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Another gorgeous day in the Elks - 4/27/10
Album

Another gorgeous day in the Elks - 4/27/10

 
Another gorgeous day in the Elks - 4/27/10

Page Type: Album

Image Type(s): Hiking, Topo/Diagram, Informational, Scenery

 

Page By: metal4lyf

Created/Edited: Apr 29, 2010 / Apr 29, 2010

Object ID: 617352

Hits: 469 

Page Score: 86.24% - 2 Votes 

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Castle Peak strikes again!

We started from the 2WD trailhead at 6:30 and made decent time into the gulch. Routefinding was a challenge due to highly variable snow conditions. Near treeline the N-NE-E-SE-S aspects were sliding--not deep or to the ground but enough to get noticed. Up higher (>12500') the snow was stable on steep W-NW-N aspects. By the time we reached the lake at 13400' the wind was blowing and continued to intensify. Abundant cornices on the saddle between Castle and Conundrum ruled out a summit bid for Conundrum. We focused on gaining Castle's NE ridge. At 13550' we called it quits due to the ridiculous wind.

Despite this it was an incredible day to be in the Elks. The approach to Castle is spectacular with all the snow and a welcome change in scenery from the Sawatch.

Images


Creek at timberline

Creek at timberline

"Mace Peak"

"Mace Peak"

Into the gulch

Into the gulch

The Gang

The Gang

Shallow slides

Shallow slides

Routefinding

Routefinding

Shiny slides

Shiny slides

Bluebird morning

Bluebird morning

Approaching 2nd turn

Approaching 2nd turn

Ye olde cornice

Ye olde cornice

Rocks and hills

Rocks and hills

Route

Route

Glissade!

Glissade!

Monster slides

Monster slides

Exit

Exit


[ View Gallery - 22 More Images ]


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