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"...
| Report Type |
Mini |
| Peak(s) |
Handies Peak - 14,058 feet
|
| Date Posted |
07/04/2005 |
| Date Climbed |
07/02/2005 |
| Author |
vinn |
| July 2nd, 2005 from American Basin |
Saturday we woke up fairly late and headed up to the American Basin trailhead to climb Handies. We drove past the first parking area to make it to the actual trailhead about 3/4 mile further down the road. The trail sweeped up toward a shelf and around several small snow fields. Within about 45 minutes we were in the actual basin. The trail was beautiful and it seems like it was completed fairly recently. At the basin, the trail headed up toward a lake but we decided to climb a snow field and catch up with it higher up. I wouldnt recommend doing that without snow.
The final bit of the climb ascended a small saddle and then turned north toward the summit. The trail is phenomenal the entire way with nicely graded switchbacks all the way to the summit. We were on top of the peak within about 2.5 hours after leaving the trailhead. It was a gorgeous day with hardly any wind on the summit. The sky was very hazy, probably from the fires in Arizona. We couldnt see any other ranges but we did have a great view of the San Juans. Handies sits right in the middle of everything, so we had Uncompaghre and Wetterhorn to the north, Sunshine and Redcloud to the immediate east, and Eolus/Sunlight/Windom to the West. In the distance we could see Mt Wilson and Sneffels. We hung out for quite a while before heading down.
The return trip went quick. We followed the trail to near the lake. Once again, we cut off the trail and glissaded a snow field to the bottom of the basin. We probably didnt shave much off the hike, maybe 400 or so, but it sure was fun. We also tramped down the lower snow fields as well. The entire hike down took an hour. We did miss a route that looked interesting though. From the top you can head north and cut to the left over a knob that sticks out at the edge of the ridge. The snow on those faces will carry you about 2000 feet down. Its possible an axe would be needed, but I suspect an elbow in the snow will work just as well.
|
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.
