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"...
My wife and I found Cupid today, and that arrow is still lodged in my heart! We couldn't have picked an easier first and second thirteener, with many more in our future. We both agreed that we would go get a grizzly today, but Amanda wasn't in the wrestling mood once we topped Cupid, and frankly neither was I. Cupid was our only destination achieved today, but there will definitely be some training hikes up there in the near future.
This was a perfect relaxing hike for both my wife and I and would recommend this hike to anyone wanting to get acquainted with high altitude hiking. We left our house at a nice leisurely time of 630am and arrived at the trailhead around 745am, short and sweet! After some of the drives we've done this year, it felt like we could've walked to this trail.
This trail was exactly what the doctor ordered! Wide, mellow, no fall hazards and no route finding necessary. Don't get me wrong, I love tough mountains but being in the mountains is what it's all about isn't it? It was truly a relaxing experience, and I had some good company as well.
I was surprised to see Amanda keeping up and really pounding the trail. She has always said that she likes to hike in forests but I believe she was starting to see beauty in the browns, reds and yellows of the now transitioning tundra. Fall is here!
We banked right at the cairn well below the summit of pt. 12,915, and went below and around it. With the trail being so mellow I almost felt guilty taking the easy way around, but what the hell! For those wanting to avoid pt. 12,915 this is a good shortcut on a well established trail.
Shortly after jumping on the shortcut, you will encounter the steepest section of the trail leading up to Cupid, it is only about 50-100ft long and is over before it begins. By the time you surmount this little hill, you are on the saddle between pt. 12,915 and Cupid.
Shortly after making the saddle, we made our way up the innocuous little bump known as "Cupid"
This was a beautiful hike, and it was well worth the short drive to get up there. Fall has definitely arrived, and the following pictures show it! Sometimes you don't need maximum exposure to have maximum fun, sometimes taking a cruise is more relaxing and fun than taking a ride in a jet boat. By the time we arrived at our car the TH was packed, and the leaf viewers were in full bloom! Thanks for taking the time to read this and climb on!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I like to hit Sniktau or any of the 13ers from Loveland pass during the winter or if I'm short on time! These peaks are close and great conditioning for elevation and definitely give you that ”on top of the world” feeling. The alpine tundra in bloom up there is second to none in mid July.
Nice entertaining report and great pics!!
Ah yes.... good company makes any trip a great trip! May you have many more.
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.