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Chiefs Head - More Rocky Mountain National Park Remarkableness
Goal: Chiefs Head (13,579’)
Date: August 17, 2019
Trailhead: Sand Beach Lake
Approach Selected: Southeast Slopes
Participants: Dave Hooser, Jason Sayre
Approximate Route Specs:
Distance: 15+ miles
Elevation Gain: 5,500'+ gain
Class: 2+
This is a great way of climbing another slightly more remote gem. The route has an easy, gradually ascending, and relaxing trail that gets you up to Sand Beach Lake. From there, it becomes high-quality mixed alpine terrain abound.
Standard Alpine StartDave re-fuelingPretty Morning
There is no distinct trail from Sandbeach Lake. Heading WNW from its shores works fine. Once above tree line, you can get to the Orton ridge by going either north or south side of that modest peak. Understand its north side provides earlier magnificent views. But, its south side has less boulder travels.
Simply SpectacularNavigating through aromatic treesBrief, pleasant meadowsDave taking everything inSlopes approaching Mt. Orton (11,724')Pagoda, Longs, and Meeker (Left to Right)After north side bypassViews of Objective!Dave doing quite wellApproaching upper reachesNeighboring PagodaSomewhat near ridge lineRocky TerrainClose to the top! Yes!Almost there!Good Stuff!Spearhead below!Alice!Majestic Longs towering above!Summit!McHenrys and Arrowhead (Left to Right) (Foreground)!Register!Slight boulder hopping on descent!Perspective from returnWow!Such a rewarding feeling!Second summit! (Mt. Orton) (11,724')
Please continue enjoying our Colorado Rockies outdoor mecca folks! We truly are fortunate here. I will keep writing Trip Reports as I steadily pace through all these 13ers. Thank you kindly
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Sounds fine. Nice hearing from you. Still going strong since seeing your memorable 14ers finisher on Snowmass. My busy schedule happily always stays quite full!
Love those RMNP peaks. Most of them are long days and usually a couple different approach options. I combined it with Alice via Lion's Lake which is also a gorgeous approach. Hard to go wrong in the park!
I concur. They have become some of my extensive favorites. All unique. Cardio training and healthy grit makes attaining them easier. Thank you so much for this beta
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