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"...
| Report Type |
Full |
| Peak(s) |
Mt. Herard - 13,347 feet
"Medano Peak" - 13,146 feet
12925
12883
Gardner Butte - 7330
|
| Date Posted |
10/23/2011 |
| Modified |
05/18/2012 |
| Date Climbed |
10/23/2011 |
| Author |
Steve Knapp |
| Additional Members |
jkirk |
| Herard Medano Group |
UN 12883
"Medano Peak" (13,153)
Mount Herard (13,340)
UN 12925
10 miles RT, 5,500' gain, 7 hours
From Medano Lake TH (9,600'), Sangre De Cristo
Partners: John and Alyson
On a perfect fall day it was time to get one last trip high into the Sangres. I met up with John and Alyson in Highlands Ranch at 4am and made the long drive to the Medano Lake trailhead via the east side over Medano Pass. The road is decent most of the way, worst on the west side of the pass near the trailhead. It was 30 degrees when we started about 7:30am, clear skies and no wind.
12883:
We made good time up the Medano Lake trail, which was mostly dry with a few patches of snow. At about 10,800 we left the trail and bushwhacked steeply NW to treeline. The last 1,000 vertical feet went quickly on the bare, grassy south facing slope of 12883. The summit was reached about 10am. It worked well to do this group of four peaks in this direction this time of year. I was concerned about possible deep snow on the north side of Medano and Herard, but it had been two weeks since the last storm and the snow was mostly blown off or compacted. The gaiters never came out.
Medano Peak:
Next up was Medano Peak. It was over 1,000' of gain from the saddle and I was feeling it a bit, I haven't been above 13k since early September in the Gore Range. From Medano we continued our loop over to Mt. Herard which had even more snow on it. The descent of Herard was a bit tricky with quite a bit of snow and a cornice on the ridge. From the last saddle it was an easy hike to the top of 12925. It was interesting to look down onto the Great Sand Dunes, I've got to get in there sometime and play on the sand.
Mount Herard:
John and Alyson on Mt. Herard summit:
Zoom to the Crestone Group:
From 12925 we followed the long NE ridge to treeline and then descended steeply down the north slopes. Here there was a foot of snow from the last storm and it was great to bash quickly down through it, making for a speedy descent. We regained the trail and reached the trailhead by 2:30 in time to learn the Broncos had pulled off an amazing win in Miami. Tebow time! I'll be at the game Sunday, we'll see how they fare against the surprising Lions.
12925:
A look back to Medano Peak:
Medano Lake (swimming season nearly over):
Since it was so early there was still more peaks we could do. 9540 and 9335 were pretty easy from a couple miles east of the pass. We couldn't figure out a decent way down to 9611 without spending the rest of the day doing it so we skipped that one. On to Gardner Butte, which was a really fun 4th class climb. Then we finished the day with a sunset climb of North Rattlesnake Butte, about 15 miles out onto the Plains. At 6,450 this peak was nearly 7,000 feet lower than Mt. Herard. Quite the variety, and a nice 8-peak day!
Gardner Butte:
Topo for Medano/Herard group:
|
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.
