Date: 7/3/2013
Who: myself
Length: 9.5 miles
Time: 7 hours
Weather: 40-70 degrees, sunny
I first attempted Mount Yale approximately 10 years ago, with our first dog Sarah Jane accompanying me. But, on that first attempt I didn’t start early enough and had to turn back due to incoming storm clouds. This time, I started before dawn with the hopes of beating the weather.
I left Colorado Springs at 2:00 AM, and reached the Denny Creek trailhead (9,900′ elevation) at about 4:00. I started hiking up at about 4:15 AM in the dark with a headlamp. Visibility improved enough, such that the headlamp was no longer needed, by about 5:10 AM. I reached treeline at about 6, and the summit (14,196′) at about 8:00 AM. I stayed at the summit for 1/2 hour, enjoying the super-calm weather and the quiet time to myself. Then, headed back down, returning to the trailhead at 11:15 AM.
On the way up, I met two guys from Illinois. Their “trail names” were Link and Doc Holliday. This was the first I had ever heard of adopting a trail name. So, I thought about it and decided on “Blueberry”. I wear a blue jacket and blue backpack, and I love to eat blueberries. Sounds good.
The trail was easy to follow, until the saddle. Then, the talus approaching the summit makes it easy to lose the route. There are some cairns marking the easiest route, along the west slope of the summit approach. It is recommended, for greater speed and safety, to watch for and follow the cairns rather than scramble along the ridge.
On the return hike, I counted about 65 people in groups of various sizes on their way up. The banner photo is a marmot seen along the trail on the way down. This was my 5th fourteener summit.
Chris on Mount Yale Summit, view North
View Colorado Chris Hikes in a larger map
Ok, so…your early departures/ hike starts are both captivatingly motivating AND intriguingly insane. The views seem well worth the efforts though! MARMOT! Holy giant rodent-like mammal that’s sweet;) Oh and by the way, as I often do, I watched the video with CKH, and she said, while seeing the beautiful views from the peak, ” I can hike mountains, too!” Which I promptly replied, “Yes, yes you can.” Colorado Chris, you are inspiring the youth of America, on this 137th birthday of our nation and its purple mountain majesties. Also, whenever she hears you narrating a video clip. She asks, “where is he?” And then gets very exicited when it cuts to parts where you are in the frame, too:) Finally, I could tell you were feeling the spirit of the ole pup while making your way, kinda bitter sweet I imagine. Keep wandering…
Hi Chance,
It is so fun to read your comments! I should post stuff more often, just to find out what you will say!
Love,
Chris
Oops, I just realized that, due to the concussion like effects I was experiencing from bombs bursting in air…via my neighbor’s artillery shell fireworks exploding overhead and rattling our windows, I miscalculated and it’s 237 years for the ole U S of A. May Lady Liberty excuse my transgression and not send Uncle Sam to exact revenge upon myself or heirs 😉 I’m just a Yankee Doodle dummy.
great hike, Chris! I know you leave early to avoid the crowds. You miss the scenery on the way up though. I guess you justify the early start and just enjoy the same scenery on the way down in the sunshine!
Brother Blueberry it’s a joy to read of your travels here, Link and I really enjoyed your company. See you on the trails sir!