Category Archives: Elk Range

Conundrum Creek 13ers: Hunter to “Triangle”

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Last week I motored over to the Elks with the goal of exploring the Conundrum Creek drainage south of Aspen. My plan was to summit Hunter Peak and then run the ridge south as far as I could. I wound up nabbing six 13ers along the way, finishing with “Triangle Peak” above Triangle Pass, then jogging back down the length of the drainage to the TH with a pit stop at the hot springs along the way. It was a really cool day out there and a fun way to finally see this area. Read more…

Elk Range “Minimidal Traverse”

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Ben and I had anticipated the “Megamidal” or “Megamydal” traverse (as dubbed on 14ers.com) both of the prior two summers, so it became a must-do for us in 2017. This loop from Maroon Lake goes over 5 thirteeners from close to West Maroon Pass out along the Len Shoemaker Ridge, with finish on fourteener Pyramid Peak. As it worked out we ended up skipping Pyramid, and thus this became the “Minimidal Traverse”. August 19th became the day. A great forecast; only a small chance of rain after 1pm. Ben and Rick practically ran up the trail in the dark, while I clambered behind. Read more…

Maroon Peak East Face Ski

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On Memorial Day Rick and I managed to pull off a near-perfect climb and ski of Maroon Peak outside of Aspen. This one had eluded both of us for awhile and it felt good to finally get it done. The Maroon Bells are classic peaks and the ski options available off both of them are as interesting as they come in Colorado. While the north face of North Maroon may take the cake in terms of historic Aspen test pieces, its southern neighbor offers up just as much vertical and challenge. Read more…

Pyramid Peak Ski Attempt

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At 12:30am, my alarm buzzed, pulling me from what could be described as “sleep” in only the most generous of terms. I had been drifting halfway between consciousness and unconsciousness, a mixture of exhaustion, anticipation, excitement, nervousness, and discomfort preventing either one from fully taking hold. As I blearily struggled to align and insert my contacts, a white light appeared from around the corner, accompanied by voices. Keep reading…