Little Cimarron and Baldy Cinco Loops

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Colorado is in the transition phase to winter this month, with most of the northern mountains already fairly snowed in and colder temps and gusty winds settling into the high country to stay. But in an effort to extend our summer 13er-bagging tear just a bit longer, Steve and I were lured down south by a blip of stable weather and dry terrain. Residing at the northern end of the San Juan range is the spectacular Cimarron group, which Steve and I had a great time exploring last year. Read more…

A Night Out at Slate Lake: “Peak L”

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Last Friday Steve and I packed into upper-Slate Lake hoping to find some stereotypical September colors and weather. But after a cold front rolled through and dropped a few inches of snow overnight, the area was transformed into a scene more reminiscent of early-winter than late-summer. Though we decided to dial back our original plans and only stay for one night, we were blessed with some spectacular views and managed to nab a classic Gore Range summit in “Peak L” (aka “Necklace Peak”). Read more…

Laboring in the Weminuche: Rock Lake 13ers

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It seems like no matter how many times I get into the Weminuche, I’m always excited to go back. Excited not only at the prospect of knocking off more peaks, but also getting to visit new areas. One such area that had long been on the radar was the Rock Creek drainage to the east of Vallecito Creek. Set apart from the bulk of the high peaks of the Weminuche to the west, this rugged area still holds plenty of good scrambling and great views, with arguably less people. Read more…

Billy Traverse

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The Williams Mountains are a nice set of peaks on the west side of Independence Pass in the Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness. Together they form the high points of a long north-south ridge line that separates the Lost Man and Hunter Creek drainages. Spread out along the ridge are five ranked thirteeners, which are often strung together in a single push from Lost Man TH in what has colloquially become known as the “Billy Traverse”. Read more…