Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Allie and I decided to climb Whale via the Gibson Lake Trail. The road in was rough but Subaru-able with some care. There were a number of cars already at the trailhead when we arrived at 8am. (Most people were also summiting Whale and not just hiking to Gibson Lake like we first assumed.) The Gibson Lake Trail starts in a lush forest and immediately crosses the North Fork of the South Platte River before heading south and then west to parallel Lake Fork.
North Fork of the South Platte River
The trail was a steady incline all the way to treeline but it flattened slightly as we entered the upper basin.
First view of Whale Peak (left of center) and Bullion Benchmark (right: 12,948′)Looking back down valleyLake ForkTailings from an old mine and a field of late season flowers
We found ourselves at the small but pretty Gibson Lake after about 2.5 miles. The trail ends here. We aimed roughly for a willow-filled gully northwest of the lake, keeping to the hillside above the willows on grass and dirt.
Gibson LakeAbove the willow-filled gully (left) on grass and dirt
Everything above Gibson Lake was steep and occasionally loose, but navigation was straightforward. Once we’d gotten above the willows, we crossed the gully and started up Whale’s northeastern slopes.
Arctic gentian
The last 500′ was very steep and slow-going on a mix of grass, dirt, and talus.
Almost to the top…We made it! (Photo: Allie)
It was super windy on top so we quickly got our pictures and found a sheltered spot out of the wind for our snack. It was beginning to feel (and look) like fall.
Our descent back down to Gibson Lake was painfully slow. I tweaked my knee somehow (thankfully not seriously) and I could only descend on one leg instead of switching back and forth like normal, so I had to stop more often to rest.
Heading down the loosest sectionProbably wondering why I do this (Photo: Allie)
By the time we made it to the lake, the winds had picked up in the basin. We stopped near the water’s edge for a quick break and were subsequently soaked by lake water picked up by a gust of wind. Oh well, it was time to get moving anyways.
Late season flowers
Walking down the trail was a lot easier on my knee than the steep slopes and we made decent time back to the car. Whale was a fun little peak and I’m glad we snuck it into an often crappy 2020.
My GPS Tracks on Google Maps (made from a .GPX file upload):
Chelsea - Whale can also be done by going left at the lake and following the ridge. I think user Derek wrote a TR on that. It is also a fun winter climb although the hike is a tad longer as one has to start at the Hall Valley campground. Thanks for putting this one up and reminding me I need to go do that one again.
I second what Steve said! Bring on the green grass and flowers already!
Caution: The information contained in this report may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this report provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the report author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.
