02/22/14 Unnamed 9386 #24

The group on the summit

On February 22nd, I headed out with my friends Zach, Mandy, and Shara.  We drove from Denver up toward Golden Gate Canyon State Park.  We parked at Slough Pond and followed trail from there.  It was a bit overcast and chillier than it had been in Denver, but it was good to be out, despite our late start.  The trail was mostly packed down by snowshoers and we didn't bring any.  It was easy enough to follow, although it was slick in some of the steep sections.  We would find that this was actually harder on the descent.

We quickly made it up to the Beaver backcountry shelter.  I was able to convince everyone to continue on off trail and through deeper, unpacked snow toward the summit.  I was certain it wouldn't take too long or be too difficult.  It wasn't really, but I could tell that I was probably the only one interested in getting to the top of this obscure unnamed summit.  I offered to lead and break trail.

Fortunately we made it to the top without too much effort and I think everyone was glad we had done it.  From the top it was a quick descent to the shelter and an easier descent back to the car, except for the packed and icy steep trail.  This was the last peak I climbed in Colorado for the project.

Elevation gain:  1085'     Total gain:  31,195'