Groundhog Basin
It’s become a bit of a tradition for us to escape the July 4th crowds in town and go explore the Sangres.
Cottonwood Peak
Anchoring the north end of the long, narrow Sangre de Cristo mountain range lies Cottonwood Peak, 13,588 ft. a bicentennial best accessed via a rough jeep road that climbs high into Cloverdale Basin by the Cloverdale Mine.
Brush Lakes and Electric Peak
We’ve always insisted that some of the easiest peaks can present the biggest challenges. We had twice failed to reach the grassy summit of Electric Peak, 13,598 ft. in the Northern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Once in the fall it was due to unexpected snow and the second time, in summer, was due to intense rain.
Dry Lakes and Horn Peak
Continuing with our exploration of the peaks and valleys of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, we headed up to another new area, Dry Lakes and Horn Peak, 13,450 ft. (more…)
Lake of the Clouds
We left town for the holiday weekend and made our way down to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for a little backpacking and peakbagging. The destination was a place known as Lake of the Clouds, and the goal was to climb two nearby 13ers, Cloud Peak and Spread Eagle Peak. (more…)
A 13er Roadtrip
As far as Colorado ski mountaineering is concerned, I’ve always considered the 3rd week in May to be my favorite stretch of time. The random weather that tends to sweep through the state earlier in the season usually gives way to a dry and sunny summer pattern. That in turn allows for cold clear nights and a reliable corn cycle on nearly all aspects and elevations. Up high, the frozen...
“Huerfano” Peak – 13,828 ft.
Technincally speaking, the mountain’s official name is Unnamed 13828. Lying directly north of the 14er Mount Lindsey, and at the head of Huerfano Creek, some refer to this Sangre de Cristo summit as Huerfano Peak.
Mount Adams – 13,931 ft.
Mount Adams rises above the town of Crestone, in a region of the Sangre de Cristos that contain some of the most impressive mountains in the state. Many climbers and peak baggers are familiar with the local 14ers— the Crestones and Kit Carson— but if you’re heading to the area with skiing in mind, Mount Adams should be at the top of your list.
Spring
Spring has arrived. The ski areas are calling it a season, the snow has been melting around town, and the backcountry conditions are shaping up at the higher elevations. Aspen had an above average year in terms of snowfall but we saw three dust events, one of which was pretty significant. How that will affect our spring ski season remains to be seen, but it won't keep us from getting...
Red Mountain – 13,908 ft.
We began our spring 2014 Centennial Skiers season with Red Mountain.
About Christy & Ted
We met in Aspen in 2000 and have been happily stuck in the rockies ever since, getting out in the mountains every day we can, in every season and by all means possible. Read More
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