Log In 
Peak(s):  Mt. Lindsey  -  14,055 feet
Date Posted:  07/18/2007
Modified:  05/13/2013
Date Climbed:   07/17/2007
Author:  benners
 Mount Lindsey: Northwest Ridge   

Peak: Mount Lindsey, Sangre de Cristo Range
Date Climbed: Tuesday July 17, 2007
Group: Dad and I
Route: Northwest Ridge from Lily Lakes TH

After a BIG day in the Blanca Group, Stu left for Boulder (work) and I met my Dad at a hotel in Alamosa. The plan was to sleep in Alamosa and head out for Lindsey early the next morning. We woke up at 3:30am and discovered that the Lindsey trailhead was about two and a half hours away (I didn't do my research very well on this one). Anyway we checked out of the hotel and headed for Walsenberg. Just before arriving at the Aspen River Ranch, we hit a deer going about forty and dented the side of the car pretty badly (the deer was stunned but ran off so I am assuming it was alright). Besides a big dent and some deer fur sticking out of the seams of the driver side door, the car still functioned fine. We arrived at the trailhead at 7:30am and began trekking through the dense foliage.

Image

Blanca Peak from the meadow half a mile in

The trail follows the Huerfano River for a bit and then cuts south up a gulley. After a mile or so the gulley becomes a massive basin with rolling green hills and peaks all around. The Iron Nipple and Mt. Lindsey come into view upon arrival at this basin.

Image

The trial winding up a grass slope, Mt. Lindsey's summit cone behind the ridge

My Dad and I enjoyed the views all around and took our time through this area. This was one of the most beautiful hikes I have done and it was awesome to share it with my Dad.

Image

My Dad and I in the basin we dubbed "Scotland with huge peaks"

We began the ascent up the grass slope which would eventually top out on the Iron Nipple/Lindsey saddle at 12,900 ft. My Dad and I arrived on the saddle and I prepared for the final thousand feet while my Dad set up his telescope (he loves to watch Stu and I climb steep stuff and summit mountains from good vantage points).

Image

Dad heading up the grass slope

Image

Blanca and the shadow of Lindsey from the Nipple/Lindsey saddle

I headed off for the Northwest Ridge which, given what Stu and I done the previous day, did not seem very intimidating. I did end up feeling the previous days efforts in my quads however.

Image

Mt. Lindsey, the Northwest Ridge is on the right leading all the way to the summit

I basically stayed directly on the ridge all the way to the summit. There were a few mildly exposed sections and one Class 4 segment but for the most part the ridge seemed to stay at Class 3. The one Class 4 section was the crux wall, I opted to head straight up it which entailed about twenty feet of climbing.

Image

Looking up the ridge, the crux wall can be seen near the top

Image

In the middle of the crux wall looking up at the second half

Once above the crux the route became a walk up to the false summit.

Image

Looking down the ridge from above the crux wall

Once on top of the false summit, the Northwest ridge route connects with the standard route, it took less than ten minutes to reach the actual summit from the false summit.

Image

The actual summit seen from the false summit

I summited at 11:00am and dark clouds were already forming in the area. My Dad communicated over the radio that he was starting his descent from the saddle. I took a quick summit shot and headed out, passing several people still on their way up.

Image

Mt. Lindsey summit, Blanca and Ellingwood in the background

Image

Some nastiness forming above me

I caught up with my Dad and we descended back to the car, arriving at 1:30pm. It rained on our way down which cooled off the area. We then drove to Subway in Westcliffe and re-fueled on some tuna/veggie subs, during which we set in motion the plan for the next trip to my finishers, the Crestones!



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12


Comments or Questions

   Not registered?


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.