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Peak(s)  Handies Peak  -  14,058 feet
Date Posted  07/13/2024
Modified  09/05/2024
Date Climbed   07/12/2024
Author  overthe59hill
 Handies Peak from lower Am. Basin TH   

From Stories Behind the Summits: "The most popular theory is that Handies is named after an early pioneer, mountaineer or surveyor who may have lived in the Lake City area during the mid-19th century." Apparently, the peak was named by 1874.

See my Trailhead Report for my experience on the road to American Basin in our Nissan 4WD pickup.

Left Lower TH: 7:15 AM

Summited: 11:20 AM

Left Summit: 11:55 AM

Back to Pickup: 2:40 PM

I shared this hike with my friend, Dawn. This was her 4th, and my 17th 14er. I am a Colorado native, and hike a lot on local trails at my home elevation of about 5,500'-6,000', but when I tackle 13ers and 14ers I always feel as though I sit around all year, then suddenly decide to climb a mountain. It was easier several years ago, so I'm sure aging has something to do with the sense of fatigue that I suffer on ascents.

Don't be fooled by the "Class 1" rating. There are a couple of stretches on this trail that require a little touch of class 2 maneuvering. There's no scrambling, if you are hoping for that. It's pretty basic, with some rickety talus that requires ankle integrity, steps to stretch our legs, and slick gravel to challenge coordination coming down. I used trekking poles to remain upright. The steepness and switchbacks are not extraordinary in comparison with other peaks.

It's the prettiest 14er I have done, on a beautiful day. We saw many others on the trail heading up to the peak too. The trail was lined with gorgeous flowers. My compliments to the Gardener.

I captioned my photographs.

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Early view on the hike up Handies Peak.
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One of a few little, simple creek crossings.
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Sloan Lake with a tent. There is snow in spots, but none on the trail.
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Sloan Lake seen from higher on the trail.
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Hikers ahead of us almost to the summit.
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The remains of a geological survey marker.
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Peak Finder app named a few neighboring 14ers: Wetterhorn Peak, Uncompahgre Peak, and Snowmass Mountain.
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Fellow partiers who celebrated their summit.
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My summit photo (I always take my signs home)
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The two of us on the summit!
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Dawn resting on the descent, with Sloan Lake in view.
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Back to the start, another hiker snapped our photo.
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A good sight!



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
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