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"...
Huerfano Peak, the Iron Nipple and the Things We Lean On
In the last few years I've been working on the Centennial peaks and decided to give Huerfano and the Iron Nipple a go. After all, the Sangres and specifically this particular area are so beautiful. Below is the view from the TH. I believe the Iron Nipple is just in front of the clouds.
With scenery like this is it any wonder we keep going back to the mountains?
My first big hike of the year and so long since I've done a trip report. I feel like I'm out of practice on both! Elephants are supposed to have a good memory, right? Perhaps I could use some help from a friend in the area.
It had been a long week, so I got camp set up, had a bite to eat and turned in fairly early. Having made it to the TH the night before I felt I could take my time over breakfast and ended up getting started on the trail at a leisurely 8 am. Be it ever so humble there's no place like (a temporary) home.
And the 'necessary room', such as it is.
On the trail at last, with a view of the Iron Nipple just below what Gerry Roach calls, a small beautiful basin.
The thing with hiking alone? You get a lot of nature shots in your trip reports.
A look at Mount Lindsey from above the basin and just below the ridge. Always nice to see a snowfield in July!
At 13,140' you gain a ridge. Turning right takes you to Mount Lindsey. Going left takes you to the Iron Nipple and Huerfano. The first thing to look out for when doing the Iron Nipple is the below notch. Though honestly, you can't miss it. Head straight through the notch if you're going for the Iron Nipple.
I'd read about this from another trip report but was still a little surprised to see a mini-knife edge on the Iron Nipple. Have no fear, you can traverse across it (10 feet in length?) or you can simply drop below it. Either way will get you to the summit.
Looking dorky in my sun hat on the summit of the Iron Nipple. Mount Lindsey in the background.
This outing wasn't all fun and games however. I'm sorry to say my Dad passed away in December of 2020. I brought his walking stick and a memorial card with me to the summit as a kind of tribute. Huerfano in the background.
It was a bit of a slog but I got to the summit of Huerfano just before noon. Again, the obligatory summit shot. Number 2 for the day.
And again, another tribute. Rest in peace, Dad.
Larry Baker
11/30/1933 - 12/15/2020
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
for all the nice comments and my condolences Mtnman200. Hang in there.
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.
