Help a man propose to his lady?

[larkinrx2]

not said here yet but dont expect dry conditions as rampart range has snow and there will be melt / thaw ice

something close to the springs would also be Palmer lake reservoir. back in late December is was boot packed to the Reservoir then snow shoes beyond to keep the posting to mins

Midweek hike and didnt see a person until close to parking lot on way back

[KentonB]

At this point, I'm leaning toward Raspberry, Mt. Rosa or Mt. Cutler

My 2 cents on these options:

Raspberry: Probably your best bet. Generally good roads to the trailhead and you should have reasonable solitude this time of year with moderate hiking distance/elevation gain.

Mt. Cutler: Nice, easy, short hike, but you will have company... sometimes a lot of company. Also, expect icy trail conditions.

Mt. Rosa: There is a back approach via Frosty's Park that doesn't require 12 miles. I'm certain the road to Frosty's is snowed in this time of year, but you could get "close" on Gold Camp Road (which usually IS accessible year round). It's probably only 6 miles round trip from that point.

Here's one more thought. If you'd like a really short Class 3/4 rock scramble with spectacular views and with really easy trailhead access, you might consider "The Pinnacle" in North Cheyenne Canyon. It has a bit of exposure, but I've taken friends up it with no climbing experience and they did fine. Here's a link: http://www.listsofjohn.com/peak/171155. And it isn't nearly as bad as it looks in the picture (approach is from the opposite side).

[skycripp]

At this point, I'm leaning toward Raspberry, Mt. Rosa or Mt. Cutler

My 2 cents on these options:

Raspberry: Probably your best bet. Generally good roads to the trailhead and you should have reasonable solitude this time of year with moderate hiking distance/elevation gain.

Mt. Cutler: Nice, easy, short hike, but you will have company... sometimes a lot of company. Also, expect icy trail conditions.

Mt. Rosa: There is a back approach via Frosty's Park that doesn't require 12 miles. I'm certain the road to Frosty's is snowed in this time of year, but you could get "close" on Gold Camp Road (which usually IS accessible year round). It's probably only 6 miles round trip from that point.

Here's one more thought. If you'd like a really short Class 3/4 rock scramble with spectacular views and with really easy trailhead access, you might consider "The Pinnacle" in North Cheyenne Canyon. It has a bit of exposure, but I've taken friends up it with no climbing experience and they did fine. Here's a link: http://www.listsofjohn.com/peak/171155. And it isn't nearly as bad as it looks in the picture (approach is from the opposite side).

I read up on that approach to Rosa on SummitPost. My only hesitation is that I'll be driving a medium sized rental car (which usually ends up being something ridiculous like a Chevy Spark) so I'm not sure I could make it up Gold Camp with anything other than perfect conditions. Thoughts?

[KentonB]

I read up on that approach to Rosa on SummitPost. My only hesitation is that I'll be driving a medium sized rental car (which usually ends up being something ridiculous like a Chevy Spark) so I'm not sure I could make it up Gold Camp with anything other than perfect conditions. Thoughts?

As far as the road itself, high clearance is not needed. I've driven it in my old Corsica and an 8-passenger conversion van with no problems whatsoever. It is also generally accessible in the winter, however (full disclaimer) I have not been up there this season since we've gotten snow, so I can't speak for how icy/snowy it might be. Maybe others can weigh in who have been there recently?

If you have the luxury of time, you could always give it a try and if the road looks too dicey, it's fairly easy to find a spot to turn around... and then head for something else as "Plan B".

[rharriman]

How did it go? I didn't see this post early enough but Herman would have fit the bill as one other suggested, I have a feeling the quesiton is popped up here from time to time as I hike it regularly and have recently seen rose petals in the snow, lol (see picture)

[skycripp]

Hello all!

First off, let me apologize for taking so long to update the thread here. After the trip I jumped directly into a new job that required relocation, various weeks of travel, etc.. It's kept me busy to say the least.

Back to the topic at hand: she said yes! I took her up to Raspberry Mountain on January 20th, 2016 and popped the question. The hike was absolutely gorgeous and we had the fortune of not encountering anyone else at the summit (or anywhere else for that matter). The weather was beautiful with blue sky over Pikes, and a foreboding storm rolling in over the Ivy's (looked pretty impressive).

I couldn't have asked for a better spot to pop the question, and I can't thank all of you enough for guiding me there. I've attached a picture for your enjoyment (sapphire is her birthstone, hence the lack of a diamond as the main stone).

http://www.14ers.com/usercontent/userpi ... 3759_l.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[KSU Wildcat]

Skycripp -

Congratulations! (Now the real work begins.)

[yrastorza]

awesome, man. congrats !

[Rick Canter]

Absolutely heartwarming. Congratulations! Best of luck with the changes and a wonderful life together...

[hop2it]

Congratulations!!

[skycripp]

Thank you to all! I plan to keep you all posted by way of sharing our trip future trip reports and outdoor adventures. Cheers!