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"...
Loading up the family truckster, the Griswolds headed out on their 5th 14er trip in as many weeks this summer.
The road to the trailhead was tame, but with the recent rain, there were quite a few deep puddles - and cattle to negotiate. It was easy for a 4WD (Ford Explorer) and could be passable for some passenger cars, although we did not see any. A full-sized van made it but it sustained minor damage to its running board.
We camped at the trailhead parking lot, in not the most secluded spot - there were many nicer places in the mile up to the trailhead, but we wanted to be close for the next morning's start. There were also some beautiful spots in the mile after the trailhead. And although we saw about 20 cars in the area, only about 6 or 7 cars' worth of climbers were destined for Lindsey.
We left the trailhead at 5:40 AM, under thin clouds that were sure to burn off.
The Griswolds are easing into the transition to more sketchy, and airy routes. We've completed most of the Class 2 14ers, and we are progressing through the 2+'s and some 3's. Lindsey's gully, although seemingly steep looking and intimidating from the Iron Nipple / Lindsey saddle, was not airy, and gave us a chance for practicing some basic climbing moves. Note: test all hand-holds - this is rotten rock! For the most part, we stayed in the right side of the gully. About mid-way up the gully, I noticed a thin wispy cloud above the summit.
We were concerned about reported rockfall, and other than Mom launching a toaster-sized rock which grazed Hannah's (15yo) ankle, then Mom sending one down on Mikey's (13yo) chest, Mom cutting her thumb on some sharp scree, and Dad dropping one his foot, we did OK ... it seemed that we were our own worst enemies.
This wasn't Mikey's day (although he 'pwned' us all two weeks ago, practically running up Culebra). It was like coaxing a stubborn mule up the trail ... he was muttering something about wearing new boxers - too scratchy - that was bumming him out ... you know, a13 year old.
We were at the top of the gully @ ~13,600 ft (notch) at 9AM, and noticing that the cloud was darkening, and growing at a rate faster than I have ever seen before. At the top of the notch, Hannah, leading our group, wanted to go up (to an apparent false summit) instead of east (to get to the final ridge). Go east, and drop down about 20 to 30 feet, and look for the same scree-looking gullies. There's still a bit to go and we didn't notice many cairns.
At 9:20, and almost at the final summit ridge I was concerned enough about the growing cloud to turn the Griswold family around. After summiting 35 14ers - together as a family - I wasn't about to learn to be a meteorologist. We couldn't tell if the cloud was going to blow or grow & glow.
Hannah had a different motive. She bolted for the summit, citing that she didn't want to come back and finish it another time. We joined her, and spent about 4 minutes on the summit - to administer first aid to mom's thumb, refuel, and get the coveted summit pic. We booked back down, now feeling very comfortable with the 2+ conditions, and surfed down the scree.
As it turned out, the cloud stopped growing and dissipated a bit.
We met the majority of the day's climbers back in the gully, and everyone seemed mindful of the potential rockfall. We also noticed a few climbers on the Northwest Ridge route.
On the way back down from the Iron Nipple / Lindsey saddle into the basin, we saw the largest population of marmots. This guy was not in danger of starving.
Back at the stream crossing, the kids were brave enough and took the log bridge with poles. Mom crossed through the stream with her shoes off, but fell in. The trail was wet, and after seeing Mom fall into the stream, I just walked through, leaving my hiking boots on - only a mile to go.
~4 hrs up, 3 hrs down.
This was one of the more challenging 14ers for the Griswolds, and mamma seemed glad to have safely completed her 36 14er with the family. And you all know ... when mamma's happy, everyone's happy.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Very well done, Griswolds! That marmot pic had me LMAO! He looks like the Godfather of marmots.
”new boxers”? Man, Mike Jr., try commando (wait 'til my next TR).
”...blow or grow & glow...” - Love the descriptors.
Looking forward to the next Griswold TR!
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.
