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First off, today was possibly the most perfect day I could have every hoped for to hike a 14er. I've maybe had 3 days equal in my time completing 26 of the 14ers. The weather was gorgeous with a subtle, nice breeze and the company made it even better. Also, today the CFI flew a small Cessna plane over every peak today because of the 100 year anniversary. Emily and I were lucky enough to be on top of Huron when they flew just over the top of us. Pretty cool! (sorry didn't get a picture of the plane)
Left Golden: 4:50 am
4wd TH: 7:35 am
Started hike: 7:55 am
Huron Summit: 11:00 am
Began descent: 12:05 am
-- (just realizing my mistake in not bringing sunscreen, very red neck and face ...just because it is Sept. doesn't mean the suns UV rays are any friendlier)
Back to car: 2:30 ish
Well, I chose to hike Huron Peak today because I wanted to do an easier 14er for Emily who had yet to experience the glorious feeling of summitting a Colorado 14er, and because I myself have not hiked Huron yet. It became my 26th 14er summit and # 15 since Memorial day.
Emily and I left Golden at 4:50 am this morning and arrived at the 4wd TH of Huron at about 7:35 am. The drive was fast. Just to comment about the 4wd road, it was not terrible except for the 2nd dip towards the end of the 4wd TH, but even that dip was not bad because it's all dirt so even though it scraped my bike rack nothing was hurt. Just slow going for a couple miles. (my dodge nitro has mediocre ground clearance, but it handled itself well).
Today there were many people on the trail. Emily and I made our way at a decent pace given this was her first 14er EVER passing multiple groups of people! I remember the day when I hiked my first 14er (Mt. Yale - Oct. 2010) which opened my eyes to endless possibilities. I couldn't get enough of the majestic 14ers and the friendships that are created from hiking with great people. It shall be something I do for a long time to challenge myself, enjoy what Colorado has to offer, and have fun with friends.
(Side note: The drive on CO 390 and hike made for an even better time given it is early fall and the aspens raiding the valley are all beginning to change into their golden forms creating amazing colors. I would say the next 2 weeks will be awesome for anyone wanting to catch the fall colors up in the mountains.)
Early morning colors More morning colors Spaghetti for Breakfast!?!
The jaunt up Huron
The 3 Apostles in the distance standing firm behind Emily with whatever she's trying to do haha.
Closer as she goes! With a big smile!
What a great day it twas.
Hello Pika!
Summit at last! (3 hr 5 min) 11:00 am.
And for some moments of remembrance...
Doing some Yoga!
My attempt to show 26 with my fingers
14ers in the background --- Mt. Harvard far left, Columbia the mound back left, Mt. Yale center/right with Mt. Princeton and Mt. Antaro the next two highest past Yale going right.
More of the Fall colors...
We spent just over an hour on the summit enjoying the views, lunch, some Fat Tires (doesn't beat the keg that a group carried up here last week), and with other 100 year anniversary folks celebrating with a group of young kids (9-12 yrs old).
The hike down went smoothly except I wasn't able to meet up with my friend Colby who beasted out Bel/Ox/Miss early this morning and tried to get Huron but got mixed up on the trail and ran towards the apostles instead. His report was posted yesterday (zephyr_pelicante).
Overall successful day, I love the friendliness of people on these hikes and the experiences that will never be forgotten.
Cheers, to hiking 14ers and other peaks in CO of course!
Stay safe!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Those fall colors are so pristine. I'd challenge anyone to take a look up there and try to not see all the colors. The drive from Leadville to Frisco is great as well. And yes, the day's weather was far too good to pass up.
Where was #24 taken? Grassy fields above treeline with great views are so nice; I absolutely love them.
You stopped just below, that basin is a few hundred feet or less above treeline from where you turned around
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...just because it is Sept. doesn't mean the suns UV rays are any friendlier)
