❄️ Pikes Peak via The Crags — Winter Training & Spring Prep Hike

❄️ Pikes Peak via The Crags — Winter Training & Spring Prep Hike

Purpose:
This hike is designed as a winter training and coordination day as we transition into the spring climbing season. Rather than focusing only on the summit, the goal is to use a familiar, local route to practice systems, refine logistics, and get comfortable moving together in winter conditions before more committing objectives later in the season.

We’ll use this outing to:

• Continue building familiarity and trust within the group
• Practice winter pacing, layering, and snow travel
  Test gear, nutrition, and cold-weather strategies
• Dial in meetup logistics, carpooling, and group flow
• Prepare for upcoming spring snow climbs, including RMNP objectives later in the season

🏔️ Route Overview
Route: Pikes Peak via The Crags
Distance: ~13 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~4,200 ft
Difficulty: Class 2 (winter conditions)
Terrain: Packed snow, wind exposure above treeline, true winter alpine conditions
The Crags is a reliable winter route — wind-scoured in places, straightforward navigation, and close to town — making it ideal for focused training without unnecessary complexity.

🎯** What to Expect**

• Steady, conversational pace with planned regroup points
• Cold temperatures and wind exposure above treeline
• Snow travel throughout the route
• Emphasis on decision-making, communication, and turnaround discipline
• A supportive, no-ego environment
• This is a training-oriented hike, not a race or a summit-at-all-costs push.

🎒 Bring

• Microspikes (required)
• Snowshoes (optional, conditions dependent)
• Alpine boots, crampons, helmet, and ice axe (optional — based on conditions, comfort, and personal preference)
• Winter layers (shell, insulation, hat, gloves, gaiters)
• 2–3 L water + calories
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp
• Navigation app (AllTrails / GPX)
• Snacks, electrolytes, water.
• Handwarmers, emergency shelter, firestarting and other basic survival & medical supplies.
• $ cash for gas ⛽️ 💰

🧭 Who This Is Good For
This hike is a great fit for:

• People interested in winter hiking or spring snow climbing
• Those planning to join future 14ers or RMNP snow objectives this season
  Hikers who want to practice systems (layering, pacing, nutrition, gear) in cold conditions
• Anyone looking to meet climbing partners and see how the group moves together
• You don’t need prior technical climbing experience, but you should be comfortable with long days, winter exposure, and self-management in cold alpine environments.

⚠️ Disclaimer
Pikes Peak Mountaineers is a group of friends hiking together — we are not professional guides or instructors. All participants are responsible for their own safety, preparation, and decisions.
Winter mountain travel involves inherent risk. By joining, you acknowledge that you participate at your own risk.