| Ref: 14ers.com
|
|
|
|
|
Heading to Mount Arkansas, peak
#5 and highest point of this traverse.
|
Scramble:
RT 8.75 (includes Kuss and Mosquito Peaks, Treasurevault Mountain and
Mount Tweto); 1.5 up from Mount Tweto. Mount Arkansas' traverse was the
apex of this outing.
Short of being a centennial 13er, it is the highest point of this
traverse. With snow, the route is aesthetically pleasing and offers a
bit of a challenge. Although I was able to execute the climb to the
summit ridge without crampons or an axe, I would recommend them. I
simply scrambled on rock wherever I could to avoid the softening snow
on the open slopes, this worked well and it was an obvious way to
mitigate potential hazard. Further along the climb to the summit ridge,
I had to walk on
the snow crest which was entirely
manageable. If I had to use just two words for this part, I would say
it was "fun" and "refreshing". Once on the summit ridge, the hike to
the
top is straightforward but one must remain mindful of the impressive
cornices on the lee side. The huge cornices hanging over the
mountain's sheer east side made it look like a tall Alaskan peak. I was
absolutely delighted that I was able to continue to the summit, it made
my trip! I sat down for a while to soak in the view and grab a bite.
From here, I could appreciate the scale of the
operational Climax Mine. I was surrounded by all the Sawatch giants and
the Mosquito Range's 14ers, including Tenmile's Quandary Peak and
countless stunning 13ers. It was also neat looking south
over the terrain I had travelled which was almost half the length of
the Mosquito Range. I hadn't taken many breaks along the way, I enjoyed
the outstanding scenery and relished the accomplishment. As
great as it was to just relax on my high perch, I started to think
about Tim that hadn't heard from
me at all today; shit, is there ever any nirvana? Anyway, I
managed a
decent stay before peeling myself off the summit. I aimed for the west
face pretty much directly from the top. There was a couple
of wind-scoured ribs but I chose to skirt one of those with a mad
glissade. The snow was still very firm, almost too firm with sastrugi
that kinda hurt my rear end but I wasn't complaining, my descent was
swift
and amusing despite that. The lower part of the mountain to the highway
was very easy to navigate. The snow still held my weight and I didn't
need to use my snowshoes. A small crux worth mentioning is the creek
alongside the highway. I had to find a place to cross it, I can see how
this could be an unforeseen challenge on some spring days.
The final hurdle was to get a lift back to Leadville; thankfully, a
nice local man had mercy on my soul and drove me all the way back to my
truck. This was an awesome day in the Colorado Mountains, as always.
|
|
 |
|
Impressive
basin to the north beyond these neat outcrops.
|
|
 |
|
The south
ridge offers easy scrambling.
|
|
 |
|
The snowy
ridge crest is manageable.
|
|
|
|
Looking back
at Mount Tweto.
|
|
 |
|
The summit
ridge is beautifully corniced.
|
|
 |
|
|
More of the
vast basin flanked by Mount Democrat's west face.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking
south towards the other Mosquito Range peaks I have visited.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
A couple of
minor dips interrupt the short hike to the top.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The ridge is
aesthetically pleasing, this summit is stunning with snow.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
From here,
Mount Arkansas looks like a lofty Alaskan summit.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The apex of
the traverse, peak #5!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Mount
Arkansas' north ridge is the ascent route from Fremont Pass.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
View north.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Sawatch
giants beyond Prospect Mountain, I can always pick out LaPlata Peak and
Mount Elbert.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Another
Sawatch gem is Mount of the Holy Cross.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The
challenging connecting ridge to Mount Buckskin and Loveland Mountain.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The active
Climax Mine.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
LaPlata Peak
(left), one of my favorite Sawatch peaks and Mount Elbert on the right.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
A closer
look at Mount of the Holy Cross.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The descent
is direct and straightforward.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
A glimpse
back at the descent straight from the top.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Following
the open west ridge all the way down to the road.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
The snow on
the ridge is still firm enough to support my weight.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Nearing the
road.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Mount
Arkansas' west aspect from highway CO-91.
|
| Back
to home page |
|
|