Vermilion Peak Trip Report 05/29/2013

Peak(s):	Vermilion Peak - 13,909 feet
Date Posted:	05/29/2013
Date Climbed:	05/25/2013
Author:	Wyoming Bob

Vermilion's SE Ridge - Spring Snow
Climbed the SE Ridge of Vermilion on late Spring snow. Unlike prior 2011 try, resulting in a climb of Fuller Peak, managed to pick the right mountain this time, again without consulting the map in the top pocket of the pack. Started from Mineral creek TH after camping over Memorial Day in an empty, yes, empty campground. Skipped the unknown of the creek crossing on the switchback trail for the known crossing from the 4WD TH, bit of a road march but the promise of dry feet. Once over a verglas covered bridge the hike up to the lower Ice Basin boasted only a few patches of snow here and there. The Lower Ice Lake Basin was snow free but the Upper Basin was snowbound. An early start gave frozen snow until a hint of mush just below the Fuller/Vermilion Col. No avi issues but i was early. From there not too much snow and a segmented climbers trail provided a Class 2 to 2+ route to the summit with but one couple minute sniff about for the route around one of the ridge line towers. A 4 a.m. start yielded a 12:15 p.m. finish. Would ahve added Golden horn but for the warming snow and the guarantee of a postholing trip out of the upper basin, not on my list on that day. Click the link for the usual Climbing with Bob narrative Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Vermilion's SE Ridge - Spring Snow

Climbed the SE Ridge of Vermilion on late Spring snow. Unlike prior 2011 try, resulting in a climb of Fuller Peak, managed to pick the right mountain this time, again without consulting the map in the top pocket of the pack. Started from Mineral creek TH after camping over Memorial Day in an empty, yes, empty campground. Skipped the unknown of the creek crossing on the switchback trail for the known crossing from the 4WD TH, bit of a road march but the promise of dry feet. Once over a verglas covered bridge the hike up to the lower Ice Basin boasted only a few patches of snow here and there. The Lower Ice Lake Basin was snow free but the Upper Basin was snowbound. An early start gave frozen snow until a hint of mush just below the Fuller/Vermilion Col. No avi issues but i was early. From there not too much snow and a segmented climbers trail provided a Class 2 to 2+ route to the summit with but one couple minute sniff about for the route around one of the ridge line towers. A 4 a.m. start yielded a 12:15 p.m. finish. Would ahve added Golden horn but for the warming snow and the guarantee of a postholing trip out of the upper basin, not on my list on that day.

Click the link for the usual Climbing with Bob narrative

Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):

Comments or Questions

wooderson	just missed ya... 5/30/2013 4:25am Papi and I were camped @ South Mineral the whole weekend... we were also surprised to find it so empty, but no complaints since empty = quiet and no riffraff. Too bad we didn't run into you. We were on Twin Sisters Sunday and kept remarking at how impressive Fuller looked from that perspective... in fact it hid Vermillion for much of the day. It's a worthy objective, but congrats on getting the main prize this time.
Wyoming Bob	2nd hand meeting? 5/30/2013 1:09pm Your chocolate Lab came to my camp to say hello? Truly a near miss, its time to just plan a meet for a Bicentennial or two. It was good to tag Vermilion, now just 4 to go . . .
Jay521	Another nice one. 5/30/2013 2:08pm You continue to keep my to-do list growing! Thanks for posting.
Presto	Chocolate Lab? 5/30/2013 2:21pm Nope, not from the Woodions. They're partial to the feline persuasion. Nice photos. Good trip. These are a group of peaks I would definitely love to visit again. Thanks for posting. Happy trails!
wooderson	re: 2nd hand meeting 5/30/2013 2:21pm Afraid not... no dog with us. But yes, we definitely ought to plan an outing since we always seem to be following in each others footsteps. Good luck on those final four!

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