PhenomenalWoman - Aug 22, 2009 9:43 pm Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2009
Overnight at Cordova Pass
Slept under the stars and a brilliant moon at Cordova Pass. Awoke early to tackle the rocky terrain. My first Colorado peak, first 13er, first experience with altitude and volcanic shale. A little tougher than I thought, but a good way to aclimate for the week ahead. Beautiful summit!
Climbed with Eleutheros.
Eleutheros - Aug 12, 2009 11:13 am Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2009
Rock+Stars
Slept under a blazing moon and stars at Cordova Pass. Awoke the next morning for a steep but swift ascent with hazy views of Blanca, Trinchera, Greenhorn, Culebra, Little Bear, East Spanish Peak, Hamilton and the great plains far, far below. Pikas and other furry rodents scurried furtively between the rockpiles. Crows soared overhead.
sevenvii - Aug 8, 2009 4:47 pm Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2009
Climb from Cordova
First time doing either of the Spanish peaks. Left the trailhead at 8:10 and was on the summit at 10:20. I got a little off trail when a fellow climber who was on the trail told me there wasn't a true trail and just to hug the ridge. It was windy so I tucked over on the back side as much as I could until close to the summit. I did a lot of scrambling until I finally stuck to the ridge higher up.
Downclimb was tricky but manageable. I usually take my time on the descents so thats why it actually took longer from summit back to the car then the climb up. Overall a good climb for half a day's work.
Climbed twice, from the pass. I like the rock on east spanish peak much better.
Nice Axe! - Jun 14, 2009 7:20 pm Date Climbed: Jun 14, 2009
Nice!
This is a moderate hike with an easy to follow trail. It looks like it is going to be a scree slog, but the trail is set pretty well. This area, especially the drive in through La Veta is very beautiful and the dikes are an interesting geological feature, characteristic of this area.
A nice hike in a unique area. My partner gave up about half way and slept in the car while I battled with the wind. The snow covered talus was a bit treacherous, but the views were worth it.
My other hiking dates for West Spanish Peak: September 19, 1978, three times in 1979--June 20, July 26, October 7. In 1982 on June 26 and then the 1989 date. I have pics from all trips except June '79. I want to do it again while I still can.
surgent - Aug 28, 2007 3:35 pm Date Climbed: May 31, 2002
Looked scary, but very easy
The straight-shot up the talus looks inimidating from below, but proved to be solid and safe the whole way up. Had excellent late-spring dry weather and very little snow for this time of year. One I would do again.
slowbutsteady - Jul 20, 2007 10:34 pm Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2007
slowbutsteady
Left Cordova Pass trailhead at 6a.m. On top about 10a.m. My fourth ascent of the summit that got me started. The braided trail remnants that abound on the lower half of the section above timber seem to be getting more numerous and looser, probably because many people go a short distance above timber and turn around. I encountered quite a bit of snow up on the ridge as well as strong winds, but with plenty of sun. Especially loose going back down. Snow bank back down in timber sure felt good to bare feet....
Stunning view at the summit of the Dakota Wall and the dikes radiating from the Spanish Peaks. Make sure and bring plenty of water, as it is scarce along the trail. Trail to summit can be hard to pick up as you break out of the treeline. Stay on the ridge above the large cairn at treeline until the trail becomes apparent.
Larry V - Jul 8, 2007 8:59 pm Date Climbed: Jun 30, 2007
West Peak Trail
Climbed East SP in the morning and West SP in the afternoon, from separate trailheads. Under 2 hours from Cordova Pass to summit. Worst part was the gnats/fleas on the summit! Millions of flea eggs incubating in the snowbanks. Gag. Climbed with Alan and Eric.
weeds19 - Jun 28, 2007 7:21 pm Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2007
Fun day
This is a great hike! The mellow portion through the forest followed by a steep climb above treeline. A great way to spend the morning.
Sarah Simon - Apr 19, 2007 7:40 pm Date Climbed: Jul 7, 2001
Except for the gnats...
...this was a fantastic outing. Only one other party on mountain. I love looking south from home and seeing this peak and it's eastern partner on a clear day.
boisedoc - Dec 17, 2006 5:15 am Date Climbed: Aug 20, 1989
Quick one
After passing by this mountain numerous times on I-25, had to go climb it. Quick talus hop via the usual route. Good views out into the plains.
Route Climbed: West Peak trail Date Climbed: Summer 1998
My original intent was just to mountainbike from Cuchara to the base of the mountain, but the call was too strong & I wound up climbing it in my stiff-soled cycling shoes. I left my bike by the last carin at the bottom. It is an easy climb with great summit views. It amounts to an easy boulder scramble.
Route Climbed: West Peak Trail Date Climbed: September 11th, 2001
Climbed this before, but did this with my oldest friend and a new partner I met online. I remember this day well. Most other summits I've forgotten the year and month. My friend had just gotten a cell phone and his wife called him with the news as we were almost at the the TH.
PhenomenalWoman - Aug 22, 2009 9:43 pm Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2009
Overnight at Cordova PassSlept under the stars and a brilliant moon at Cordova Pass. Awoke early to tackle the rocky terrain. My first Colorado peak, first 13er, first experience with altitude and volcanic shale. A little tougher than I thought, but a good way to aclimate for the week ahead. Beautiful summit!
Climbed with Eleutheros.
Eleutheros - Aug 12, 2009 11:13 am Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2009
Rock+StarsSlept under a blazing moon and stars at Cordova Pass. Awoke the next morning for a steep but swift ascent with hazy views of Blanca, Trinchera, Greenhorn, Culebra, Little Bear, East Spanish Peak, Hamilton and the great plains far, far below. Pikas and other furry rodents scurried furtively between the rockpiles. Crows soared overhead.
sevenvii - Aug 8, 2009 4:47 pm Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2009
Climb from CordovaFirst time doing either of the Spanish peaks. Left the trailhead at 8:10 and was on the summit at 10:20. I got a little off trail when a fellow climber who was on the trail told me there wasn't a true trail and just to hug the ridge. It was windy so I tucked over on the back side as much as I could until close to the summit. I did a lot of scrambling until I finally stuck to the ridge higher up.
Downclimb was tricky but manageable. I usually take my time on the descents so thats why it actually took longer from summit back to the car then the climb up. Overall a good climb for half a day's work.
pyerger - Jul 30, 2009 3:04 pm
from Cordova passClimbed twice, from the pass. I like the rock on east spanish peak much better.
Nice Axe! - Jun 14, 2009 7:20 pm Date Climbed: Jun 14, 2009
Nice!This is a moderate hike with an easy to follow trail. It looks like it is going to be a scree slog, but the trail is set pretty well. This area, especially the drive in through La Veta is very beautiful and the dikes are an interesting geological feature, characteristic of this area.
SarahThompson - Sep 10, 2008 4:04 pm Date Climbed: Apr 30, 2006
From Cordova PassA nice hike in a unique area. My partner gave up about half way and slept in the car while I battled with the wind. The snow covered talus was a bit treacherous, but the views were worth it.
Midlife Mountaineer - Jul 2, 2008 9:34 pm Date Climbed: Jul 1, 2008
Looked a little ominous at firstA short easy approach leading to nice challenging climb. Camped at the trailhead, too!
bruceg - May 9, 2008 7:16 pm Date Climbed: Sep 1, 1989
Great RocksFun climb from Cordova Pass. Classic geologic location. Great way to spend my 30th birthday.
billokc - Sep 26, 2007 2:07 pm Date Climbed: Sep 19, 1989
Done it 6 timesMy other hiking dates for West Spanish Peak: September 19, 1978, three times in 1979--June 20, July 26, October 7. In 1982 on June 26 and then the 1989 date. I have pics from all trips except June '79. I want to do it again while I still can.
surgent - Aug 28, 2007 3:35 pm Date Climbed: May 31, 2002
Looked scary, but very easyThe straight-shot up the talus looks inimidating from below, but proved to be solid and safe the whole way up. Had excellent late-spring dry weather and very little snow for this time of year. One I would do again.
slowbutsteady - Jul 20, 2007 10:34 pm Date Climbed: Jun 19, 2007
slowbutsteadyLeft Cordova Pass trailhead at 6a.m. On top about 10a.m. My fourth ascent of the summit that got me started. The braided trail remnants that abound on the lower half of the section above timber seem to be getting more numerous and looser, probably because many people go a short distance above timber and turn around. I encountered quite a bit of snow up on the ridge as well as strong winds, but with plenty of sun. Especially loose going back down. Snow bank back down in timber sure felt good to bare feet....
KyleR - Jul 19, 2007 2:17 pm Date Climbed: Jul 11, 2007
Cordova Pass RouteStunning view at the summit of the Dakota Wall and the dikes radiating from the Spanish Peaks. Make sure and bring plenty of water, as it is scarce along the trail. Trail to summit can be hard to pick up as you break out of the treeline. Stay on the ridge above the large cairn at treeline until the trail becomes apparent.
Larry V - Jul 8, 2007 8:59 pm Date Climbed: Jun 30, 2007
West Peak TrailClimbed East SP in the morning and West SP in the afternoon, from separate trailheads. Under 2 hours from Cordova Pass to summit. Worst part was the gnats/fleas on the summit! Millions of flea eggs incubating in the snowbanks. Gag. Climbed with Alan and Eric.
weeds19 - Jun 28, 2007 7:21 pm Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2007
Fun dayThis is a great hike! The mellow portion through the forest followed by a steep climb above treeline. A great way to spend the morning.
Sarah Simon - Apr 19, 2007 7:40 pm Date Climbed: Jul 7, 2001
Except for the gnats......this was a fantastic outing. Only one other party on mountain. I love looking south from home and seeing this peak and it's eastern partner on a clear day.
boisedoc - Dec 17, 2006 5:15 am Date Climbed: Aug 20, 1989
Quick oneAfter passing by this mountain numerous times on I-25, had to go climb it. Quick talus hop via the usual route. Good views out into the plains.
royswkr - Sep 22, 2006 2:39 pm Date Climbed: Sep 8, 1993
Easy hike up highly-visible pea.
jstanley - Jun 18, 2006 3:29 am Date Climbed: May 30, 1998
Highest PeakMy son Thomas and I climbed this peak on a fine sunny day by the usual route. It was Tom's highest peak at the time.
Joel Hopper - Feb 20, 2006 6:20 pm
Route Climbed: West Peak trail Date Climbed: Summer 1998My original intent was just to mountainbike from Cuchara to the base of the mountain, but the call was too strong & I wound up climbing it in my stiff-soled cycling shoes. I left my bike by the last carin at the bottom. It is an easy climb with great summit views. It amounts to an easy boulder scramble.
jclements - Dec 21, 2005 11:51 am
Route Climbed: West Peak Trail Date Climbed: September 11th, 2001Climbed this before, but did this with my oldest friend and a new partner I met online. I remember this day well. Most other summits I've forgotten the year and month. My friend had just gotten a cell phone and his wife called him with the news as we were almost at the the TH.