2010.06.27 Tabeguache Peak (#49)

I've been planning to climb Tabeguache Peak at the southern end of the Sawatch range for months, but the weather never seemed to cooperate whenever I had the chance. I even had my doubts this past weekend, when dark, ominous clouds started developing around 9 am after reaching the summit of Mount Shavano.

Devon on the upper slopes of Mount Shavano:

Tabeguache Peak seen from the summit of Mount Shavano:

Fortunately, with the exception of some minor hail and thunder, I made the quick hustle across the one-mile ridge connecting Shavano to Tabeguache and was able to summit #49 on my list of Colorado 14ers.

Tabeguache Peak summit - 14,155 feet; #49 on my list (Photo - Devon S):

Devon and I on the Tabeguache Peak summit:

Only four Colorado 14ers remain on the list, with plans coming together for the finale party on August 7th at the 14,073 feet summit of Mount Columbia.

2009.11.07 GOLD DUST PEAK

Gold Dust Peak is a mountain you won't find in any guidebook. Despite its location in the Northern Sawatch range and proximity to the Vail Valley, little information existed on this 13er (at least within the usual climbing communities online).

Gold Dust Peak from Negro Basin:

With a topo map and compass to guide us, we followed the defined trail up towards Lake Charles before bushwhacking up a cliff-strewn basin towards the base of the peak. Ankle- to thigh-deep snow slowed us at times, but we pushed on towards our target. At the base of the peak, we decided to climb a mellow couloir, then traverse through chilly winds to a spectacular summit where a corniced ridge overhangs the steep north face.

Brandon and the dogs (Rainier and Kona) start the couloir climbing:

Bridget and I near the couloir's end (Photo - Brandon C):

Gold Dust Peak (13,365 feet) with Mount of the Holy Cross looming over my right arm(Photo - J W):

The views from Gold Dust included Holy Cross to the east, Elk Range and Aspen ski resorts to the south, and this one to the north:

New York and Finnegan Peaks (Photo - Brandon C):

Despite easy access and spectacular views, Gold Dust doesn't see much traffic as we were among only a few groups to sign the summit register over the past year, including the first since August. While I've enjoyed climbing the 14ers in Colorado for the past five years, I probably get an even greater thrill from exploring new areas and less-trodden peaks. I expect more of these adventures to come after I close out my final five 14ers next spring/summer.

2009.07.05 MOUNT ANTERO (10 more to go...)

Mount Antero is probably one of the least inspiring Colorado 14ers as its most distinguishing feature is a 4wd road to 13,800 feet. However, its on the list so it needed to be done sometime.

Antero from outside Buena Vista:

With hopes of camping high on the mountain, Devon and I lugged our camping gear to 12,500 feet where we watched the sunset over the Sawatch mountains.

Sunset:

Antero's west face at sunset:

Uncertain weather and building clouds forced a change of plans, as we descended to treeline at 11,500 feet to camp. Rain/snow and wind persisted throughout the night, as Devon and I were thankful to have moved down to the lower elevation. An early start the next day provided some great views on the relatively gentle hike to the 14,269 feet summit.

Hiking above the clouds:

Devon approaching the summit:

Devon and I on the summit with Tabegauche Peak in background:

Antero is the 43rd "official" Colorado 14er that I've hiked leaving only 10 left on the list. And with trips to the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo ranges planned for the next two weeks, the countdown will continue...