Ref: 14ers.com
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The ascent
gully from the Independence Pass road, I parked at GR:679262.
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Scramble:
RT 5.0; 3.25 up. While hiking with Tim, we met a fellow that told
us
he had just climbed Lackawanna, he described good conditions and
continuous snow in the gully. Tim had already suggested I go climb that
mountain's snow gully, now it seemed I had an objective lined up. I
drove late in the afternoon and located the south-west gully's runout
zone. The
following morning, I left before dawn. I hiked to the gully's choke
point in the dark. I was glad to have
scoped out the short approach the previous day as I managed to avoid
most of the alder shrubs in the runout zone by ascending climber's
left. Once on snow in
the gully, I relished every step onward. As dawn came about, valley
cloud
formed and I continued my ascent in the eerie fog bank. Through the
years I have grown fond of multi-layered clouds and valley fog, it
often frames
and presents the mountains in a stunning way; I find
that the mood and texture of the scenery is unsurpassed. After a little
while, I
broke out of the cloud and carried on into the upper bowl. Just short
of being a 13er, Star Mountain across the valley was the star during
the
ascent until I
started seeing LaPlata Peak. From Lackawanna, the view of LaPlata and
the Ellingwood
Ridge is absolutely phenomenal, it's front row seat! As I neared the
summit ridge, the
grade steepened and the snow got much firmer. I recollect thinking I
was a bit careless to not have my crampons and my axe on hand...
For a short distance, enjoyment turned into real focus to avoid a
mishap; that was my 10
minutes of cheap thrills! Once on the ridge, the summit is very near
and incredible scenery unfolds. I think the valley fog really made this
trip special. All the beautiful mountains just appeared to float in a
vast sea surrounding me, it was priceless. I stayed at the top for
quite some time before backtracking, there was no wind and I knew that
the descent would be fast like lightning. I glissaded the whole
way down, feeling carefree, giggling like a kid... I really liked this
outing, it was straightforward, direct and fun from start to finish.
The views are stupendous!
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Climber's
left of the runout zone grants good access avoiding most alder shrubs.
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Reaching the
gully's choke point in the dark.
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The choke
point is easily negotiable.
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The snow was
firm and the gully offered a continuous snow climb.
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Looking down
as I ascend through the fog bank.
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Breaking out
of the fog.
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Star
Mountain starts peeking through the valley cloud.
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The
mountains are revealed the higher I go.
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The upper
bowl.
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The ridge
crest is just ahead.
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LaPlata
comes into view.
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Endless sea
of cloud to the east.
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Lackawanna
offers the best view of LaPlata Peak.
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Looking over
the south-west ridge, Star Mountain (in the foreground) has accompanied
me throughout the ascent.
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At the top.
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Casco Peak
(left center) and Mount Elbert on the right to the north-east.
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The southern
end of Mount Elbert like an island in the sea.
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A closer
look at LaPlata and the Ellingwood Ridge; I hold that mountain dear to
my heart.
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South-eastern
view with some 13ers and 14ers in orange.
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Selfie!
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Spectacular
descent into the abyss.
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Who doesn't
like a fun speedy descent like that!
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Valley
cloud is so beautiful.
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One last
glimpse.
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Re-entering
the fog bank. |
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Already back
at the choke point, the road is visible below.
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| Back
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