The final of my four fourteeners for this season.
I decided to make the go from Grizzly Gulch. The road out there is fine, but my truck had already been through a lot this year... and I thought, Why put more miles of crappy road on it just to save a mile or so of hiking, when Grizzly Gulch is supposedly the more scenic route, anyway?
Regardless, Grizzly Gulch it was.
The weather on this day was calling for a chance of afternoon storms, and I had a long drive home ahead of me, so I got an early (~4) start and pushed through the woods in the dark.
I started seeing the east face of Handies in the sunrise.
About the time I switch-backed up to the ridge, there was rain visible in the distance. Nothing ominous or close enough to send me back—but I was glad for my early start.
The final push to the summit was a little strenuous on my tired legs. Four summits in less than a week will do that to you, I guess... but I felt good when I hit the top at about 6:30, some 2.5 hours after I set out.
I had the peak to myself. Selfie and fruit snack time. Then back the way I came.
The trek back down in the early sunlight really revealed the valley’s beauty. Rushing streams. Flowers. Green grass. The huge east face of Handies, still brushed with snow.
This is one of the most relaxing, beautiful hikes I’ve ever done.
Handies is tied with Wetterhorn for my favorite summit this year.
but we're doing it!