Elevation Gain - 4,300 feet
Time - 8.25 hours
Nathan and I decided to change our plans and hike Pikes Peak via the Crags Campground (western side of the mountain, opposite Colorado Springs) today. A giant storm was headed our direction that reportedly could dump one to two feet of snow on the mountains farther west and north of Colorado Springs. The forecast at least for the morning and early afternoon on Pikes Peak looked good, so we decided on that peak late Friday night.
The day started out beautifully but slowly deteriorated the longer and higher we hiked. Once above treeline the wind became a factor. We measured sustained winds of about 30 mph. Fortunately, we had the right gear and were covered from head to toe. We both used "ninja masks" and ski goggles to completely cover our faces. So, the wind wasn't that big of a deal unless we stopped hiking to eat or change gear. Both my poles didn't really work and Nathan snapped one of his poles on a rock. We didn't need to use snowshoes. The trail below treeline was well packed by previous hikers. As soon as we got near the summit it clouded over. We barely spent any time at the top (nor did the poor suckers who had paid to drive up) because there was nothing to see and it wasn't a pleasant experience.
It was a long day but really not that bad of a trip. The climb is pretty gradual and has a few flat sections where you can catch your breath. I also hadn't exercised for about 10 days prior, which helped. On past trips I've worked out too much that week and now realize it made the hike more difficult. I should put an asterisk by the time and distance covered, because we did hitch a ride down from the summit to Devil's Playground. I don't know how much time or distance that saved us.
- Nice morning as we start to get out of the trees. Pikes still casting a shadow
- Beautiful western-looking shot. You can see other snowy 14ers in the distance
- Interesting east-face of the mountain. In the distance is Rampart Reservoir
- Devil's Playground. In the warmer months lightning is a major concern on Pikes
- Windblown snow creating a "glacial blue" color in the shadows
- Nathan headed towards the summit with the highway in view
- A closed summit house. We paused here only to get out of the wind and drink/eat
- Close up of C/S. What can you find? On the original I can pick out my parent's house
- Proof we made it to the top. Notice the blue sky has disappeared.
- Looking back at Pikes. You can see that the summit is clouded over now
- Nice rock formation. I particularly like the small, lone tree clinging to a crack on the face
- A nice sight at the end. Some joker (Josh, who by coincidence passed by) threw snow on my windshield!
