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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


View northeast from American Flats. The prominant peaks on the right are fourteeners Wetterhorn & Uncompahgre. What a wonderful place to be at dawn!
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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


Darley Mountain as seen from American Flats.
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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


We follow the Horsethief "Trail" as it meanders toward Wildhorse Peak (left). In many places there is only a hint of a track through the grass.
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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


Self portrait. UN 13,132 lies on the west side of American Flats.
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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


Cow Benchmark from its southeast ridge. Small obstacles are easily bypassed.
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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


We enjoy a can of Paulaner while perched in this unique position high above the town of Ouray. The Sneffels group is in the background.
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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


Looking south toward the Red Mountains.
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Cow Benchmark [13,111 ft]
San Juan Mountains
July 31, 2011


Kevin beginning the descent of Cow Benchmark's long southeast ridge.