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I am issuing some additional mountaineering community beta. It qualifies as quite an excellent way of ascending this Gore Range gem via my indicated scramble line. I highly recommend our group's chosen path, too.
We opted its "challenging 3rd class East Ridge. The East Ridge is joyous in a windy-treacherous sort of way. Route finding is fun and the terrain almost always presents alternatives. The ridge crest is semi-solid but the traverse below the ridgeline is remarkably loose. Gerry Roach designates it as a 'classic summit'." (as per summitpost.org)
You gain the long, undulating ridge by turning right when you reach "Boss Mine" less than two miles from Rock Creek Trailhead. Pay attention to cairns indicating your ascent path at that juncture.
Once up top, I found myself dropping slightly climber's left, or South, fairly frequently when ascending and traversing its ridgeline to avoid unnecessary exposure found on the right, or North. It was more manageable.
Alpine StartSimply beautifulPretty vistaFirst ridge bumpTeam ascendingSteady rock from hereMajestic and stunningProgressStandard fareCommonAlpine LakeBluebirdNearing summitLook down ascent ridgelineSummit registerChris elatedSummit!Ridge trailsSummit (Left bump)Climbing optionsGrassy LedgesCommonly found terrain Resting and taking in those views
Please continue enjoying Colorado's Alpine Country mecca when you can. Hike mindfully cognizant of experience. And, always safely. We truly are fortunate here. I will keep writing Trip Reports for others utilization, also.
Thank you kindly, folks
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
You've got some great photos in here Jason! Thanks for putting this up.
Today (Monday) has been the first day where I actually felt like myself. Sorry I couldn't join you guys. Yesterday at work was sheer hell.
Love that summit shot!
I am 72 and started scrambling about about 2 years ago.
I like class 3 and am fair at exposure. Have done Kelso ridge and peaks 2-4 via the scramble up the east ridge of peak 2 of the ten mile range except where the knife edge starts on the north ridge of peak 4.
I was quite tired by crux time and was generally not "feeling it" today.
I was with two friends. I thought it interesting regarding age, that the youngest guy at about 62 made it to the twin peaks. He is very experienced. The next guy at 69 made it part way through the crux, and I at 72 just watched, LOL! My 62 year old friend was quite disappointed not to make the summit. I sat and waited just before the crux. I had no doubt about my decision to not proceed. I felt I had a fair chance of dying going up and more so on the return considering my skills, and mental/physical condition. Not to mention all the trouble it would cause for my friends and Mountain Rescue! I was not disappointed in not summittting but was less than thrilled about my physical and mental condition at the time. Especially after a pleasant young man in shorts zipped by us and went though the crux almost at a joggers pace! It was interesting to be "present" and process my feelings at the time. The return trip on the last talus field was getting to me. I do not recall ever feeling that bad about hiking. I was getting sloppy! I did fine after that thank goodness.
We took our time but it took us almost 12 hours. I was fairly certain that the weather was going to be acceptable though. It was beautiful the entire day!
I like to say three things about all of my hikes, skiing, etc.
1. Any hike where no one gets hurt is a great hike!
2. Be adventurous, but not foolish.
3. We "live" in frick'n Colorado!!! We live in "frick'n" Colorado!!!
I honor the place in all of you where we are one.
Michael
Mike, we all have those days in Colorado's high country. You visited a beautiful place. You also returned to the trailhead. There are many mountaineer's mantras. But, please always remember that one.
When you do not feel at your strongest, opting no summit is being intelligent for you. And, others, too.
Climb on my friend. Safely.
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