About us
Summit 13ers and 14ers in all seasons, couloir climbs, rock scrambles, backpacking, snowshoeing, lake hikes! Join us for a variety of activities, for beginners through experienced. Most of these will occur at a slow to moderate pace, usually 1-2 mph avg. Let's get out there and enjoy our Colorado lifestyle!
I encourage people to get together outside of the planned events. If you're interested in an activity that's not posted, please post a comment in the Home comments section instead of the individual events.
If you would like to lead some activities please message Stephanie Irwin.
Upcoming events
5
Sniktau (13,234') and Cupid (13,117') - Beginner Friendly
Loveland Pass, Colorado, CO, USLet's make some red blood cells with an 'easier' hike to two 13ers on Loveland Pass. I love this one because of its proximity to Denver, the straightforward route and the stunning views of snow-covered front range mountains. It also has the benefit of starting at 12,000 ft. This is a nice introduction to alpine hikes, or a great season starter.
Cupid is optional on this hike. Without Cupid this is a 4.5 mile route.
Read the hike description to see if this event is for you.
https://www.14ers.com/route.php?route=201401170740143&type=13ersRoundtrip: 5.5 mi
Elevation gain: 1300'
Suitable for: Beginners to Experienced
Pace: Slow to moderate (avg 1-2 mph), depending on the group
Weather: watch comments for updates as we get closer to the event
Avalanche risk: low to none if we stay on route
Bring standard winter hiking gear and microspikes. Contact me if you want help deciding what is appropriate. Watch comments to see if snowshoes might be necessary.Meet at Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride sign BB at 7:30 am, or Loveland Pass at 8:30 am. There is limited parking at the pass and skiers love this location, so carpooling will be helpful. Please be prepared to share in gas costs if you carpool.
13 attendees
James Peak (13,272')
Location not specified yetJames Peak is a popular Front Range climb accessed from St. Mary's Glacier near Idaho Springs. There is now a $20 parking fee so we will meet at Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride to carpool to the trailhead, and will share the costs of gas and parking. Though not technically difficult, this hike has a couple of steeper sections, including ascending the glacier (what's left of it) and the last ascent to the summit. Expect wind and the associated wind chill. We'll need microspikes and probably goggles, along with the usual layers and warm foot/hand wear. The views from the summit of the surrounding James Peak Wilderness are well worth the effort to summit. Let's do this!
Meeting Time and Place: Wooly Mammoth Park and Ride SECTION BB 7:00 am, depart by 7:10 am
Trailhead: St Mary's Glacier
Suitable for: Fit beginners to experienced. Pace about 2 mph
Roundtrip: 8.1 mi
Elevation gain: 2900 ft
Bring: $10 to share in cost of gas and parking, Winter hiking gearWe may stop for lunch in Idaho Springs after the hike. Choose your carpool based on whether you want to stop for lunch or need to get back to your car right after the hike.
*Check comments a few days before the event for updated snow and weather conditions, or any other announcements
8 attendees
Crevasse Rescue Course
Location not specified yetCost for this course with Golden Mountain Guides is $269
Register with Golden Mountain Guides at this link before you sign up here.
Are you planning to venture out into glaciated terrain? Do you know how to pull someone out of a crevasse if they fall in? This course provides the foundation for traveling on glaciated terrain and what to do if someone falls in. Rescue skills, required gear, and rope team travel are essential for any climber looking to climb any glaciated peak.
This one day course covers the essentials of traveling on glaciated terrain, hazard recognition, and crevasse rescue systems. Throughout the day, we’ll break down each technical system needed to successfully pull someone, or yourself, out of the hole and apply it towards the larger crevasse rescue setup.
There will be plenty of time to ask questions, practice individual skills, and refine your understanding of crevasse rescue and the techniques involved in successfully extraditing someone from a crevasse. A basic working knowledge of climbing techniques such as belaying and knot tying is recommended to get the most out of this course.
More information:- Recommended experience level: beginner to intermediate
- Learn about mechanical hauling systems and how they are used in crevasse rescue
- A great prep course for those looking to climb Mt. Rainier or other glaciated peaks
Highlights
- Learn how to rescue yourself and your partner from a crevasse fall
- Learn about the unique hazards associated with traveling on glaciated terrain
- You’ll walk away from this course with a working knowledge of rescue systems and rope travel techniques
- Learn how to do more rescue with less gear
- Hands on practice and feedback from professional guides
Price Includes
Includes:- A professionally trained and/or certified AMGA Guide
- All necessary mountaineering equipment including harnesses, helmets, mountaineering boots, belay devices, crampons, and ice axes
- Professional guiding and instruction throughout the entire course
- Resources to further your mountaineering journey
***
Excludes:
- Transportation. You will be responsible for your own transportation to and from a designated meeting area
- Gratuity
- Personal items such as food, clothing, backpack, winter gear, etc.
- Entrance fees and parking fees (where necessary)
Topics Covered
- Roped team travel while on glaciated terrain
- Personal and group gear selection
- Safety considerations of glaciers and rescue situations
- Climbing knots and hitches
- How to ascend a rope
- Mechanical advantage hauling systems
- Snow anchors
- Navigation techniques while on a glacier
2 attendees
Little Italy Couloir on Pikes Peak And/Or The Chimney Couloir
Location not specified yetI had to cancel this event last year due to poor snow conditions, so I still have a pass for the Pikes Peak road for one car. After my car fills then others will need to get their own. This is an early couloir climb, and will be dependent on low avalanche risk.
Let's get this couloir season started! Little Italy is a relatively short (800 ft) climb with 30 - 35 degree slopes, and is good for a refresher or beginners. The highest elevation on the climb is about 12,800 ft. The beauty of this climb is the short approach from parking near Glen Cove off the Pikes Peak Highway. Options for descent include going back down the couloir as a glissade, practicing plunge stepping, or ski/ride. Or, we can walk a bit and go down a shallower slope back to the cars. We do have to pay a toll to get through the Pikes Peak Gateway.
The Chimney is a longer and narrower couloir from the same parking spot. Slope angles can get as steep as 45 to 50 degrees on this one.
Because people must organize carpools and get tickets, DO NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS EVENT UNLESS YOU KNOW YOU CAN GO. If you have previously been a no-show (didn't change your RSVP) do not sign up.
Bring: Mandatory- crampons, ice axe, helmet, waterproof boots, gaiters, snacks, water, usual Winter Hiking Gear
Meet: We will meet at 8:15 am at the Pikes Peak entry carpool lot to consolidate in cars and to get in line. The gate opens at 9 am, but there will be a long line of cars. Meeting Location
If you can leave cars at a different location that will be the safest as far as carpool parking. The entry gate lot fills up quickly. From the Gateway it is about a half hour to our parking spot for the climb.
Departure Location for Climb: Here
Toll: $18 per person or $65 per car (5 people max) at the gate; Or currently can purchase online $10 per person or $35 per car (5 people max). Online tickets are good for one year. Timed Entry reservations are not required before Memorial Day weekend. Please be prepared to share the per car cost if you carpool.
Roundtrip: One to Two miles, depending on descent. Heck, if you're fast you could do this one twice for fun! :DAfter climb Meal - Those that want to can drive on up to the summit, and/or we can meet in Colorado Springs for a meal. TBD
Please comment to arrange carpools and let folks know what you'd like to do after the climb.
*Note - I am not an instructor and this is not a class. I am happy to offer some guidance, but you are responsible for your own safety.
Of course we'll watch conditions and weather as we get closer, and I'll post on comments.
Please change your Meetup settings to allow notifications of comments or changes for this event.
15 attendees
Past events
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