Rocky Start

At the beginning of June, I was in the emergency room. Plans for summer rapidly evaporated after being diagnosed with carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve entrapment, patience became my friend while the meds gave me tolerable relief while waiting for my surgery. Meanwhile, the Orthopedic Surgeon prescribed lots of walking which I interpreted as hiking.

A close-to-Denver and doable peak was the plan. I chose Grizzly Peak(13435) cuz I could solo-drive to it safely, it was a fun repeat and the last time I had climbed it, I had held the sign upside down for the summit pic. So on July 9, Tuesday, I drove WI70, exit 216 on US6to Loveland pass TH(11900) at 430AM I parked in the last spot in the upper lot(pic1). Half hour later I stepped up the rock staircase(pic2) to work my way up on the steep, more like heart pounding, gravely dirt and very wide used trail(pic3). Here are spring beginning to flower pics(4-8). At the trail junction, I decided to go straight for Cupid since I was feeling good. The trail narrowed and the growing incline flattened out(pic9)at the ridge just as the sun rose(pic10).

My summit pic on Cupid(13126)(pics11-12). Going S to Grizzly was a single, sometimes rocky and sometimes dirt trail that gained elevation traveling up and down the big hills(pic13-15). Pic16 of a marmot that scurried across my path. The last traverse before Grizzly was a careful walk aside a snow watermelon(pic17). It was spotted with black and as I hiked closer, the black spots were birds chipping snow for water(pic18). Not bluebirds but I was climbing under bluebird skies. The approaching summit climb looked snowy and questionable(pic19) but was clear after I started to climb the foot of Grizzly Peak. The hairpinned portion was rocky and clear(pic20) but a manageable loose surface(pic21).

My summit pics on Grizzly(13435)(pic22-23) There were several climbers celebrating with whom I high fived. I savored the views and the pleasant weather. Pic24 looking N and pic of Grays&Torreys(pic25). Time well spent as I took a big last breath and headed down. At the big cairn, I turned left(pic26). Pic27 shows an etched line angling down along the W hillside toward the car. This single dirt path(pic28) cuts off some distance while going downhill rather than descending along the ridge. And a couple hours later, I was back at the car(pic29).

In sum, it was a much appreciated climb. The Grizzly trip was a metaphor of the happenings of my current travel. Even though there were patches of snow(pic30)(speedbumps of life), the trail was snowfree and dry(silver lining in the clouds). It was blossoming summer conditions(pic31)(new adventures). An easy class 2 straightUP climb to the ridge that turned to tundra terrain above treeline, the route was easy to find. Of note, although nicknamed Grizzly Peak, it is designated as GrizzlyD. I discussed this in my Cupid and Grizzly Bear Hugs 8-18-2021 trip report. The surrounding vista from the neighboring mountains ranked a 10. What I like about the 13ers near Eisenhower Tunnel are the hiking choices, closeness to Denver and an available mental stabilizer for about 7miles. Personal health is not to be taken for granted. With that lesson learned, keep busy and keep moving is a lifelong strategy.