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"...
-14.8 miles
-6160 feet
-start...4:50am
-finish...11:15am
My friend Darin Baker has inspired me to climb the top 100 peaks in the state. Now that Dani and I are only a few trips away from all the 14ers, I decided now is as good a time as any to start making a dent in the 13ers. My first trip took me to the Halfmoon Creek Trailhead to climb the peaks directly behind Mt. Elbert.
I took off from Colorado Springs on Friday after work and got to Halfmoon Moon Creek Road around 6pm. I was able to get my stock jeep wrangler to the upper trailhead. The trickiest part of the last mile is how steep it is, not the condition of the road. You really just have to gun it...no chance to be deliberate.
I started earlier than I normally would, not knowing how long this hike would take. It was probably the longest I've hiked alone in the dark. Because of the snow, it was well over an hour in complete darkness...spooky.
On top of French...looking at the ridge to Frasco
French Mtn as the snow broke and the sun started to poke out...the route from Iron Mike Mine tops out on the saddle
View of Casco from Frasco
View of the Z-shaped ridge to Lakawanna from Casco...the summit is hidden by the clouds. I read that some of this ridge was class 3, but I didn't run into anything over class 2 all day...pretty straight forward
Looking back at Frasco, French, Casco, and Elbert. My ankles were hurting a little from side-hilling over to Lakawanna, so I decended straight back down in to the valley and then straight back up to the Casco, Elbert saddle.
French and the road to the Iron Mike Mine. I took the obvious light line to the saddle left of French.
Having a little camera fun with the fall colors and Cacso Peak
A day in the mountains isn't complete without a cold one
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I'm tired just from reading what you accomplished here! It took me three separate trips for all of those, with the exception of Frasco (because I was too lazy to go over there after French).
Nice job man!
Well Mike, since you've set a new goal for yourself, hopefully we can connect for some of peaks I have left (e.g., Dallas? Jagged? ;-).
But I think I better lose 20lbs and start training to keep up with you!
Definitely ran down the road on the way back. Had to get back to the Springs for the Bronco game.
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.