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Whale Peak (13er, Hard) Re-Scheduled to 8/9/25

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Mitch
Whale Peak (13er, Hard) Re-Scheduled to 8/9/25

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Let’s hike to Whale Peak (13er). ***NOTE***: HIGH CLEARANCE 4x4 VEHICLE for the last 1.4 mi from Hall Valley CG.

All Trails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/whale-peak--2

Distance: RT ~5.8 miles. Out/back.

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation: Start: 10,302’. End: 13,078’. Total: ~2,700’

Weather Forecast: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 59.
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-105.86507320404053&lat=39.493178921026924#.YSKr145KjIU

Total hike time: ~5 – 6 hrs. Drive from TH to carpool location: ~1 hr & 15 min.

Carpool Info: Meet at The Fort Restaurant at 6:15 a.m. Park in the dirt parking area. OBEY THE PARKING SIGNS AND DO NOT PARK IN THE PAVED LOTS.

Link to The Fort: https://www.google.com/maps/dir//39.6285433,-105.1934039/@39.6281669,-105.1940634,590m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e0!5m1!1e1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Don’t forget to tip your driver.

Directions to trailhead: Meet at Gibson Lake/Whale Peak TH no later than 7:30.

From Bailey, drive west on U.S. Hwy 285 for 14.3 miles. Turn right (north) off Hwy 285 onto Park County Road #60. This road is also designated as Forest Service Road #120, and is commonly called the "Hall Valley Road." Travel on #120 for a total distance of 6.5 miles to the trailhead. The last 1.4 miles above Hall Valley Campground are very rough, and border on being classified as a 4WD road. Allow at least 50 minutes to drive the 6.5 miles on Forest Service Road #120. As you drive the #120 road, you will pass Handcart Campground at mile 4,8 (from U.S. Hwy 285), and Hall Valley Campground at mile 5.1. At mile 5.0, just before Hall Valley Campground, bear left at the fork in the road. There is a small parking area at the trailhead.

Link to TH. https://www.google.com/maps/dir//39.49169,-105.82403/@39.4849392,-105.8540844,5308m/data=!3m1!1e3

ATTENDEE LIMIT: 10. If full, RSVP will close on Friday, August 8st @ 6 p.m. Please do NOT show up if you are on the waitlist without contacting me directly. Text/call my mobile (see below).

Pet Owners - Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome. Dogs must be leashed. Dog owners must clean up after their pets. If you have an aggressive dog that does not get along well with other dogs or chases wildlife, please do not bring your dog.

Your Proboscis Monkey may not do well at this altitude and is not recommended for this hike. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/proboscis-monkey

Mitch’s mobile: 360 609-2047.

What to bring: Be prepared. Rain gear (jacket and pants), hat/beanie, gloves/liners, food & snacks/water, sunscreen, sunglasses, extra clothing/layers, map/compass/gps, toilet paper, zip lock bags, etc. Pack it in, pack it out. Please practice Leave No Trace principles. Link: https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

Après (post) hike tailgate: If weather permits, let’s tailgate after the hike at the TH P lot or a campsite. Bring your favorite beverage and some to share and hors d'oeuvre/snacks/fruit/dessert/brown peanut M&M’s and a folding chair and blanket. I will bring plates, bowls, utensils, napkins and a small table. I can take two folks in my 4Runner and will bring chairs for them.

Mitch’s mobile: 360 609-2047.

DISCLAIMER: Hiking is risky. Every year people are hurt and killed because they go beyond their abilities, get lost, or bring the wrong gear. I am not a professional guide. You are responsible for yourself. By signing up for this hike you acknowledge that you are solely responsible for your own safety and will do the necessary research to understand the conditions of this hike and the gear and conditioning required. And lastly, anyone choosing to hike with our group should carry personal medical insurance and a CORSAR (Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue) card in case of an emergency. https://cpw.state.co.us/backcountry-search-and-rescue-program

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Saturday, August 9, 2025
12:00 AM
The Fort Restaurant
19192 CO-8 · Morrison, CO
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