Pikes on Wed (3/23)

by **tmathews** » 21 Mar 2011, 12:40

While I'm waiting to start my new job, I think I'd like to get out on Wednesday and attempt to summit Pikes via The Crags since it's relatively local to me. Anyone off this week for Spring Break or have that day off of work? I don't mind doing this solo, but company is always nice.

by **oldschool** » 21 Mar 2011, 18:26

Just sent you PM........sounds like a plan!

by **anna** » 22 Mar 2011, 09:25

What time are you planning on starting? Weather in the Sangres is looking mighty tempting, but if I decide to stay closer to home, I might consider joining you.

by **tmathews** » 22 Mar 2011, 09:37

anna wrote:What time are you planning on starting? Weather in the Sangres is looking mighty tempting, but if I decide to stay closer to home, I might consider joining you.

Not too early. I'm thinking around 7:00. I'm hoping the summit house will be open by the time we reach the summit so I can grab a half-dozen donuts. Looks like Mike (oldschool) will be joining me at this point, but you're welcome to come as well!

by **oldschool** » 22 Mar 2011, 09:42

Looks good to go for you Terry? I'm west of the divide so as soon as you think it's a go on Pikes drop me a PM or call me so I can get on my way to Pikes. Thx

by **tmathews** » 22 Mar 2011, 09:46

oldschool wrote:Looks good to go for you Terry? I'm west of the divide so as soon as you think it's a go on Pikes drop me a PM or call me so I can get on my way to Pikes. Thx

Yeah, I think so, Mike. I haven't heard anything from my employer yet about getting me started tomorrow, so I'll say this is a go. Sorry -- I thought you might be on this side of the Divide vacationing this week or something. That's gonna be a long haul for you! :shock:

by **tmathews** » 23 Mar 2011, 05:53

Mike was in a car accident last night while driving over Vail Pass. I spoke to him around 10:00. Thankfully, he is okay, but needs to get a couple tires replaced before heading back to Grand Junction.

I'll be heading up solo.

by **dmccool** » 23 Mar 2011, 14:04

Looks like you have incredible weather today, Terry. How were the winds?

by **Chipper** » 23 Mar 2011, 16:50

dmccool wrote:Looks like you have incredible weather today, Terry. How were the winds?

Yes, please post walking conditions when you're back at your computer. We're planning for the weekend.
In fact, doesn't that constitute total trip time ... computer off to computer back on?
Thanks,
Collin

by **tmathews** » 23 Mar 2011, 18:19

Bluebird! I don't think I had a wind gust over 15-20 MPH all day! Summit House was closed, but the road was open.

OK, first things first -- the road to the parking area after the Mennonite Camp is icy. I can see a lot of people getting stuck and a 4WD or AWD is highly recommended. Bring a shovel so you can shovel some dirt/gravel underneath your tires if you do get stuck.

The trail right out of the trailhead is icy going uphill. Once it levels out and heads toward the Crags trail, it's fine. The trail from the intersection with the Crags trail is significantly boot-packed and is slick in some areas. I actually didn't use any traction at all on the way up. Snowshoes are definitely not needed. As the trail enters the switchbacks as you head up toward Devil's Playground, it is hard boot-pack and icy in spots. Above treeline, I actually lost the trail and ended up going way over to the hiker's left. It was an easy fix once I realized where I was. From Devil's Playground on, the trail was hard-packed mixed with bare ground. The summit pitch was slick and icy in spots; I wore Micro-spikes on my way down from the summit. I also wore spikes from Devil's Playground all the way to the trailhead, but it was kind of an annoyance because I had to stop like every 5 minutes to kick the snow balls off.

by **dmccool** » 23 Mar 2011, 18:51

Solid day, Terry. Congrats. Did you see me? I was waving from down in the Springs.

by **EmmaM** » 23 Mar 2011, 20:44

Wow. Given the fierce winds in Fairplay and substantial blowing snow covering the Mosquitos, I kept wondering how bad Pike's would've been today. Nevertheless, it's nice to see that you had a perfect day and the winds were in your favor!

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