Route Climbed: East Ridge Date Climbed: 1 October 2005
Thanks for the good directions on the East Ridge route, Kane. Clear, warm day. Encountered first patch of snow at 12,400', and worked around bigger patches from there to summit. It's a nice climb, reminded me of Kelso Ridge on Torreys, only harder.
I didn't realize Herman Lake was such a popular destination. 71 people signed in at the trailhead today (prior to 3:00 p.m.)
Route Climbed: South Slopes (modified) Date Climbed: September 4, 2005
Instead of ascending up the drainage on the north/east side of Hermans Lake, we decided to ascend straight up the southwestern face. This ascent made it more challenging due to the extremely loose talus the whole way up. To find my route, look for a drainage to the southwest of the route described by Aaron Johnson.
To see more pictures from this hike that I haven't posted, click here.
Route Climbed: East Ridge Date Climbed: July 24, 1994
This is a beautiful 13er close to Denver/Boulder but the trail to Herman Lake is as crowded as most 14ers on summer weekends. The mountain itself is rarely summited by these hikers, more content with the beauty of Herman Lake and the abundant wildflowers in this valley.
Unlike Kane's route description of the east ridge, I continued to hike the trail all the way to the eastern shore of Herman Lake. From there, head due north up steep grassy slopes and some loose scree to the obvious saddle on the ridge, 900' above the lake. The fun Class III part of the eastern ridge begins at this saddle. I continued up the ridge, avoiding most of the towers by using ledges on the south of the ridge.
My descent was more direct as well, heading down the SE face from the small saddle SW of the summit and Point 13,418. This grassy face leads down to a ramp, which by staying to the north, leads directlly back to the north shore of Herman Lake.
Route Climbed: South Slopes, descent via East Ridge Date Climbed: May 23, 2004
Pettingell gave us a little of everything. An enjoyable climb on spring snow, an exhilerating ridge climb, a pleasant tundra stroll. And for the list-ticker in me, a county highpoint and the opportunity to enjoy a second 13er. We climbed Pettingell's south slopes, taking a snow climb up from Herman Lake. After summitting, we contemplated a descent via the East Ridge. We had beta from Kane's page and took the challenge. The most interesting part was a knife-edged cornice we had to negotiate. The rock scrambling was abundant, and we had a blast! After completing the ridge, we took the optional detour north to UN 13,215 (a.k.a. "Hassell Peak") before returning to the hustle and bustle of I-70. A trip report is available here.
Route Climbed: South Slopes (with west summit) Date Climbed: October 20, 2002
Nice mountain. In my teenage years I hiked up to Hermans Lake many times... Only recently have I actualy stood on the summit of the mountain that towers above the lake.
Route Climbed: East Ridge via Herman Lake Date Climbed: August 11, 2003
The original intent was to hike the south slopes route as we were in a hurry. We made it to Herman Lake well ahead of schedule and decided to check out the east ridge instead. Some steep and often loose scrambling leads to the ridge above. Stopped by Pt. 13,418 on the way down. Best view of the day!
Pettingel Peak is perfect if you need something in a pinch. Only 45 minutes from Denver, right off of I-70. The east ridge is fun and intriguing. I would rate it class 3. The most difficult aspect of the day was trying to hold back and not strangle every dog owner who had their dogs off the leash pouncing through the delicate alpine tundra. I over heard some idiot talking about how he was mad at himself for forgetting to bring his dog a tennis ball to fetch! Where the hell was he going to throw that freakin ball! What an ass.
Larry V - Oct 1, 2005 9:40 pm
Route Climbed: East Ridge Date Climbed: 1 October 2005Thanks for the good directions on the East Ridge route, Kane. Clear, warm day. Encountered first patch of snow at 12,400', and worked around bigger patches from there to summit. It's a nice climb, reminded me of Kelso Ridge on Torreys, only harder.
I didn't realize Herman Lake was such a popular destination. 71 people signed in at the trailhead today (prior to 3:00 p.m.)
Scott Wisher - Sep 5, 2005 9:53 am
Route Climbed: South Slopes (modified) Date Climbed: September 4, 2005Instead of ascending up the drainage on the north/east side of Hermans Lake, we decided to ascend straight up the southwestern face. This ascent made it more challenging due to the extremely loose talus the whole way up. To find my route, look for a drainage to the southwest of the route described by Aaron Johnson.
To see more pictures from this hike that I haven't posted, click here.
miztflip - Aug 1, 2005 7:23 pm
Route Climbed: East Ridge Loop Date Climbed: 1 August, 2005A great hike along a fun ridge. The climbing was mostly Class 2 with a few very short sections of class 3. The rock was good and the views great.
ColoradoScott - Feb 9, 2005 2:20 pm
Route Climbed: East Ridge Date Climbed: July 24, 1994This is a beautiful 13er close to Denver/Boulder but the trail to Herman Lake is as crowded as most 14ers on summer weekends. The mountain itself is rarely summited by these hikers, more content with the beauty of Herman Lake and the abundant wildflowers in this valley.
Unlike Kane's route description of the east ridge, I continued to hike the trail all the way to the eastern shore of Herman Lake. From there, head due north up steep grassy slopes and some loose scree to the obvious saddle on the ridge, 900' above the lake. The fun Class III part of the eastern ridge begins at this saddle. I continued up the ridge, avoiding most of the towers by using ledges on the south of the ridge.
My descent was more direct as well, heading down the SE face from the small saddle SW of the summit and Point 13,418. This grassy face leads down to a ramp, which by staying to the north, leads directlly back to the north shore of Herman Lake.
RyanS - May 24, 2004 12:31 am
Route Climbed: South Slopes, descent via East Ridge Date Climbed: May 23, 2004Pettingell gave us a little of everything. An enjoyable climb on spring snow, an exhilerating ridge climb, a pleasant tundra stroll. And for the list-ticker in me, a county highpoint and the opportunity to enjoy a second 13er. We climbed Pettingell's south slopes, taking a snow climb up from Herman Lake. After summitting, we contemplated a descent via the East Ridge. We had beta from Kane's page and took the challenge. The most interesting part was a knife-edged cornice we had to negotiate. The rock scrambling was abundant, and we had a blast! After completing the ridge, we took the optional detour north to UN 13,215 (a.k.a. "Hassell Peak") before returning to the hustle and bustle of I-70. A trip report is available here.
JonBradford - Nov 24, 2003 10:38 pm
Route Climbed: South Slopes (with west summit) Date Climbed: October 20, 2002Nice mountain. In my teenage years I hiked up to Hermans Lake many times... Only recently have I actualy stood on the summit of the mountain that towers above the lake.
Jon Bradford
mtnhiker13 - Oct 28, 2003 5:20 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: 10/26/2003Fun rock climbing on the ridge. A good hike to avoid the crowds.
Jim Clarke - Sep 30, 2003 1:23 pm
Route Climbed: South Slopes - Herman Gulch Date Climbed: August 28 2001A nice ridge traverse from Citadel. With a good snow year Pettingell makes for great early summer skiing as well.
Colonelpyat - Aug 11, 2003 4:33 pm
Route Climbed: East Ridge via Herman Lake Date Climbed: August 11, 2003The original intent was to hike the south slopes route as we were in a hurry. We made it to Herman Lake well ahead of schedule and decided to check out the east ridge instead. Some steep and often loose scrambling leads to the ridge above. Stopped by Pt. 13,418 on the way down. Best view of the day!
Vermin count:
1 unleashed dog (with 20# pack)
2 yuppies (talking about rashes)
1 Nebraskan fisherman (hope he had some luck)
1 SummitPost member (scree skiing)
Kane - Aug 4, 2003 12:18 pm
Route Climbed: East Ridge Date Climbed: 8-3-2003Pettingel Peak is perfect if you need something in a pinch. Only 45 minutes from Denver, right off of I-70. The east ridge is fun and intriguing. I would rate it class 3. The most difficult aspect of the day was trying to hold back and not strangle every dog owner who had their dogs off the leash pouncing through the delicate alpine tundra. I over heard some idiot talking about how he was mad at himself for forgetting to bring his dog a tennis ball to fetch! Where the hell was he going to throw that freakin ball! What an ass.