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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: March 25, 2005
- Miles Hiked: 5.4
- Elevation Gain: 2,222'
- Hiking Partner(s): Dan Robbins
- Description:
- It was the final day of Dan's vacation, and one more hike was in
order. The previous night we had decided on Mount Sherman via
White Ridge despite the questionable forecast. A friend of mine
was just in the area to hike Horseshoe Mountain and posted some great
photos of the exact route we were planning. I drove to our
predetermined meeting location in flurries. When Dan arrived, he
said the roads were wet and somewhat slick. What to do? It
became obvious to us throughout the week that our hiking eyes were
generally bigger than our hiking stomachs, so we reconsidered our
plans. Rather than drive all the way out to Fairplay and get
skunked by bad weather, I recommended we head back up I-70 and attempt
Mount Sniktau even though I had already climbed it. The statistics
of the hike were much easier, it was a shorter drive, and the mountain
can be summitted even in brutal conditions. Dan also thought it
would be prudent to ensure a summit and not press our luck.
- Loveland Pass had little activity before our arrival. The
morning air was cold, but we started in soft shells assuming we'd warm
up after the hike began. Before we knew it, we were on Point 12915
looking at Cupid, Torreys, Machabeuf, and the Breckenridge ski
area. By now the wind was stronger and we quickly added a
layer. We turned north towards Point 13152 where I added yet
another layer. Although I have rarely used my insulating jacket
and pants, it is times like these when I'm glad I have them. With
our packs virtually empty, we completed the summit hike up to Mount
Sniktau.
- We quickly returned to Point 12915. Knowing it was still early
with cold but tolerable conditions, Dan suggested we continue to Cupid
also. I was at first hesitant, but agreed to join him after a bit
of coaxing. We made it to Cupid where there were prayer flags on
the summit. Upon looking at the surrounding weather conditions, we
were happy with our decision to not to attempt something more
challenging. After a couple of quick summit photos, it was back to
Loveland Pass which was now busy with backcountry snowboarders and an
occasional tourist. Although these two mountains aren't difficult,
we took what we could get given our circumstances. On the way back
to Denver, we stopped at Tommy Knockers in Idaho Springs for a buffalo
burger and local brew.
- Maps:
- Click here
to view a 2D
map of the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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