| Report Type | Full |
| Peak(s) |
Uncompahgre Peak - 14,318 feet |
| Date Posted | 09/04/2013 |
| Date Climbed | 07/10/2013 |
| Author | HULKHIKEGOOD |
| Summer Bro session part 2 |
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Chapter 3- Lake city and Uncompahgre We got some great rest after the beast of a hike that is San Luis. We got up and had some coffee and pancakes and got our gear together. We headed out about 0900 or so and made our way onto the 114. From there we hoped on the 50 and made a brief stop in Gunnison. After we relieved ourselves of the morning coffee we proceeded onto the 149. The blue Mesa reservoir was depressingly low and if I remember correctly it was low last year as well. After about 20 minutes on the 149 we ran into construction and a 45 minute wait. We agreed that the stop in Gunnison was a fantastic choice because we didn't want to relieve ourselves in front of a line of cars! We finally made it to Lake City around lunch time and we both agreed that Poker Alice was first on the agenda. Aaron got his typical 3 slices of pepperoni and the typical quote of "Don't judge me!" I got my usual Buffalo Burger and Fat Tire. We ate, we laughed, and life was good. We got some ice and supplies before we left town and made our way to the Nellie Creek road. We had some doubts about if we could make it all the way to the trailhead and after 5 minutes on the road our doubts would become a little stronger. A SUV was bottomed out on the side of the road about ¼ mile up the road which made AO's knuckles whiter and my butt pucker a little tighter. Since we were headed up a little later in the day, all the folks who had bagged Unc were headed back down, adding to the "fun" of this road. It is a "4wd recommended road" but it should say 4wd"required" instead. DO NOT TAKE YOUR FORD ESCORT TO THE TOP!  After what seemed like forever we made it to the trailhead and found a good site to settle into for the night. There is a toilet and some good camp sites at the trail head and a creek for water about 50 yards from the road.  After we got settled in we met a group of guys from Texas. We gave them bacon and pancake mix and they gave us dinner and a night full of story swapping and jokes. This was one of the most enjoyable nights camping I have ever had!  We got up the next morning around 0445, had some food and coffee and got out gear ready for the hike. We set off for the trail around 0530.  After about 20 minutes on the trail you can see Unc peeking over the top of the trees.  This trail is the best I have been on in my limited experience and it would be one of the many pleasantries we would have on this awesome day. The first real task of the day is a headwall you have to conquer.   But once at the top you are greeted with stellar views.   After a pleasant hike up the valley the next real task is getting up the saddle. But once on top of the saddle you are blessed with more views.   After about a 10 minute hike you reach the switchbacks. These are steep and grinding but totally doable. This is where I started to feel it pretty good but pushed on through!  Once you are done with the switchbacks you come to a nice, fun little scramble section. It is fun and easy and there is no need to worry about it, just be courteous and don't kick any rocks.   After the scramble section it is an easy hike to the summit!  This summit and its views are IMO a league of its own! I was blown away by how beautiful it was up there! We stayed at the top for about 90 minutes and just soaked it all in.          We met a couple of guys who were doing Wetterhorn as well that day and I hope they made it! The weather was perfect for a long day and if the spirit was willing, it could be done!  We passed by our friends from the night before on the way down and congratulated them on making it up!    We made it back to the TH around 1330 and took our time breaking down camp. We headed down the Nellie creek road and made our way to Salida. We ate at Wallbangers where I had the best plate of nachos I have ever had! We stayed that night at the Holiday inn express and I had a great conversation with a dude in the hot tub (Don't judge) He had just done Princeton and was doing Harvard the next day, He was a great guy so I hope he was successful! I had a very therapeutic swim in the pool and we chilled out for the rest of the night. Part 3 will cover the last leg of our journey, coming soon......  Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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