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"...
The Dragon's Back at sunset with Wetterhorn Peak and Uncompahgre Peak on the horizon.
This weekend Diane and I went on an overnight backpacking trip into the Uncompahgre Wilderness of the San Juan Mountains to explore and photograph the area around Unnamed Peak 12968, which is unofficially known as the Dragon's Back. I have wanted to visit this area for a few years and had planned to finally get there sometime this summer, so I've been waiting for the right weather forecast on a weekend when I was also free. With the wet and stormy weather we've been having around here lately, this proved to be a challenge. Finally, we had some drier air move into the area and this weekend looked like it would be mostly storm free and might still have good conditions for photography. It turned out to be a great weekend for this trip and I couldn't have asked for a better sunset on Saturday evening!
We left home bright and early on Saturday morning and drove down to the San Juan's through Ouray. Once out of town we followed the Uncompahgre River and Mineral Creek up to Engineer Pass (12,800) between Engineer Mountain (13,218) and Darley Mountain.
We descended a few switchbacks and a couple hundred feet on the other side of the pass and parked near the beginning of the Horsethief Trail. This trailhead is located at about 12,400 feet in elevation and during our entire trip we would never drop below 12,200 feet. This would be our first time camping above treeline which is why a good weather forecast was important to us.
After backpacking to the base of the Dragon's Back and setting up our camp near a tarn in the basin, we hiked back up to the ridge and followed it to Wildhorse Peak. Ever since I first saw the unique profile of Wildhorse Peak (13,266) many years ago, I knew I wanted to climb it eventually. Since we were so close to it on this trip, I figured that it would be a great time to reach the summit.
When we reached the bottom of Wildhorse Peak we scared up a few ptarmigan hiding in the rocks. Seriously, they always blend in so well with the rocks that we never see them until we almost step on them. The one thing that was unique about this ptarmigan encounter is that we saw two babies run away, too. I've never seen any that young before, but they were too quick for me to get a photo of. Luckily, this one stopped on the snow for a minute.
Unfortunately, Diane wasn't feeling well at this point and she decided not to climb to the top of Wildhorse Peak with me. She found a place to rest while I followed the steep ridge to the top. Here's a view of the summit from the ridge.
Looking back down the jagged ridge over American Flats and American Lake.
On the summit of Wildhorse Peak looking south.
Looking north from the summit over Wildhorse Creek with a view all the way to the Grand Mesa.
When I reached Diane at the bottom again I just had to take a photo of her legs covered with flies. Ever since we had setup camp, we noticed there were a ton of these little flies everywhere. They covered our tent and anything else we set down for more than a few seconds. They would even cover us as soon as we stopped moving. Thankfully, they didn't bite or anything, they were just annoying. We had to be extra quick when getting in or out of our tent to make sure they didn't get inside to annoy us in there, too.
Diane hikes across the alpine tundra in the upper reaches of Cow Creek back to camp.
Arriving back to the Dragon's Back as we hiked though the low pass into the basin.
Nice clouds moved into the area as the evening wore on- a great sign for the sunset to come. The peak in the background is Blackwall Mountain (13,073).
After an afternoon nap and dinner, I climbed up to the top of Unnamed Peak 12808 near camp to photograph the evening light on the surrounding Uncompahgre Wilderness. Here is a panoramic image of my view as the evening shadows crept into the basins and storm clouds moved into the sky in the distance. Click on this image for a bigger view.
Dark skies to the east looking over North Henson Creek all the way to San Luis Peak (14,014) which is barely visible in the dark sky.
Looking south over American Lake to Gravel Mountain (13,577) and Seigal Mountain (13,274) surrounding Hurricane Basin.
Warm evening light on the bright green alpine tundra below. Wildhorse Creek flows through the shadows at the top.
More clouds moved in from the south over nearby Unnamed Peak 12,913.
Just a few of the wildflowers that were on the summit.
Hazy layers looking north to the Grand Mesa.
Beautiful storm light over the alpine landscape with Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks just barely visible at the top.
A sunset panorama with the Dragon's Back front and center.
Beautiful warm light on the Dragon's Back with Uncompahgre Peak (14,309) in the background.
There was a great view of Wetterhorn Peak (14,015) from up here, too. I'm hoping to finally climb that one sometime next month...
The amazing sunset just wouldn't stop! One of the best I've seen this summer so far!
Just look at that sky!
Even after the sun was down, the alpenglow just wouldn't quit. On my way back down to camp I stopped in this field of flowers for anther shot in the soft twilight. There was no wind this evening and the temperature was very comfortable. I didn't need to wear my down jacket and gloves for a change.
One last long exposure at dusk with our tent in the lower left corner. A great place to spend the night!
After a night of sleep at 12,500 feet, we woke up on Sunday morning to overcast skies. I guess we used up all the great light the night before? The wind picked up a little and the temperature had cooled off a bit, too. Blackwall Mountain is in the background.
Since it looked like it could start raining or snowing soon, we quickly got our camp packed up and started hiking back to my Jeep at the trailhead. Snow falling over Darley Mountain (13,260) as we hiked back towards Engineer Pass.
A snow squall in front of Gravel Mountain. We would hike through a few of these short snowstorms on the way back to the trailhead.
Back to the intersection of the Ridge Stock Driveway and the Horsethief Trail. I should mention that the trails up here aren't very well-defined and are non-existent in some places. You need to keep an eye out for large cairns with wooden posts to try and keep on track.
Diane poses in front of Darley Mountain along the trail as the sun makes a brief appearance.
Great photos that brought a smile to my face....I love that area! I suggest you hike Blackwall someday too! Both peaks are visible when driving S out of Montrose on the way to Ouray, which I think is a treat to look up from the steering wheel and say, "I’ve hiked that peak before!"
Over Labor Day 2013, I enjoyed that area and climbing to the top of the Dragon’s back, but my photomentos of that trip are nothing like yours! Splendid.
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.
