Another Mount Sherman Winter Fail

 I drove up 4 Mile Creek Road during mid February to a point where the road became snow and ice covered. I then parked and started hiking up the remainder of the road, which it turns out could have been driven all the way up to ~12,000 feet to the official Mount Sherman trailhead. But oh well, I got extra exercise this day. I reached the col between Mount Sheridan and Sherman, and had to traverse a wind loaded lee-side snow-slope that seemed slightly avalanche prone, but I got across the slope safely and up and over a cornice, at which point I headed north up the southwest ridge of Sherman. The wind became extremely strong the higher I climbed, and by the time I reached the narrow summit ridge, I was being partially knocked over. This was concerning, as the ridge was pretty narrow and not a place to loose footing. Also, my face was being ripped off by the wind, resulting in increasing frost bite concern. So, I gave up the summit, which was only a short distance away from my windy ridge-line position. But that's okay, summer will soon be here and the peak will be a piece of cake by then.

Google map of Mount Sherman.

 

Big Horn Slot Canyon // Escalante, Utah

 I explored Big Horn Canyon, another one of the many slots canyons cutting their way through the sandstone surrounding Escalante, Utah, during early February. This particular canyon is actually a pair of slots, one going off to the right and the other off to the left when viewed from the main entrance. The one to the right is fairly boring in terms of twists, turns, and colorful rock. The slot to the left is much more interesting, though still not as amazing as other nearby slots such as Zebra. Nevertheless, the left member offered some fun tight climbing sections, particularly near a log jam that must be climbed over or under. After getting past the log jam, there is a dry falls, which was unclimable, and thus marked the end of my slot adventure.

Google map of Big Horn Slot Canyon.

 

Escalante, Utah Plus Cisco the Ghost Town

 I had the opportunity to travel to my favorite spot in Utah during early February...the town of Escalante and the surrounding Staircase. I stayed at a top-notch glamping site called Escalante Grande Resort, and I sampled some local Mexican food at Chihuahua Garcia Mexican Grill. Both establishments were well worth it...friendly, good quality, and generally gave you a taste of the local experience...plus colorful sunsets and deer-filled morning sunrises. The primary goal of my visit was to have an adventure in the local canyons and surrounding mesas. That goal was achieved. Just a generally relaxing, rejuvenating, wild Utah experience. Escalante never disappoints.

After my time in Escalante, I drove back to Colorado, eastbound on I-70. I stopped at a ghost town near the Utah/Colorado border called Cisco. The place seemed mostly deserted, though there were signs of some locals/artists eeking out an existence. Really a sureal place that was peaceful and lonely at the same time. A fun quick little side trip for anyone who has some time to kill. 

Google map of Escalante Grand Resort.

Google map of Chihuahua Garcia Mexican Grill.

Google map of Cisco, Utah. 

 

Browns Canyon National Monument // Turret Trail // Buena Vista, Colorado

 I escaped the Leadville ice sheet for half a day, driving south to the lower and much warmer terrain of Buena Vista. From there I crossed the Arkansas River and hiked the Turret Trail in Browns Canyon National Monument. The environment felt more similar to parts of desert Arizona, which I appreciated, as it was a big change from the cold snowy conditions I've experienced the last two months in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. No big surprises on this trail--just a simple trek across rocky terrain, some canyons, and occasional grassland. It's probably a hot hike during the summer, so a warm sunny windless winter day might be ideal for a deep exploration of this national monument. Oh, and a winter hike will also yield a fantastic background of snow-covered 14,000 foot peaks set against semi-arid boulders, mesas, and cliffs.

Google map of Browns Canyon National Monument.

 

Cougar Ridge // Minturn, Colorado

 I broke trail through knee deep snow three miles up Cougar Ridge during late January, eventually reaching a point 1000 feet above Minturn, CO. I followed numerous animal tracks on the way up, likely being elk, though one set might have been a mountain lion. Sun shining through the forest and onto the fresh snowy forest floor created a surreal atmosphere. And I thoroughly enjoyed basking in bright sunshine at my cliff-top perch, looking down onto highway 24 below, and westward across the Sawatch Range.

Map of Minturn, CO and the Cougar Ridge trail located to the east.

 

Mount Sherman Fail Plus Camp Hale Makeup Hike // Colorado

 I exited the east side of Leadville just as the sun was illuminating the western horizon during a late January day, drove up a snowy county road as far as possible, then parked a few miles downhill from Mount Sherman. I began hiking toward the mountain, looking for a trail that cut across its lower western slope. I spotted the trail, but in order to reach it, had to wade through hip deep snow. I vetoed that idea, knowing the mountain would likely still be there later this year when the snow melts away and gives access to the trail I desired. As a consolation prize, I drove north of Leadville to the old WWII Camp Hale, an army camp that trained soldiers to wage alpine warfare. I hiked across the flat valley that once housed 15,000 soldiers. It was brilliantly sunny, and warmed the still air as sun reflected off of fresh white snow. I reached a trail that spurred uphill, and I followed for several miles until reaching a thick forest. I wanted to stay in the warm sun, so I turned around at the forest and hiked back to my truck. Another great day in the mountains.

Google map location of Camp Hale.

 

Quandary Peak // New Years Eve 14'er // Colorado

 I picked an easy access 14'er to ascend on New Years Eve, Quandary Peak, which is also perhaps the easiest of all the Colorado 14'ers to summit. Besides a few chilly gusts, the weather was generally pretty pleasant going up and down the mountain. And the hike went about as one would expect, simple and straight-forward...plus the snow was firm so no post-holing. I started around sunrise and was back down to my truck in time for midday lunch. I wish every 14'er were like that.

Google map of Quandary Peak is here.