Mount Bierstadt Winter Ascent
February 19, 2011
After hiking more than five miles up the well-tracked road we finally leave the pavement and aim for Mount Bierstadt's gentle, willow infested, northwest slopes. As we set out across the flats it looks like a cruise and I doubt we'll even be needing our snowshoes... yeah right.
February 19, 2011
After hiking more than five miles up the well-tracked road we finally leave the pavement and aim for Mount Bierstadt's gentle, willow infested, northwest slopes. As we set out across the flats it looks like a cruise and I doubt we'll even be needing our snowshoes... yeah right.
Mount Bierstadt Winter Ascent
February 19, 2011
Willows as far as the eye can see. Looks innocent enough but this is a mine field of trap door snow. Snowshoes are a necessity but the going is still painfully slow.
February 19, 2011
Willows as far as the eye can see. Looks innocent enough but this is a mine field of trap door snow. Snowshoes are a necessity but the going is still painfully slow.
Mount Bierstadt Winter Ascent
February 19, 2011
Dominic battles the willows as weather rolls in right on schedule. Oh how quickly things change!
February 19, 2011
Dominic battles the willows as weather rolls in right on schedule. Oh how quickly things change!
Mount Bierstadt Winter Ascent
February 19, 2011
The summit is socked in and we're in full battle regalia to combat the wind and blowing snow. Yay, a new 14er for Dominic! And my Front Range winter 14er finisher!
February 19, 2011
The summit is socked in and we're in full battle regalia to combat the wind and blowing snow. Yay, a new 14er for Dominic! And my Front Range winter 14er finisher!
Mount Bierstadt Winter Ascent
February 19, 2011
Visibility is low as we begin the descent from Mount Bierstadt.
February 19, 2011
Visibility is low as we begin the descent from Mount Bierstadt.
Mount Bierstadt Winter Ascent
February 19, 2011
Back at the snowshoe cache. Somebody sure looks grumpy. Probably because he's looking at the imminent sea of willows below!
February 19, 2011
Back at the snowshoe cache. Somebody sure looks grumpy. Probably because he's looking at the imminent sea of willows below!
February 19, 2011
The east face of stately Squaretop Mountain (13,794 ft) as seen from the Guanella Pass Road just north of Duck Lake. Before they stopped plowing the road in winter Squaretop made for a nice, easy day out (except for the wind). Now not so much.