Uncompahgre Peak: 14er #48

On the morning of Sunday, June 24 I rose with the sun in order to squeeze in an ascent of 14er Uncompahgre. This 14,309 ft gem is visible from many positions in the San Juan Range.

I first laid eyes on Uncompahgre last summer while climbing other San Juan 14ers. It was, then, an imposing rock protrusion that was surrounded by a moat-like soft snow field. I thought about making a run up it last year, but discussions with other climbers at Mean Jean's made me reconsider. I had just swam through a half-mile of soft snow on Handies Peak, so I wasn't inclined to jump back in.

Uncompahgre (rt) from Redcloud last June

It was while watching runners finish the San Juan Solstice 50 Mile run on Saturday the 23rd that I met up with Matt. He was in from the front range for a few days of summiting and kindly offered to ferry me five miles out of town and then up the four mile rugged jeep road to the trailhead. I took him up on the offer and we, along Matt's friends, Natalie and Stephanie, left Lake City just before 6 am Sunday morning.

We started the climb just after seven. I really enjoyed talking to them. We ascended together until we were well above tree line, but I had already told Matt that I planned to test my ankle with some running. The alpine trail was great for running, so I began to run at about 12,800 ft.

It was a fantastic day to be high. The sun was bright and warm, the wind was minimal, and the temperature was warmer than usual. I remained in shorts and a tech t-shirt all the way to the summit. Once there I put on a light wind jacket even though it wasn't really needed.

I remained on the summit for 40 minutes, taking and posing for pictures and eating, while waiting for the trio to arrive. I began to believe that they had turned around because I was never able to see them on the approach trail. So, I jogged away from the summit and  met up with them while down climbing the rock features leading up to the summit. We said our goodbyes and I continued to run the rest of the descent.

The ankle/achilles were fine and that nasty toe only griped a little. It was a great mountain run! I ran the 3.5 miles to the trail head, then continued to run down the jeep road. Near the end of the jeep road I caught a lift with Cary, from Boulder, because I was tired of breathing in dust from the endless line of four wheelers that speeding up the road. That ride allowed me to make it back to Lake City by noon.

Here are some of the photos I took during the climb.

Matt and Natalie early on the climb

Natalie just above tree line

14ers Wetterhorn, near center, and Sneffels, barely visible through the forest fire smoke, center horizon.

Some class four scrambling near summit.

More scrambling

Mostly good view here.

Stephanie, Matt, and Natalie when we cross paths

Oh, come on . . . I feel like Charlie Brown.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. - John Muir

Rock Voyeur: Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

A visit to Utah is, for a midwesterner, almost like visiting another planet. In fact, the first two times I was taken into the state I was, at twelve years old, suspicious that Uncle John had somehow found a way to get me out of the country or even out of this world.

Such is the adjustment from dense green forests, rolling corn and bean fields, and endless stretches of flat, pre-sewn dirt to mundane arid plateaus, deep and wide canyons, colorful jutting rock relicts, seemingly implausible rock formations, and gravity defying rock arches.

While making my journey from northern Wyoming to isolated Lake City in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, I was able to squeeze in a couple of agonizingly quick drive-throughs of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. I reached Arches just before a sunset and then followed up with a morning visit to Canyonlands.

Yes, I am getting my money's worth from that Annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass that I purchased at the Badlands. To date, I have visited five national parks and three national monuments. And, I have eleven more months to use the card!! More visits are on the horizon.

Here are a few of the photos I took while visiting Arches and Canyonlands. While I have spent sufficient time running, yes running, around Arches to consider myself quite familiar with the topography and features, I know that I will not be satisfied until I spend some quality time running and riding through the lower valleys and box canyons of Canyonlands. I already want to return there. Perhaps I can run one of the scenic and challenging road or trail runs near Moab someday.

Suset at Arches NP.

"Climbing K2 or floating the Grand Canyon in an inner tube; there are some things one would rather have done than do." - Edward Abbey
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Passing Through the Tetons

Inspiration Point along the Cascade Canyon Trail

Upon leaving Yellowstone I drove south to Grand Teton National Park. This was my third visit to this ecologically diverse park and I envision going back whenever time and opportunity permit.

The Teton range creates a "wow!" effect because of its monolithic verticality. Surrounding that intense ruggedness are the billowy wildflowers of the lower mountain sides and valley, the crystal clear waters of several lakes, and the ever-present animal population. When absorbed by the senses, these factors create a landscape that is intoxicating, soothing, and, for people like me, adrenaline producing.

To satisfy my desires and to test my still healing feet, I chose to hike/jog up into Cascade Canyon. Starting from a lot along String Lake, I hiked around Jenny Lake until I reached the trail system going up into Cascade Canyon. Dozens of other "hikers" who had just ridden shuttle boats across the lake were on the trail at this point. As I moved further away from the lake and up into the canyon, the crowd thinned out.

I saw a bull moose resting under a tree near the site where I saw a cow and calf back in 2006 before a guided climb of the Grand Teton. Though I was nowhere near the end of the canyon, I turned back when the Polar RCX5 told me that I had traveled more than four miles from the car. What a nourishing hike this was!

Below are some pictures I took along the trail and on the roads. Enjoy them and make plans to visit this magnificent park.

Mount Moran

The shrouded Tetons

Looking southeast across Jenny Lake

Fire ravaged forest next to Jenny Lake

Trying to find my way . . .

Lake along Cascade Creek

Refueling at Snake River Brewing Company