgre wilderness.
not a 13er but still impressive
Redcliff was a very straight forward hike, just head up the West Fork trail (TR 226) a little past Redcliff then cut up to the Redcliff Coxcomb saddle, then up Redcliff's only sloped side.
Coxcomb from Redcliff-Coxcomb saddle
Views were incredible, giving a seldom view of Uncompahgre's and Wetterhorn's north sides.
Uncompahgre Wetterhorn Courthouse and Chimney from Redcliff
See http://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=8639&parmuser=luckyzsquirrel&cpgm=tripuser for a description of the hike of Courthouse earlier this year.
Fortress from Redcliff Precipice from Redcliff
A traverse from Redcliff to 13241 looked near impossible as it was on bad rock and would be class 4 or 5 IF THE ROCK WERE SOLID, which it wasn't. So I dropped down and headed up to the Redcliff-13241 saddle.
Redcliff on the way down
The guidebook described Redcliff has more difficult and 13241 as "relatively easy". The landscapes were incredible, the hike was miserable. The top half of the ascent to the saddle is very steep loose dirt and talus. From there the rest of the hike was up terrain you'd expect to see in Bryce canyon if Bryce canyon was on top of a mountain with exposure. Pictures imply good hand holds, but the rock is crumbly volcanic tuff, like climbing up a pebbly sand castle. Only 150' or so from the top I hit a spot that i just wasn't comfortable crossing. I basically had to traverse across a steep side slope of loose dirt/rock above a sizable drop off. So if I started sliding I'd be screwed. I really didn't want to turn around but it just wasn't worth the risk. Heading down I did note that West slope looked very climbable, but from where I was I would need to head half way down to get around some shear sided gullies, and I just didn't have the energy or will at that point.
Redcliff from near the saddle of Fortress Looking back to Redcliff from the turn arount point Matterhorn and Weterhorn behind a balanced rock.
Disappointing that I didn't make the 2nt peak, but still a great trip overall.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
This is on our upcoming agenda, making your TR timely and me grateful.
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.
