13er Recommendations in the Sawatch

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Ashley
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13er Recommendations in the Sawatch

Post by Ashley »

We have 24 hours of kid-free time next weekend, and have our sights on a 13er or 13er traverse in the Sawatch (we've done all the 14ers and a handful of 13ers). Looking for a nice Class 2 or 2+ walkup, or an easy traverse. Mainly looking for beauty and solitude. What do you suggest?? So far, I have my sights set on Grizzly, Oklahoma, Savage, or the French-Casco traverse. Thanks in advance!
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desertdog
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Re: 13er Recommendations in the Sawatch

Post by desertdog »

Hi Ashley,

Of the ones you are looking at, I liked French-Casco traverse. The walk up the road is not that great, but once you get in the basin it is beautiful. The traverse looks a hard, but it pretty easy once you get into it.

Also, Mount Hope is a nice one as well. I did it with snow and it was fun!

Richard
The summit is a source of power. The long view gives one knowledge and time to prepare. The summit, by virtue of the dizzying exposure, leaves one vulnerable. A bit of confidence and a dash of humility is all we get for our work. Yet to share these moments with friends is to be human. C. Anker
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Black Bear
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Re: 13er Recommendations in the Sawatch

Post by Black Bear »

Mt. Ouray, Mt. Oklahoma, or the 3 Apostles
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JQDivide
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Re: 13er Recommendations in the Sawatch

Post by JQDivide »

If you have a Wrangler or short 4x4 you can drive up into the basin for Casco-French.
You can by pass the nasty rocks right after the creek crossing.
gorshkov
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Re: 13er Recommendations in the Sawatch

Post by gorshkov »

Apostles could be fun, but definitely not a class 2/2+ walkup. If you climb Ouray, I recommend the east ridge route from Gray's Creek. The traverse from Garfield to Grizzly is fun. Also there's good car camping spots along the road to the McNasser gulch TH.
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Scott P
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Re: 13er Recommendations in the Sawatch

Post by Scott P »

Notch Mountain is a good one and the view of Holy Cross is superb. It's a popular hike, but not nearly as much as the standard 14er routes.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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