Category Archives: Elk Range

Gems of the Ruby Range

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A little over a year ago I attended a fall wedding in Crested Butte and snuck away for an early-AM jaunt into the hills. Crested Butte is home to a plethora of hiking and skiing options in and around the valley, including numerous low 13ers and high 12ers. One duo caught my eye in particular for their obvious aesthetics and accessibility – Mt. Owen B and Ruby Peak just north of Kebler Pass. What they lack in height compared to other peaks in the area they make up for in stature, looming large above Lake Irwin and the surrounding valley. With a fresh dusting of snow falling the night before, I wasn’t exactly sure how the ridge run would turn out. Read more…

The Four Pass Loop in Pictures, and Some Extra Credit

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Over the weekend I had the privilege of backpacking the Four Pass Loop in the Elks with Benny, Anna-Lisa and a great group of friends from their church group. Having had a few days to reflect on the journey, many words come to mind; intense, amazing, beautiful, fun, just to name a few, but I think the word that conveys the journey best is special. The Maroon Bells – Snowmass Wilderness is in a class by itself and I thought it best to let the pictures tell the story. Keep reading…

Monday at the Cathedral

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For several years now I’ve been slowly chipping away at the Centennial 13ers, trying to do them each in the fashion that makes the most sense. Peaks like Vestal and Dallas in the San Juans for example seem best climbed as summer rock scrambles, since their approaches are long and they both hold classic alpine routes.Peaks like Grizzly and Cronin in the Sawatch on the other hand seem best done as ski outings since they have nice couloirs/faces that make them unique. Keep reading…

The Journey Above 14K: The Colorado 14ers

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For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Dillon. I grew up in New Jersey and moved to Colorado at the end of 2010. I like chicken, diet soda, beer, and greek yogurt. I’m an accountant, but still think taxes are evil. I didn’t find my mountain wife on top of one of these 14er’s, but am still holding out hope. AND I really hate my snowshoes. That’s probably all of the pertinent information you need on me. I figured the best way to give you my perspective into this 14er journey would be to take you all along for the ride. Enjoy! Keep reading…