Mount Sneffels

Saturday, August 6, 2011

 

This morning I set out with my friend Jackson to climb my second 14er (after climbing Handies Peak last year). We got a very early start and drove to the upper trailhead in Yankee Boy Basin. Unfortunately, about halfway up, Jackson started not feeling so well and had to turn around. I continued on by myself to the summit (well, there were plenty of other people on the trail with me). There were a few sections that scared me a bit, but I was able to face my fears and continue to the top…..and then make it back down again. It was a beautiful day and I had a great time and am glad I was able to accomplish this goal I set for myself this year 🙂

 

Gilpin Peak
Gilpin Peak

A view of Gilpin Peak from the trail in the early morning light.

 

Start of the Climb
Start of the Climb

An early and easy section of the trail.

 

Hiking Towards the Spires
Hiking Towards the Spires

View towards Blue Lakes Pass from the trail.

 

Blue Lakes Pass
Blue Lakes Pass

Now a view down on Blue Lakes Pass from the top of the first chute I had to climb.

 

The Upper Chute
The Upper Chute

Looking up at the second chute I needed to climb up from the saddle.

 

Climb Through the Snow
Climb Through the Snow

Looking back down through the section of snow I had to climb up. It was easier than it looked to get up, but I certainly didn’t want to go back down this way. Luckily, I didn’t have to since I followed a group back down a different way.

 

People on the Summit
People on the Summit

Looking up the final climb to the summit….plenty of people up there.

 

The Blue Lakes
The Blue Lakes

View from the summit down on the Blue Lakes.

 

At the Summit
At the Summit

Me at the summit.

 

Yankee Boy Basin
Yankee Boy Basin

A view down into Yankee Boy Basin on my way back down.