My fantastic wife has suggested a winter hiking weekend for my 30th birthday (Dec. 12-15). Our base case would be to fly to Denver, but given the 2.5 days of hiking we will have and short time to acclimate to altitude from sea level in St. Louis, we are trying to think if there are any other options. We have hiked above 13k several times the day after arriving, but would hate to have this be that one time where it didn't work very well. IF we did go to CO, we would probably do one of the non-avy prone routes like Pikes or Quandary.
Any suggestions of lower elevation winter hikes/snowshoes that would be worthwhile? Given our short timeframe, I'm thinking <5 hours from an airport, accessible in a normal rental SUV, and where avalanche risk isn't a factor? Mid December flights are pretty cheap from STL, so CA, WA, NV, NM etc. could be options as well as CO. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Winter Weekend Suggestions
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jchapell
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Winter Weekend Suggestions
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peter303
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Re: Winter Weekend Suggestions
On the drive in on I-70, take Loveland Pass instead of the tunnel. 9the pass closes when it is snowing) Park at the taop and hike the southwest ridge. There is a 13er at the highest point of the ridge. You have the same above-treeline views as a 14er.
The wind using keeps the first part of hike snow-free enough to not require special equipment nor worry about avalanches. The same wind makes it feel very cold too.
The wind using keeps the first part of hike snow-free enough to not require special equipment nor worry about avalanches. The same wind makes it feel very cold too.
