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"...
February 08, 2013
~ 15.8 Miles, ~5,300 Gain
TH: Sandbeach Trailhead, RMNP
With what is left of my remaining 13ers, obtaining a 13er I haven't climbed as a day trip in the winter is not an easy task. Fortunately, I left some low hanging fruit in The Park and Chiefs Head was a good option. Al and I slept near the trailhead and started hiking up the Sandbeach trail a little after 5:30 AM.
Sunrise
Snow Hare
The first part of the trail was dry, around ~9,000, the trail became snow packed but didn't require snowshoes and at ~9,600 we donned our snowshoes. A full re-trench commenced ~1 mile short of Sandbeach Lake. A good packed down base layer made the snowshoeing to Sandbeach Lake tolerable. We arrived at Sandbeach Lake a little before 8 AM and started our more intense snowshoe workout beyond the lake.
Al on the Sandbeach Trail.
Sandbeach Lake.
First view of Longs Peak.
Despite previous snowshoe trail breaking horror, overall, the snow wasn't too bad to break trail as we gained treeline. There were only a few really deep powder sections. Without a doubt, gaining the ~1000 feet above Sandbeach Lake was the most energy consuming. At ~11,200 we stashed our snowshoes and hiked on large talus until we passed Mt. Orton. Beyond Mt. Orton, there was a light snow cover on gentle terrain. Hiking on easy terrain led us to the base of the Chiefs Head's talus south ridge which was mostly barren of snow. The views of Long's and Pagoda were outstanding.
Al working his way out of treeline.
Me out of treeline (Photo by Al).
Al working his way towards Chief Head's south ridge.
Longs and The Notch.
View of Alice.
Al working his way on gentle terrain.
Me on gentle terrain (Photo by Al).
Looking up the south ridge on Chiefs Head
Forecasted wind around 20-30 mph was non-existent as we slowly climbed on steep class 2 talus towards the summit of Chiefs Head. For not having done any longer days recently, Al did an amazing job of keeping up. He must have eaten his Wheaties. I arrived on the summit around noon, took some photos and ended up falling asleep on the summit. Warm temperatures, clear skies and no wind made for a fine siesta.
The long ridge to Chiefs Head.
Al on the south ridge.
Climbing up the south ridge.
Final summit push.
Longs.
Longs.
Alice.
Color of Longs.
I woke up 40 minutes later to find Al laughing at my snoring. We basked in the views and started our long trek back to the car. We returned via our ascent route and our travel time was much faster from treeline to Sandbeach Lake. It is amazing what a good trench can do. Returning back to the car around 5:10 PM, Chiefs Head made for a stellar winter venture. I can't wait to give Pagoda a try.
Nap time (Photo by Al)(Maybe he will post the video of me snoring).
Alice from the descent.
Alice from the descent.
Looking back towards Chiefs Head.
Pagoda and Longs.
Before heading back into the trees.
Last good view of Pagoda and Longs.
Pagoda and Chiefs Head.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I've been wanting to get up there this past Fall and now Winter. Maybe I'll still give it a shot. Any avy concerns on the route you took? Did Alice look doable from the ridge or could you tell? Nice report!
Ryan- I'm really disappointed you didn't poach it. Why do all that extra work?
Unclgar- The ridge would be doable as it was mostly dry. The lower section above the saddle looked to be the trickiest.
tlerunner- I'm not sure when I will do Pagoda but it might be sometime during this next week depending on how much it snows. What approach did you use? Was it packed down?
I couldn't keep up if I was in full training but thanks for the positive words and breaking trail, a good day.
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.
