Peak(s): |
West Spanish Peak - 13,584 feet |
Date Posted: | 06/22/2020 |
Date Climbed: | 06/20/2020 |
Author: | RJ_Greenhorn24 |
Additional Members: | BlindWanderer |
Peak(s): |
West Spanish Peak - 13,584 feet |
Date Posted: | 06/22/2020 |
Date Climbed: | 06/20/2020 |
Author: | RJ_Greenhorn24 |
Additional Members: | BlindWanderer |
Huajatolla, an unexpected treat |
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The Spanish Peaks: superbly prominent among the flat horizon where the mountains meet what I call Kansas (anything East of I-25) Growing up in Rye just a few miles North of the Peaks I've seen them every day and never once thought to climb them. They've always seemed so steep that I didn't consider it was an option, until I saw some trip reports on this website and thought what the heck, go for it. Before heading up I downloaded the GPX file onto my phone and updated my OnX hunting app to track our time and trip distance. On a Friday evening I picked up BlindWanderer and headed up Cordova Pass. The campground was very nice and well worth the $10 camping fee ($7 for day use) just based on the restroom facilities alone. We shared the campground with only 3 other people so it was a pleasant rest before the alarm went off at 4am. By 5am we were on the trail, and passing thru the big meadow where the peak comes into view. The trail was very straight forward and well marked but it did not match the GPX file for about the first mile or so, just stick to the trail and you won't even need the GPX. Many beautiful views and awesome trees grace the route below treeline, which comprises most of the hike. Once you reach tree line, the approach ridge looks short; you're eyes are tricking you. If you have the GPX track downloaded then this is the spot it comes in handy and will keep you on track. As others have said the "trail" thru the talus is much easier to spot coming down than going up. I doctored as many fallen cairns as possible on the way up, but there were many spots where the trail splits and multiple cairns can be seen. Either way they will all get you to the top and the climb itself, although steep, is pretty simple. The summit was broad and I was surprised by how many people we saw thru the day (granted it was a perfect weather day, no clouds and very little wind). We were the 2nd ones to hit the summit that morning and by the time we left the summit (2 hours later) I could say that at least 20 other people had come and gone. On the way down we passed at least another 20 on their way up, they were really taking advantage of the nice weather. I anticipated the summit views being pretty bland with "Kansas" to the East, however it was just the opposite. East Peak blocked the view of "Kansas" for the majority of the hike and you were left with the beautiful views of the Sangres, Blanca Massif, Crestones and the small mountains near Gardner behind Greenhorn. Summary: This was a fun hike, the first 3 miles of the trail were very tame. If you have small children who aren't quite ready for the steep talus fields then the hike to treeline would still make for a nice afternoon adventure. The campground was nice, only lacking a water source. The peak itself was steep but it wasn't incredibly loose so the climb for the most part, was enjoyable. The never ending ridge up reminded me of Elbert, and even more-so once i reached the crest and saw the final ridge to the summit. I dub this mountain "Elbert Jr" due to all it's similarities, and will forever see it in a different light as I drink my morning coffee and stare it down. |
Comments or Questions |
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