Category Archives: Backpacking

A Night Out at Slate Lake: “Peak L”

      10 Comments on A Night Out at Slate Lake: “Peak L”

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

      12 Comments on Laboring in the Weminuche: Rock Lake 13ers

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…

Rio Grande Tour

      2 Comments on Rio Grande Tour

Joel, a friend I met through another friend, was visiting his parents in CO from his home in Switzerland, and wanted to chip away at the centennials during his stay. I convinced him to accompany me to get not only Rio Grande Pyramid, but also its less lofty neighbors outside of the top 100 or even 200 or 300, for that matter. Read more…

Grand Canyon: Boucher – Hermit Loop + Extra Credit

This trip kind of came together at the spur of the moment so I had my concerns of diving into the relative unknown.  I needed one more round trip on Southwest for A-List next year and when my plans to visit an old friend in Kansas City fell through I needed to find an inexpensive alternative.  I intend to take the family down to the Grand Canyon as soon as the little legs are strong enough to get them out of it so I thought a recon trip would be appropriate.  Southwest was nearly giving away flights to Phoenix so the balls were in motion. Read more…