UN 13153' 1/22/12

UN 13153' via South Crestone Creek

I was able to drive all the way to the standard summer trailhead, where I slept soundly in the Marshmallow.

Next morning I hiked up the South Crestone trail among trees huddled under a fresh blanket of snow, beneath the towering frost-coated cliffs and buttresses which stand guard over the basin. This was something different from the normal sunny winter days in Colorado. It was better. Though the clouds cast a dreary shadow over the hills, nothing could smother the joy of being in a place like this, followed only by my tracks.

After breaking several miles of virgin snow, I emerged from the trees and hiked up the frozen talus and tundra to meet the northwest ridge of UN 13153'. I followed the ridge to the summit, then descended to the south, crossed South Crestone Lake, and hiked out.

Despite the fact this was simply a hike to the top of an unnamed peak, it was my favorite day in the mountains this winter.

Images

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