The
trail map suggests continuing along Summit Peak's north-west ridge,
dropping 330 meters, then ascending Saint Paul's north-east ridge.
Instead of this route, we decided to descend the south-west ridge until
we could cross the draw and connect with Mount Saint Paul's
south-eastern ridge; this route appeared to be the most
direct.
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Leaving Summit Peak to ascend Mount Saint Paul.
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Scramble:
RT 9.25 (includes Summit Peak); 2.25 up from Summit Peak. From the top
of Summit Peak, Mount Saint Paul begs a visit. The gentle barren ridges
offer straightforward travel; we chose a different route than the one
suggested on the trail map, as it appeared to be the most direct. We
tried to lose as little elevation as possible; the terrain lends itself
nicely to random hiking. Once across the draw, we began to climb steep
slopes to gain the ascent ridge; we negotiated minor rock strata before
reaching the gentler grade of the ridge. As we travelled the open
terrain, we expected to see a grizzly or some goats; it appeared to be
the perfect place for them. The hike up was enjoyable, and we came by a
couple of flat, grassy areas which would have been great spots to pitch
a tent. After 2 hours, from Summit Peak, we crested onto the vast
plateau of Mount Saint Paul. We continued to the repeater, where we sat
for another nice break. The weather was phenomenal; due to the absence
of wind, we had the opportunity to hang out and enjoy the view wearing
T-shirts. On descent, we backtracked a short distance on the ridge,
then we beelined straight down to the drainage. The steep, loose scree
was a bit tricky at first as I was wearing running shoes, but it got
easier as we neared the valley bottom. We followed the drainage all the
way back to the trailhead. Lower down, the drainage hosts tiny pools of
clear blue water in the smooth water-worn rock. We were now losing
daylight, and it started to drizzle, but we opted to stop by one of the
pools for a quick dip to freshen up; it was a bone-chillin' experience.
We reached our campsite shortly thereafter, it got dark, and the
drizzle turned to rain. We hustled to rig a tarp over the picnic table
using the car and ski poles; it did the trick. The best part of the
setup was having the car running with the heat cranked and the front
door open; that directed the heat right at us. It was a neat way to end
a wonderful day!
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Straightforward ridge to the summit.
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A cairn along the way.
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We dream of setting up our tent on this grassy, flat section.
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Nearing the top.
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Looking back, the arrow indicates the ridge we descended.
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It is tempting to continue along Saint Paul's southern ridge to return, but we elected to descend in the drainage on the left.
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A repeater sits atop the broad summit.
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View south towards Mount Saint George (center).
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North-western view with Stone Mountain's rounded summit to the far right.
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North-eastern view over the Front Ranges.
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The vast drainage south of the summit leads right back to the campground.
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Enjoying vegetarian sausages and mild temperatures.
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Time to head down.
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Easy hiking in the drainage.
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A section of smooth bedrock.
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Nearing the treeline.
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Following the mostly dry creekbed.
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This tiny pool grants the opportunity to dip and rinse off in frigid water.
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Back at the campground at dusk.
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It starts to rain just as we begin cooking dinner.
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Check out Summit Peak.
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