Drove down to the trailhead with Aaron on Thursday (June 20) to camp out. Jason and David were going to meet us there. That evening there were clouds & a full moon. The next morning about 2 hours before the gate opening it started to rain. When the ranch manager showed up, he said the road was too muddy. We had 2 choices, get a full refund or come back tomorrow (Saturday) and try again. We decided to go with a Saturday climb instead of waiting till next year. The first 3 photos are from Thursday night/friday morning.

We arrived Saturday morning and they did open the gate. The road to the ranch was muddy and slick but drivable. The road from the ranch to the 4WD trailhead was in better shape than the first section. We started hiking about 7:15am. Crossed the stream started up the tundra to the ridge.

Photo 4 is crossing the stream at the start of the hike. Photo 5 is looking east with the sun rising over the ridge. As we climbed higher you can see into the valley with clouds hanging around (Photo-6). A group of hikers heading up the grassy slope to gain the ridge (Photo-7). Aaron & Jason gaining the ridge (Photo-8). A look back at 4WD parking lot (Photo-9). Making the ridge & viewing the rock cairn (Photo-10). From the rock cairn we got a view of the false summit (Photo-11).

Some clouds starting to build over some peaks (Photo-12). Hiking past the cairn we dropped down to the ridgeline up to the false summit (Photo-13). Looking back at the Blanca group (L), Mt Lindsey (C) & the crest ones (R) (Photo-14). The final push to the false summit (Photo-15). From the top of the false summit looking over the clouds building over the valley as 2 hikers gain the ridge (Photo-16). Photo 17 is view of Red Mountain.

As we approached Culebra the clouds just rolled over the peak, what a surreal feeling (Photos-18-19-20-21). Peak Greeter (Photo-22). Another safe & successful climb (Photo-23). Now on our way to Red Mountain (Photo-24).

After coming off Red Mountain we decided angle across the boulder field toward the ridge below the false summit. We encounted some fun lower class 3 moves along the way. Not recommend unless you have experience in rock climbing (Photo-25). Looking down as we crossed the boulder field (Photo-26). Almost back on the ridge (Photo-27).

Back on the ridge in the clouds of course (Photo-28). A look back at the false summit (Photo-29). Making our way back to the cairn (Photo-30).

Returned back at the parking lot around 3:00pm. It was a surreal day spending our time constantly in and out of swirling clouds. A fun way and memorable way to complete my 14ers.