Saturday, August 6, 2011
This morning I set out with my friend Jackson to climb my second 14er (after climbing Handies Peak last year). We got a very early start and drove to the upper trailhead in Yankee Boy Basin. Unfortunately, about halfway up, Jackson started not feeling so well and had to turn around. I continued on by myself to the summit (well, there were plenty of other people on the trail with me). There were a few sections that scared me a bit, but I was able to face my fears and continue to the top…and then make it back down again. It was a beautiful day and I had a great time and am glad I was able to accomplish this goal that I had set for myself this year.
A view of Gilpin Peak from the trail in the early morning light.
Gilpin Peak by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
An early and easy section of the trail.
Start of the Climb by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
View towards Blue Lakes Pass from the trail.
Hiking Towards the Spires by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Now a view down on Blue Lakes Pass from the top of the first chute I had to climb.
Blue Lakes Pass by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Looking up at the second chute I needed to climb up from the saddle
The Upper Chute by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Looking back down through the section of snow I had to climb up. It was easier than it looked to get up, but I certainly didn’t want to go back down this way. Luckily, I didn’t have to since I followed a group back down a different way.
Climb Through the Snow by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Looking up the final climb to the summit…plenty of people up there.
People on the Summit by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
View from the summit down on the Blue Lakes.
The Blue Lakes by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
Me at the summit.
At the Summit by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr
A view down into Yankee Boy Basin on my way back down.
Yankee Boy Basin by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr