5000 gain +- 4/5 miles

[ezabielski]

Are you just trying to get vertical, or actually simulate conditions on Rainier? If you're just looking for vertical, you could just do laps of a steep trail. Laps of Bear Peak from the Fern Saddle are 1,000' in .5 miles, one way. Or do the Incline 2.5 times. Both of those will get you to the 5000 feet in 5 miles, downhill included for free! Or it's possible to do laps of the 2nd flatiron, 750' of vert for .85 miles round trip if you take the trail back to the base (unless you're some sorta lunatic that downclimbs between each lap).

[justiner]

Or it's possible to do laps of the 2nd flatiron, 750' of vert for .85 miles round trip if you take the trail back to the base (unless you're some sorta lunatic that downclimbs between each lap).

Hey.



Actually I was going to suggest Freeway for them, too. I find that slab climbing of such easy grade is a good stand-in for moderate snow climbs: you body position is quite similar.

[AlexeyD]

Might be at the limits of “reasonable drive from Denver”, but most of the Sawatch 14ers via their standard routes satisfy these criteria or at least come close. IMO, big days at elevation is really what you want to be emphasizing, not simply vertical gain. Getting to a place where Elbert or La Plata feel semi-casual will go a long way in terms of the fitness aspect of it.

[Hjelmstadlt]

Pretty much every peak in the Sangres break 5000ft of prominence from TH to summit and the average length is about 5-6 miles one way. There’s lots of snow here this year and come April big peaks will be in good shape specifically the Crestone Couloirs. Down side, it’s about a 5 hour drive.

[davebks]

yeah, once we get closer an overnight deal isnt out of the question. I assumed I would have to make some longer drives to get what I am looking for.
For now, I will keep doing long hikes with heavy packs and get in what I can.

[CaptainSuburbia]

Pretty much every peak in the Sangres break 5000ft of prominence from TH to summit and the average length is about 5-6 miles one way. There’s lots of snow here this year and come April big peaks will be in good shape specifically the Crestone Couloirs. Down side, it’s about a 5 hour drive.

South Colony TH for Crestone Peak is at most 2:30 drive from Denver.

[SchralpTheGnar]

At most 2:30 is incorrect, I’ve had that drive take 5 hours. A more accurate answer would be a range of 2:30-6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions plus or minus 30%

[CaptainSuburbia]

At most 2:30 is incorrect, I’ve had that drive take 5 hours. A more accurate answer would be a range of 2:30-6 hours depending on traffic and road conditions plus or minus 30%

You are correct! It could take 6 hours if you leave during rush hour. I guess I was assuming the OP would be driving early in the morning for an alpine start.

[DArcyS]

Rosalie Pk. 13,575' off of 285 - 4300', 9+ mi. RT. You might notice I've used it as a training peak, it works well with usually no avy danger. When I did Rainier with RMI, our group had folks who could hardly train on a Colorado peak. I wouldn't stress too much over your training (although I don't know the specifics of your trip).

[Cygnus X1]

Meeker from Horse Creek TH. 5300' in 4.9 miles (one way).

[davebks]

it sounds like the road to sherman is still pretty snowed in. I am guessing that goes for most of the big peaks right now
bummer, I was so excited to go up there on sunday.

any other thoughts on something fun to do this weekend that will be good training and not too far from the boulder area?
ive done shadow canyon, west ridge of boulder, and fern so many times. need something new to do thats accessible. I am cool w bringing my ax and spikes but parking 6 miles below the TH might be a bit stupid.

new snow sat night too....
maybe I should just go skiing. haha