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"...
I hiked this mountain on Monday, August 23, 2021. I attempted it in 2017, but skedaddled down unfinished because of lightning.
This is my 13th Colorado 14er, the 5th highest peak in the state. I couldn't have asked for better weather. Blue sky, no smoke, fluffy white clouds. Windy as it always is on the ridges and high summits of the Rockies.
After the hike trailhead sign photo
I started below the trailhead. The road to this route is very rugged, however, you are rewarded with breathtaking scenery, stunning formations. In spite of that, I didn't take many pictures. I met a couple of guys at the beginning who hiked with me. One had never climbed a 14er, and the other had done 29 already, making this his 30th. This was my 13th.
I went very slowly up, stopping a lot to breathe, sat on rocks a few times. Including all my breaks, I took 6.5 hours up and 4 hours down. My actual moving time was recorded to be 8 hours 25 minutes. I am glad the weather held all day.
I was wondering what minerals add such fascinating color.
It was an awesome, albeit exhausting hike.
I took a picture of "Big Foot" in the meadow on my way back down. Haha!I always pack my signs back home.
Started Hike: 6:20 am
Reached Summit: 12:45 pm
Left Summit: 1:15 pm
Arrived back at Trailhead: 5:10 pm
Summary
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Great work! Looks like it was an awesome hike. La Plata is one I want to do, having looked longingly at it from across the way on Elbert as I hike on the Blackcloud Trail southeast ridgeline. Nice job. Beautiful pics on top!
I understand that you started a hike at South Plata trailhead. How did you cope with the steep loose scree wall before reaching the SW ridge? Some hikers complained of that crux.
Trekking poles, walking sideways, testing rocks for solid footing. It's not easy, but it's short. I never had to crab walk. Definitely would without poles.
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.
