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"...
After sleeping covertly near the trailhead, Gabe (media_dude) and I hit the Maroon Lake trail at about 6:30. The hike to the Pyramid trail turnoff was delightfully devoid of tourists, in contrast to my last trip up this trail. As we switchbacked up the trail to the amphitheater, I noticed Gabe lagging behind me, something that never happens. He explained that it was because he had hardly eaten anything the day before despite having climbed Snowmass' S-ridge. After a food stop in the amphitheater, he felt a lot better and we kept moving.
The climb up the slope below the ridge was steep and loose in places. Near the top of the slope, we went right where the rock was very loose. I recommend taking the trail the whole way up, no matter how tempting this minor shortcut may appear.
Once on the ridge, the class 3 and 4 fun began. We enjoyed working our way across ledges and routefinding on difficult class 4 terrain.
Gabe gives the thumbs up on our first ledge crossing
We enjoyed some spectacular exposure and were all smiles on the way up. The route was very well cairned, so we didn't have to work too hard to find the route.
Gabe enjoys some exposed class 4 moves.
I come up a short steep face
Some of the red sedimentary rock was pretty loose. As a former student of structural geology I noticed many of the blocks had hackle patterns on them, which indicate the direction of fracture propagation on that face! (This fun fact is probably only exciting to geologists)
hackles on some sandstone
Once at the summit, we took the standard summit photos and ate a little bit. And then, in what might be the greatest (or worst?) idea I've ever had, we began what we hope was the first game of beer pong atop a 14er. (Well, not exactly atop. We moved a few feet south of the summit in order to use a rock that was somewhat table-shaped. Technicalities.) Record books, here we come!
I take a beer pong shot
Gabe takes a shot
We only had a half beer each, not exactly a standard game, but felt it was a good idea from a safety standpoint to minimize alcohol intake.
The game now over (it's not important who won, right? There may have to be a rematch...), we began our descent after this potentially historical summit visit. The route presented new challenges as a downclimb, and I was very grateful to Gabe in one spot for placing my feet in footholds that I couldn't see from my perspective but had no trouble going up.
After the ampitheater, we took advantage of a few lingering snowfields and boot-skied down a lot of the way. Tiring, but a lot of fun.
Once we were back at the parking lot, we sat on my tailgate to change shoes and have a refreshing drink. As Gabe took his shoes and socks off, I noticed a lady sitting in a van next to us staring at his feet in abject terror. They were pretty beat up, but was she afraid they might attack her or perhaps gas her with their smells? We ended up talking to her and a couple other very nice people from a church group that had come from Colorado Springs to see the Maroon Lakes. They seemed impressed with our ascent, and we were pretty happy with it too. It was challenging and in places a loose climb, but we had a blast. This is definitely a dangerous mountain, but I'd recommend it for experienced climbers who want a challenge.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Incredible! What a great idea- Wonderful TR and thanks for sharing pics- I wonder if I will ever do a class 4- I will work my way up I guess. Thanks for sharing!
I can see how you‘d strike fear in the hearts of good church going folks...
You‘re tearing up the Elks, Anthony. Did you get the S Ridge in?
Drop me a line if you‘re around the Front Range this week.
So how many balls did you lose over the edge?
That is hilarious!
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.