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"...
Mt. Eolus and North Eolus--Day Two in Chicago Basin
Old Ickabod and I spent the early morning (3:30 am) waiting for the rain to stop. We delayed our departure until 5:45 am to avoid the rain. We were up above the headwall in a little less than an hour and headed up into the basin below Mt. Eolus.
Looking back at Windom Peak from in the basin below Mt. Eolus at about 13,000 feet.
The ledges below Eolus are solid if not a little slippery from all of the run off, and the route is easy to follow.
Old Ickabod climbs the ledges around 13,800 feet.
Climbing the groove in the rock at the saddle between Mt. Eolus and North Eolus. The rock is extremely solid.
We chose to climb North Eolus first because there were several climbers already on the upper slopes of Eolus.
Old Ickabod heading up the ridge to the summit of North Eolus on excellent rock.
Looking at Sunlight and Windom from the summit of North Eolus.
Looking over at Eolus from the summit of North. The ridge looks a little hairy, but the ledge system is very solid.
Here I am coming across the "catwalk"--we think. The catwalk is airy, but the rock is solid and the handholds abound. We definitely were expecting a much more intimidating ridge than what we encountered. In fact it was hard to locate the exact catwalk that Roach describes.
A good look at a typical ledge on the upper part of Mt. Eolus. A climber can easily find more difficult rock--by choice or accidently like we did a few times.
Another view of the connecting ridge and the catwalk from Eolus.
Fellow climbers descending the ledges of Eolus. The responsiblity to climbers below is paramount on this mountain. The rocks that are somewhat loose are huge and deadly.
The goats greeted us each day and sometimes blocked our way.
We were off Eolus and North Eolus before 10 am and headed down to camp. We hoped to beat the daily rain and be packed and down before getting soaked again. We broke camp and were on the trail by noon. The rain held off and we make a quick hike to the Needleton flag stop to wait the almost two hours for our 3:45 pickup and return to Durango.
The train ride home was long and slow, but the McDonalds next to the depot hit the spot! For a trip that started out so wet, it worked out well, and we safely climbed all the peaks we had planned.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
You really got good shots of the route. I usually pull out my camera after I get to the top or only for the sunrise or moon! Good to run into you guys, and yes we should have exchanged screen names :) . I ended up sitting next to some really nice people from Northern VA (I'm from Tidewater) on the train. Hopefully you guys found a spot and didn't have to stand the whole way. Obviously you guys got home safe, I'm glad I didn't hear of single-vehicle accident by a Jeep on Wolf Creek Pass or something similar! Now I just have to check the web and see who won the Tour de France! I still don't know. That's what I get for going backpacking/climbing for 5 days.
As always, world class pics from Summit Ridge! He should sell these!
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.
