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Reading the 14ers.com website, I kept looking for the main lower trailhead so I was surprised when I drove right up to the gate. We arrived around 0700, and there were already many vehicles at the open gate, and at least seven vehicles parked beyond the gate, including one Jeep which was parked up near the hilltop mine. The road is very easily accessible by regular vehicle all the way to the gate.
My son Will (who turned 13 the next day) and friend Dennis and started climbing at 0720 and reached the hilltop mine at 0800. Here is a picture of Will and me at the beginning of the climb. It was cold when we started, but it didn't take long for us to shed layers.
We were all very intrigued by the mines. I would love to know the stories behind them.
The climb up is clear and straightforward as it starts at tree line. The trail is well marked so it just meant following the trail and the people in front of us. Fortunately the weather was beautiful - clear blue skies and little wind. A fellow climber told us that he had to turn back on a previous attempt because of the winds, and I'm sure it would have been mighty cold if the winds were blowing, but fortunately, they were not.
We hit ridge line by 0815 and passed the rock scramble area by 0835. We reached the narrow ridge line at 0850 and reached the summit at 0910. Not bad to complete a 14er in under two hours.
The view from the top was remarkable with Leadville to the west with Elbert, Massive and Holy Cross (my alma mater) in the background. It was a remarkable sight.
Here are some of the summit pictures.
The hike down was quick and easy.
We stopped in at the mine and got a picture from inside. It is creepy in the mines. Not a job I would like to have.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Comments or Questions
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