Pikes Peak Trip Report 01/12/2013

Peak(s):	Pikes Peak - 14,109 feet
Date Posted:	01/12/2013
Date Climbed:	01/05/2013
Author:	Bethie

Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak TH: Crags Campground Mileage: 14.5 Elev Gain: 5,000 ft Steve Cassin, Beith & Keith Bershader, Marlene Swift Started around 7:30 am on the packed trail. Turned off on the well marked Devil's Playground trail. Followed this still packed trail hitting treeline quickly passing a large group of Texans training for a medial outreach program in Nepal. Above treeline we followed the path to the right where we reached the saddle at 12,700 ft finally reaching the sun. There was zero wind and it was pretty warm. We got onto the old road and took a break in the area with funky rocks on both sides of the road. I figured out here I had lost my favorite neck gaitor & was super bummed! Oh well, everything is replaceable right?! Anywho, Devil's Playground was around the corner at 12,900 ft, we crossed the Pikes Peak Highway and saw a few cars heading up which meant the snack shop would be open!! We followed the moderate trail as it paralleled the highway passing by many funky rock formations. The views were spectacular. Still not too much wind. We reached the final 1,000 ft slope to the summit where we followed the well cairned trail over talus. The summit house came in sight and the wind finally hit. We got inside around 12:30 and quickly got ourselves some awesome donuts and hot cocoa. Took about an hour break in here. We finally bundled up for the wind outside and back out we went. Got the ranger to get our picture at the sign and down we went literally running down the talus to get out of the wind. We ran into the Texans about 1,000 ft down, they were still making their way up although had sent 2 of their guys onto the road to hitchhike to the top since one was altitude sick. We warned them about getting a fine on the road & that their sick friend should descend. I hope it all turned out ok as we saw a ranger pull over to them later & then 6 of them descending down the road even later. The rest of our descent went quickly & was noneventful. The wind had increased down lower but with the sun out it was pretty warm. We reached the car at 4:30. 5 hrs up, 1 hr break, 3 hrs down. A fine winter summit! Although we carried snowshoes & ice axes, we didn't need either the entire day. Congrats to Marlene & Steve for their new 14er! Beth Bershader

Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak
TH: Crags Campground
Mileage: 14.5
Elev Gain: 5,000 ft
Steve Cassin, Beith & Keith Bershader, Marlene Swift

Started around 7:30 am on the packed trail. Turned off on the well marked Devil's Playground trail. Followed this still packed trail hitting treeline quickly passing a large group of Texans training for a medial outreach program in Nepal. Above treeline we followed the path to the right where we reached the saddle at 12,700 ft finally reaching the sun. There was zero wind and it was pretty warm. We got onto the old road and took a break in the area with funky rocks on both sides of the road. I figured out here I had lost my favorite neck gaitor & was super bummed! Oh well, everything is replaceable right?! Anywho, Devil's Playground was around the corner at 12,900 ft, we crossed the Pikes Peak Highway and saw a few cars heading up which meant the snack shop would be open!! We followed the moderate trail as it paralleled the highway passing by many funky rock formations. The views were spectacular. Still not too much wind. We reached the final 1,000 ft slope to the summit where we followed the well cairned trail over talus. The summit house came in sight and the wind finally hit. We got inside around 12:30 and quickly got ourselves some awesome donuts and hot cocoa. Took about an hour break in here. We finally bundled up for the wind outside and back out we went. Got the ranger to get our picture at the sign and down we went literally running down the talus to get out of the wind. We ran into the Texans about 1,000 ft down, they were still making their way up although had sent 2 of their guys onto the road to hitchhike to the top since one was altitude sick. We warned them about getting a fine on the road & that their sick friend should descend. I hope it all turned out ok as we saw a ranger pull over to them later & then 6 of them descending down the road even later. The rest of our descent went quickly & was noneventful. The wind had increased down lower but with the sun out it was pretty warm. We reached the car at 4:30. 5 hrs up, 1 hr break, 3 hrs down. A fine winter summit! Although we carried snowshoes & ice axes, we didn't need either the entire day. Congrats to Marlene & Steve for their new 14er!
Beth Bershader

Comments or Questions

dsunwall	new 14er 1/13/2013 2:14pm hey, glad to see more of my friends climbing 14ers in winter, the best game in Colorado. congrats Marlene and Steve!
boudreaux	Congrats 1/13/2013 3:13pm Congrats on you guys winter summit!! I plan to get one myself this week.
Papillon	I know that crew... 1/13/2013 5:14pm We all met on the t---- going in and out of Needleton around the 4th of July. Congrats on your winter ascent.
Bethie	responses... 1/14/2013 11:07pm hey dwight, yup, always climb a few every winter. none on the grand scale as yours! boudreaux, good luck on your climb! papillon, of course i remember running into you two 2 years in a row!

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.

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App