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Heading to my next objective,
Argentine Peak.
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Snowshoe
trip.
RT 10.75 (includes Square Top Mountain and Mount Wilcox); 1.5 up from
Square Top. After
ascending Square Top Mountain and doubting whether I should go along
with my planned traverse because of fatigue, I figured I had the whole
day to pick
at it. I made my way down Square Top with ease; from the col, the pitch
to Argentine's false summit didn't seem as steep anymore. I
put my snowshoes back on and started climbing the ridge line,
connecting bare ground along the way. Following a good grunt, I reached
the cornice at the top which was easily negotiated. From the false
summit,
the power line's towers came into view and so did the true summit. I
hiked to Argentine Pass, the highest named vehicle-accessible pass in
the State; I was now trekking on the Continental Divide with Grays and
Torreys Peaks stealing the show along the way. At the pass, I
came across some wooden structures and a small shack. The following bit
to the
summit was pleasantly merciful and I
gained the top
without expending too much energy. I dropped my pack
and called Tim, my emergency contact, to let him know my location. I
grabbed a bite while admiring Grays, Torreys and all the other
magnificent mountains around. Today was a glorious day to be out in the
alpine, there was no wind at all.
Once replenished, I carefully backtracked and located the safe line of
wind-scoured ridge I had spotted from Square Top Mountain. I descended
to the Argentine-Wilcox Col passing by more impressive electrical
towers,
Mount
Wilcox would be my third and final objective of the day.
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Naylor Lake
below.
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The descent
is straightforward and the weather is stable.
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Murray Lake
and Mount Wilcox.
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View west
over Santa Fe Peak and Revenue Mountain, located on the Continental
Divide; Breckenridge's ski area is in the background.
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The col.
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View east
with Mounts Evans and Bierstadt.
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Start of the
short ascent to Argentine Peak.
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Square Top
Mountain is appropriately named.
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Mount Wilcox.
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Nearing the
false summit. |
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Looking back
at Square Top Mountain again. |
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The true
summit is not far away.
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Wooden
structure.
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A small
shack at Argentine Pass.
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On the
summit of Argentine Peak with Grays and Torreys Peaks in the background.
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Southern
view.
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Backtracking
to pick up Mount Wilcox's connecting ridge.
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Continue
on to Mount Wilcox
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| Back
to home page
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