| Report Type | Full |
| Peak(s) |
San Luis Peak - 14,023 feet |
| Date Posted | 08/13/2007 |
| Date Climbed | 08/04/2007 |
| Author | Spam |
| San Luis, wet slog from Stewart Creek |
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San Luis Peak Date Climbed: August 4, 2007 Trailhead: Stewart Creek Elevation: 14,014 feet Trailhead Elevation: 10,500 Elevation Gain: 3600 Feet Roundtrip from campsite: 13.5 miles We arrived at trailhead about 9:30pm after a nice meal at Garlic Mikes in Gunnison, which I highly recommend. Drove through the beautiful canyon (114) arriving at the dirt road (NN14) heading to the trailhead. Once on 794 you are home free and it is a fun drive in when dark. Arrived at the trailhead and went about ¼ mile up the road to a nice campsite. Woke at 5:00 and after breakfast and coffee hit the trailhead at 6:01 am.. Unfortunately did not see any wildlife on the way in, however this is a very scenic hike. It does not gain altitude quickly and the hike in by the marsh and through the forest which has a very defined trail... 
>Once in the trees you cross 3 bridges and there are a few obstacles as some trees have fallen over that you must cross. At this large tree my recommendation is that if you go under be very careful of this branch (see circle) as when you stand up you can hit your head and it will make you woozy for a moment. Damn that hurt... 
>The trail opens up into more marsh area. Treeline is well over 12,000 feet in this area we discovered and is not as clearly noticeable as on most peaks. In the morning the vegetation is wet and our pant legs were very wet on the way in, nothing to be workup over at all however, you just need to expect to get wet... 
>
>It is a long hike in and San Luis is really not visible for the first 4 miles or more. Once you make the third bridge crossing, you start to gain elevation. The trail continues to be well defined and follows the creek all the way up. There are several creek crossings as the trail meanders up the creek... 
>This was my first trip to this area and was amazed by the geology of this area. This is around Organ Peak which is named for looking like organ pipes. Can someone in here give the background of the formations in this area, they are cool... 
>We reached the summit at 9:55 am. The weather held for us, however it was clear that it was not going to hold completely. The clouds did provide for some cool pictures... 
>Here is a shot of Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn...I am sure they are beautiful somewhere there... 
>Redcloud and Sunshine I am sure were very pretty that day also, if we could see them... 
>I paid my tribute once more to Talus Monkey and to make it special Talys Anne on this summit. Welcome to the world Talys Anne, this is for you and Uncle David... 
> We stayed on the summit for 45 minutes then headed down. We got to the trees before the steady downpour began. I had to put away my camera as it poured on us for the majority of the trip down. I am thankful that there was no lightning and I was not turned away from a peak. I got this last shot of the peak as we high tailed it to treeline... 
>We got back to camp at 2:30 and after consuming a PBR laid down in the tent for a nice 2 ½ hour nap as the thunderstorm finally rolled through. This was an underrated peak I thought as the march in is very scenic and on other days would certainly have great opportunity for wildlife. That was the only disappointment of this trip. We had intended on also climbing Organ Peak, however, the weather gods were not on our side and so it was not to be. There are several high 13ers right by this peak that are begging to be climbed that look like a lot of fun. It was a an enjoyable trip. |
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