OTHER Trip Report 01/07/2022

Report Type	Full
Peak(s)	Long Scraggy Peak, 8796 ft.
Date Posted	01/07/2022
Date Climbed	12/05/2021
Author	jibler

Raging the Rampart Range
OK so after I posted trip reports on my 2019 journey to Raleigh Peak and 2020 trip up the east side of Thunder Butte, I felt it would be good to keep 14ers up on the latest high point reached out in the Rampart Range. 8 miles total but was overall a pretty easy going day - definitely the easiest compared to the other two. But I also just managed to top out and then turn around. Would have been nice to explore the cliffs on top more. Starts on the edge of the Buffalo Creek burn scar - Raleigh middle left, Scraggy to right, Thunder distant right near Pikes. Being able to see Raleigh and Thunder all day was a treat too. To me now - there's something compelling about thunder butte's shape on the horizon next to Pikes. It is taller than Devilshead you know. Pass thru small rock gardens So navigation was fairly straight forward - you descend to where drainages meet north of scraggy. BUT - i remembered there were roads more east of that drainage junction - so the key move of the day was heading more easterly that you'd necessarily would to find it. The other fun fact being there is a trail up towards the top - but I didn't know on the way up and took the northwest corner buckwhack style until i hit that path. Purple descend route, Red following road up, Green my bushwhack up, Blue the actual path down Scraggy from Rocks pano from rock garden at top - cool stick was wedged into the rocks - looking north At top looking south The grand 'lookback' when returning. That shadowy section on left side of scraggy is where that path is. One final pano - small fire had erupted late that afternoon - you can seen horizon in middle is blurred. Woulda ruined my day if it had come up sooner because it got smoky fast! OK - time for a small editorial. I am a big fan of this area in november and december. There's something magically quiet and austere about this area at that time of year. No 4x4's or guns blazing. Peaceful. I had thought I may recreate a bit of this magic on the north side of town last november - hit up Kenny mtn outside Boulder. But that place ain't got the same mojo. For one thing much more deadfall trees so navigation isn't as simple. but there's more to it. There really is something special about these burn zones in the rampart! Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Raging the Rampart Range

OK so after I posted trip reports on my 2019 journey to Raleigh Peak and 2020 trip up the east side of Thunder Butte, I felt it would be good to keep 14ers up on the latest high point reached out in the Rampart Range.

8 miles total but was overall a pretty easy going day - definitely the easiest compared to the other two. But I also just managed to top out and then turn around. Would have been nice to explore the cliffs on top more.

21546_01 — Starts on the edge of the Buffalo Creek burn scar - Raleigh middle left, Scraggy to right, Thunder distant right near Pikes.

Being able to see Raleigh and Thunder all day was a treat too. To me now - there's something compelling about thunder butte's shape on the horizon next to Pikes. It is taller than Devilshead you know.

So navigation was fairly straight forward - you descend to where drainages meet north of scraggy. BUT - i remembered there were roads more east of that drainage junction - so the key move of the day was heading more easterly that you'd necessarily would to find it. The other fun fact being there is a trail up towards the top - but I didn't know on the way up and took the northwest corner buckwhack style until i hit that path.

21546_11 — Purple descend route, Red following road up, Green my bushwhack up, Blue the actual path down

21546_06 — at top - cool stick was wedged into the rocks - looking north

21546_09 — The grand 'lookback' when returning. That shadowy section on left side of scraggy is where that path is.

21546_10 — One final pano - small fire had erupted late that afternoon - you can seen horizon in middle is blurred. Woulda ruined my day if it had come up sooner because it got smoky fast!

OK - time for a small editorial. I am a big fan of this area in november and december. There's something magically quiet and austere about this area at that time of year. No 4x4's or guns blazing. Peaceful.

I had thought I may recreate a bit of this magic on the north side of town last november - hit up Kenny mtn outside Boulder. But that place ain't got the same mojo. For one thing much more deadfall trees so navigation isn't as simple. but there's more to it. There really is something special about these burn zones in the rampart!

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

edmdais1	Great report 1/7/2022 7:02pm Great report
derekpetrie	Totally agree 1/18/2022 8:48pm Rampart Range in winter is really cool. Went up Thunder in 2020 as well, great info on Scraggy - adding to my "backyard hikes" list.

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.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App