Snowmass Mountain

Having lived in the Aspen area for five years now I can't belive I have never climbed Snowmass Mountain for camped at Snowmass Lake.  The Lake is stunning and well worth a couple of relaxing days spent fishing, swimming and just relaxing!  The 8 miles of wilderness trail to the lake (10,980') is relatively quick with most of the vertical gain at the end.  I suggest arriving at the lake in early afternoon in time for a swim before a sunset dinner with the peak towering above!

Due to unfortunate circumstances this approach photo is the only photo we have from this excursion!

From the lake it is 2.5 miles and 3,112 ft from the lake to the summit of Snowmass.  The hike is fun because most of it is just hopping huge boulders.  Definetly worth the trip!

Summer 14ers!

So we didn't get as many 14ers done as I had hoped this summer due to eary snow, but we did climb quite a few.

Sunshine & Redcloud

Beautiful approach through forest (with many cool camp spots) and then fields of wildflowers up to Redcloud. 

The mile long scree ridge to Sunshine offers awesome views.

Here we are on the summit of   See the ridge run in the background?!

Summer Climbs

As the snow melted this Spring I set a goal for myself to climb 20 of Colorado's 14ers this summer (including at least 5 solos).  The main challenge I face is finding the time since I am working doubles all summer managing Brexi Brasserie.  But last summer I summited 12 so I figured 20 would be a lofty, yet reasonable goal.  Not only am I doing this to get closer to the ultimate goal of skiing / climbing all these incredible peaks, but I also want to gain more high-altitude & backcountry experience that I can carry over into the winter season.  And, I simply love the feeling of solitude, achievement and giddiness one feels during a long day spent in the wilderness.