Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
14er: Massive
Route: East Slopes
Date: July 4, 2011
Time to ascend: 4hr, 10 min
Total time: 7hr, 30 min
On Sunday afternoon (the 3rd), we set off from Denver to camp near the Mt. Massive trailhead. We didn't know what we'd run into given the holiday weekend, and were a bit nervous that all of the dispersed camping sites would be full. We arrived in the area around 5pm. Luckily, we had several spots to choose from, which was good considering we ended up moving from our first site because of some partying campers. They were relatively respectful, just a bit loud for our tastes. They definitely weren't there to hike.
Our second site was much more secluded, and closer to the trailhead. Win, win.
We got a relatively late start...8am. Here's Brady and Lola at the TH.
Mentally we knew we were in for a longer hike, and we were pleased at our pace getting through the forest. We reached tree line pretty quickly.
After tree line, there were scattered snow drifts along the side of the trail, but we didn't need to cross any at this point. Lola took advantage of them to cool off.
After going over some steeper terrain, we reached the ridge at 13,900. It was amazing to see all of the snow-covered peaks on the west side of the ridge.
Here's a look at where we came from (taken from the ridge).
We thought the ridge would've taken longer than it did, from what we had heard from friends. But there was a clear path and it took maybe 15 minutes to get to the top from the ridge. We did have to traverse a few snow drifts, but the snow was well traveled and it was easy enough to follow the boot prints without slipping or postholing. We wore regular hiking shoes, no gaiters.
And before we knew it, we were at the top. Here's a view to the east, with Lola in the foreground.
And here's the three of us, taken to the west.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Great shots! Looks like an awesome hike! I'm heading up there myself with some friends in a few weeks, and I'm wondering where you camped. Looks like a pretty open spot. We've got a half dozen of us or so and are looking for a good space to pitch our tents for the night so we can get a nice early start on the hike!
@Guster4321 You'll find PLENTY of camping spots on the road to the TH. There are pay sites and dispersed camping, and several spots are spread out enough for your crew. Our particular spot was one of the dispersed sites, just after the Elbert TH, about a half mile or so before the Massive TH. Hope that helps.
@MoSko thanks for the helpful info! I'm glad to know there's plenty of camping up around there. Thanks again!
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
