Android Stats: Backcountry Navigator App
Min Elevation: 12,830
Max Elevation: 14,264
Avg Elevation: 13,539
Elevation Gain: 2,105
Total Mileage: 5.24
Total Time: 5hr 42min




Once again due to Supper, I was looking for an easier hike. I'm still not sure how I decided on this one again, but the forecast was looking great for the 24th. From Summit Lake, this hike is relatively short for our standards but constant in elevation. It must have been close to 90% over 13,000' the entire time (maybe I'll do the math in the future). The parking lot and trailhead are at 12,800-ish situated below the ridge that makes up the Mount Spalding to Mount Evans route.

Normally there is a fee to get on the road (controversial local topic) but we happened to be there on the national park/public land access day and paid nothing. Late as usual, we parked across from Jenn about 6:20am and started getting ready...






The route we followed was identical to the 2009 route. And I mean down to the exact problem rocks for the dogs. But after some sled dog dead lifts, we were back on the leisurely trail towards Mount Spalding's summit. We didn't spend long there with other groups catching up to us. There was a smidgen of snow and it was mostly frozen solid...




Once we started the final push towards Mount Evans, goats started showing up everywhere...


And views...


Jenn putting her knee up on snow...


Once the trail hit 14,000', it was an "easy" stroll to the summit. Where we spent about 45 minutes lounging while I lost most of my $5 beer. Stupid dogs...




























On the way down there were more goats. Other than that, it was a simple walk back to the van...


















The route above Summit Lake...


Lots of gold aspen on the drive back...




And to top it all off, Limbaugh got his first 14er! That makes six summits for Supper-Pup. He is going to be a crazy mountain dog.

Jenn did you feel any guilt eating your gorb in front of the dogs. (#15)

Another great "fool on the hill" shot. (#21) <------------- I miss those days now with Mylo

this was such a stroll in the park of a hike, we joked that the 14ers seem easier then some of the 13ers we do! this was my 5th 14er and S&J's 3rd this year! it was nice to get in the 13er at the start again that route was harder (dog lifting) then getting to Evans! I think this might have been our last hike for summer unless Eddy tempts me with something good, otherwise i have yard work that needs doing. ok on to my pics, will try not to double any...






the dog lifting rock


up we go


and hes up




lindsay on the summit of mt spalding


me on the summit of spalding


Gray's and torreys


mt bierstadt, my last front range 14er i need




sierra loving the snow






lindsay on the summit of evans


us on the summit


eddy soaking over his split beer




Supper


Goats


last snow break




marmont

it was so nice to see the aspens on the drive down

Len I was nice and shared some with them

Those are such amazing pictures! If one was planning to go bag a 14er, what would you recommend as a starter? We were going to do Elbert in June, but were told there was still too much snow. I'd love a chance to get back up that way next year or the year after and do some major hiking.

Oh hell! I never posted my Mount Elbert trip. The three main routes should be feasible in June. But it is a tough month to predict and most of the clear routes face more south-southwest. Or the windblown NE ridges. But it really depends on the after March storms. This year was a bear for waist deep snow into July except for a few pockets of lower peaks around the 14ers. Quandary tends to stabilize earlier from traffic, and the further south you go the more likely the mountains will have less snow.

Watch 14ers.com for updates on conditions as your trip gets near. And have two or three alternative peaks in nearby ranges in case of weather.

Thanks. We wound up doing some hiking around Aspen, and it was still a good time. I just really want to hike some of the 14ers. I also REALLY want to do the horsethief trail in Ouray, up to the bridge of heaven. We made it to Ouray, but got foiled, again by snow.

Meredith, of the 6 14ers i have done, evans was the easiest from summit lake and then i would say grays and torreys from the standard route. i need elbert and im not sure eddy will do it again so if you do come and hike it i want to tag along, i can be your CO guide