| Report Type | Full |
| Peak(s) |
Pikes Peak - 14,109 feet |
| Date Posted | 07/01/2010 |
| Date Climbed | 07/01/2010 |
| Author | radiate17 |
| Pikes- Northwest slopes |
|---|
|
Ok so this is my first trip report posting so bear with me. Today was a huge day for me. My plan was to get a friend up her first 14teener. I have never been responsible for another climber before. I was worried. What if she has a bad time, or gets hurt, or never wants to hike a 14teener ever again! I selfishly chose Pikes b/c its the only front range mt. I still have left to do. We got to trailhead about 5:45. I chose the crags trail on northwest slopes for mileage reasons. The weather in the morning was gorgeous and the trail is dry all the way up. The mile marker 664a was obviously marked and it was not difficult to follow the new trail. The section of trail past the clearing at 11,500 to the saddle at 12,200 is pretty steep. People who stopped to eat lunch at the saddle kept commenting on it. I was a little concerned I might lose my friend at this point. But she ate some PB&J and pushed on to the Devil's Playground. I was suprised at how easy it was to pick the trail back up when you have to cross the road. Road is undergoing major construction. It is actually a little hard to tell the difference beteen the sound of trucks and thunder. Some clouds are starting to roll in around 9:45. We pushed on. I did my best to encourage my friend as I saw her head starting to get in the way. I explained that you go through so many mental moods when climbing and to just pay attention to how she was feeling. She seemed to get a second wind when we approached the last 500 feet to summit. We encountered several large groups of young climbers as they began their descent. She enjoyed scrambling over the rock piles and searching for the trail. Almost at the top I though I might lose her again but she pushed through and made it. Took us just under 5 hours. I even shed a little proud tear. Several people have said they want me to take them on my adventures but as soon as I mention waking up at 3am they usually drop off!  After a good rest and lunch at the top we started down. Clouds were really starting to roll in now, its about noon. I am still suprised at how many people I pass on their way up at 2 in the afternoon with thunder and black clouds. The rain almost held out but came down hard for about 3 minutes when we were at about 11,000. The parking lot was a beautiful sight! The descent took just over 3 hrs for a total trip time of 8 hrs 15 min.  The best part is that she wants to do another one! Im so proud of her, and myself. Im still decompressing from a failed summit attempt on Rainier in June and I needed a little something. Today was that little something!  karen aka radiate   To display your photos (uploaded below) in the final trip report, type the image number (i.e., 1, 2, 3), highlight it with your cursor, and click on the Image button on the right. Example: Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
|
| Comments or Questions |
|---|
|
|
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.
