Tom Grundy's Pikes Peak Page

After the late finish on Lindsey we slept near the trailhead but then took a day off to go to Pueblo and pack and sort and recover. Then a dinner consisting mostly of ice cream and then driving on to the trailhead after dark to eat more ice cream and sleep.

Breakfast consisted of leftover ice cream and oatmeal in the dark (and of course coffee for Sam and Raquel). It was a cold morning but we were on our way by 6:20. Things started out in the trees but it wasn't long before we emerged above tree line. We were power hikers by now and cruised on up past the road, walked on a cable, and on up to the 14,110 ft summit by 9:35. This was weird because you can drive or take a train up here and there were lots of tourists and a visitor center as well as the usual expansive views. There was a chill breeze so we went in the visitor center and ate some food.

Raquel and the PLC making breakfast

the aspens were starting to change

and there was a nice waning moon (and probably 14ers on the horizon)

Sam walks a cable

we made it (with a little help from Leki)

summit parking lot

cog railway at the top

a little summit acro flying

Despite the summit luxury we headed back down by 11 or so. Sadly I lost a pair of sunglasses somewhere on the way down. We made quick time down too, and then loaded up and headed off for the last one.

view northish as we started down

more acro on the way down

distant mountains from by the summit looking SWish. The Sangre De Cristo range is on the horizon

Summary of September 18, one 14er, about 14 miles and 4,300 feet of elevation gain. First summit visitor center with food and one pair of lost sunglasses.

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