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Peak(s):  Pyramid Peak  -  14,029 feet
Date Posted:  08/26/2008
Date Climbed:   08/25/2008
Author:  anthonylebaron
 Pyramid- Beer Pong at 14,018 ft   

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.

Image
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.

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Gabe enjoys some exposed class 4 moves.

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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)

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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!

Image
I take a beer pong shot

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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.

Image


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):
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Comments or Questions
LongLiveTheHuskers
User
You may be on to something...
8/27/2008 12:37am
A 58 game series...Beer Pong World Championships


Mel McKinney
User
But the alcohol makes you bounce better...
8/27/2008 4:43pm
If Heaven forbid you should fall!
Beer pong, eh? Rhodes and I challenge you for a future peak!


14ergirl
User
Wow!!
8/28/2008 2:42am
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!


KirkT
User
Great climb!
8/28/2008 8:10pm
Gabe, I know your feeling it after those two days of climbs! Great way to fill 2 days! Looks like you had a great outing....crazy pictures.

Kirk


aconcagua08
User
Re-rack!
8/29/2008 6:34pm
Watch the elbow! That‘s legen...

wait for it...


wait for it...

DARY!


Matt
User
Awesome!!!
1/19/2011 3:38am
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.


Ridge runner
User
ping pong
2/1/2011 12:24am
So how many balls did you lose over the edge?
That is hilarious!



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