12ers

Colorado peak questions, condition requests and other info.
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badger4
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12ers

Post by badger4 »

So the gf wants to start hiking 14ers this summer. I don't really want to head up Sherman or Quandry until i feel comfortable that she can handle the elevation and distance of the hikes. So here's what i'm looking for:

8-10 miles RT
Summit (or destination) above treeline
Class 2+
a little exposure just to give her the feel for it

I know this is pretty particular, but now ya'll know exactly what i'm looking for. Looking for some recommendations.
Last edited by badger4 on Wed May 09, 2007 11:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
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CG_old
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Post by CG_old »

Mount Audubon is a good easy peak, a bit over 13k, in the Indian Peaks. Others in the area that would fit the bill:

- Audubon (IPW)
- Pawnee (IPW)
- Flattop (RMNP)
- James Peak would probably be good (haven't done this one)

None of those exceed Class 2, are under 10 miles RT, and have stellar views. There's hundreds more too, I'm sure others have will have some great ideas!

- Chris

Edit: Just saw the "little exposure" part. Hmm... none of those have any exposure. Will have to give that some thought... :-)
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superlupomaniac
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Post by superlupomaniac »

I would suggest Mt. Victoria for a good training hike. It's easy to get to the trailhead, and beer and food are within quick reach once you finish. Also, if either of you are having a bad day you can bail at Mt. Royal and still call it a good day. Besides you have great views of the Blue River valley and the Ten Mile range.
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Ski4Fun
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Post by Ski4Fun »

Is there somewhere I can get information (topo, routes, websites) for some 12ers?
Ski now, work later.
Mark
badger4
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Post by badger4 »

Super--i like your style with the beer and food. It's not a requirement though as i generally have a cooler full of beer in the truck for post hikes. Thanks for the great recommendations so far. Keep 'em coming.
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speedpolka
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Post by speedpolka »

Look at the Lost Creek Wilderness. There is something for just about everyone.
Subduction leads to Orogeny.
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Brad
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Post by Brad »

I too will be doing a hike/climb with my wife to gauge her readiness to tackle a 14er; what we are planning is driving up the Pikes Peak Toll Road and parking at Devils Playground, then hiking the last 1.5 miles to the summit. This will give her about an 1800' elevation gain at over 12000'.
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Andy
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Post by Andy »

Ski4Fun wrote:Is there somewhere I can get information (topo, routes, websites) for some 12ers?
Try http://www.summitpost.org. A member over there recently created this list that has links (on the left) to all the individual mountains.
Last edited by Andy on Wed May 09, 2007 12:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by Kiefer »

Ski4Fun wrote:Is there somewhere I can get information (topo, routes, websites) for some 12ers?
Actually, yeah! I'd recommend, first, go to this website: Lists of John.
The link is already set up into the page you need.
From there, check out Summitpost, per Andy's suggestion for route information AFTER you head out to REI, EMS, etc. Buy a quad map for the area you're looking at or interested in. Quad information is also given in the link and coods. as to the exact location of the peak.
Finding a book on IPW (Indian Peaks Wilderness), LCW (Lost Creek Wilderness), Weimuneche Wilderness, whatever area you're looking at, etc... would probably also be a good idea.
Though I personally don't care for them, Falcon Books (Press) has a fairly wide selection of books that typically has more obscure peaks listed in them, per range/area.
Summitpost will also have links to Topozone and route information as well. You'll have to do a little work but all the beta is out there. I'm in the process of doing the same thing with 13ers and state highpoints. 8)
badger4
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Post by badger4 »

It always amazes me how I can post a question on here and before the day is over i have an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. Thanks all.
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Scott P
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Post by Scott P »

Some favorite technically easy 12ers of mine:

Meridian Peak

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... -peak.html

This is a very gentle mountain, but since it has a great view of the more rugged peaks in the Gore Range, it is highly recommended. It's actually 12 miles round trip, but if you start at the Elliot Ridge trailhead, it has little elevation gain, so is a lot easier than some 12ers that are only 8-10 miles round trip.

There are many other worthwhile peaks in the Gores as well. Demming and Buffalo are two recommended 12ers:

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... ntain.html

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... ntain.html

Skyscraper Peak

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... -Peak.html

Has some nice views. No exposure. Only 5.6 miles round trip from Rollins Pass, but you can extend the hike north to Devils Thumb or Peak 12,695.

Peak 12,695

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... -660-.html

An extension of the hike above. 8.6 miles round trip.

Lone Cone

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... -Cone.html

Very nice isolated summit in the San Juan Mountains. Fits the above desciption perfectly.

Flat Tops

The Flat Tops are cool and a bit different from the other mountains in Colorado. Lots of scenic lakes and meadows. I would highly recommend both Lost Lakes Peaks and Flat Top Mountain. Both these are 8-10 miles round trip. (Oops, edit: Lost Lakes is almost a 12er :oops: )

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... ntain.html

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... peaks.html

Mount Zirkel

Mount Zirkel is a great peak. It is 13 miles rouond trip though, so set it as a goal for later.

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock ... irkel.html

Those are just a few of the 12ers out there. There are many more.
Last edited by Scott P on Wed May 09, 2007 1:50 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Ski4Fun
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Post by Ski4Fun »

Skasgaard and Scott, thanks for the info. My fiance` enjoys hiking but she's not sure about a 14er yet. This will help build some of her confidence. Thanks!
Ski now, work later.
Mark
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