Trip Reports
Pristine hikes
Exposed mountainsides
Breathtaking sunsets
Inspiring sunrises
Detailed route descriptions
Where would you like to go?
Sunsets, Sunrises and Mountain Goats - Chicago Basin from Endlich Mesa Featured
Written by Matt Payne
Day 1: Backpack from Endlich Mesa to Lillie Lake Day 2: Climb one 13er, backpacking over Trimble Pass and Columbine Pass Day 3: Sunrise from North Eolus, summit of Eolus and Sunlight Day 4: Climb of…
Additional Info
- Trip Date September 2, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 4: Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal.
Read 1442 times
Mount Wilson's claim to fame as one of Colorado's most dangerous 14ers is certainly well deserved. As Colorado's 16th highest mountain, Mount Wilson rises to an impressive 14,246 ft. above sea level and the boasts the…
Additional Info
- Trip Date August 13, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 4: Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal.
Read 1189 times
Snowmass Mountain and Hagerman Peak - Magic in the Elk Mountains Featured
Written by Matt Payne
Day 1: Drive to Lead King Basin and Backpack to Geneva Lake ~ 1,400 ft. elevation gain ~ 3 miles Day 2: Snowmass Mountain via the West Ridge Route ~3,000 ft. elevation gain ~ 6 miles…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 30, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 4: Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal.
Read 1189 times
Quite a few people save Culebra Peak (ranked 41st – 14,047 ft.) as their last 14er; however, I wanted to just get it out of the way sooner rather than later. If you’re wondering why I…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 24, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class 2.0 - Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands.
Read 377 times
Mount Adams is one of the last mountains in the top 100 in the Sangre de Cristo Range that I've yet to climb. It has always drawn my attention on other hikes in the area, and…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 16, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 4: Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal.
Read 692 times
Sunrise from 14,015 feet: Wetterhorn Peak Featured
Written by Matt Payne
The adventure of my July 4th weekend for 2011 just wouldn't end on its own. After spending the morning in Telluride sulking about our partial defeat in Navajo Basin, Regina and I decided to drive back…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 3, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.
Read 1288 times
Fourth of July weekend always provides a tremendous opportunity for mountaineering, and this year was no different for me. Early in the year (January), I was eagerly planning my summer's climbs and saw this weekend and…
Additional Info
- Trip Date June 30, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 4: Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal.
Read 1214 times
When Regina and I embarked from Colorado Springs, the plan was to backpack up to Snowmass Lake and climb Snowmass Mountain, putting me within 10 climbs of completing all of the 14ers in Colorado. Unfortunately, some…
Additional Info
- Trip Date June 25, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class N/A
Read 845 times
San Luis Peak is a gentle giant, rising to 14,014 feet in the middle of the La Garita Wilderness Area, which means "The Lookout" in Spanish, according to Wilderness.net. The 50th highest ranked peak in Colorado,…
Additional Info
- Trip Date June 12, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class 2.0 Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands.
Read 1291 times
Mount Princeton has been on my radar for a long time. As the most visually prominent (but only 8th most prominent, literally speaking) mountain in the Sawatch Range and Collegiate Peaks, it always has greeted me…
Additional Info
- Trip Date May 22, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class 2.0 - Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands.
Read 1413 times
California Peak has long eluded me. Being one of the highest 100 mountains in Colorado (a Centennial), it has been in my sights for awhile. California Peak rises to 13,849 ft. and is ranked 84th highest…
Additional Info
- Trip Date April 17, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class 2.0 - Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands.
Read 1141 times
Traver Peak in Winter
Written by Matt Payne
Traver Peak is a high un-ranked 13er (13,852 ft) in the Tenmile Range just one valley north of the Kite Lake basin, which includes the popular 14ers Lincoln, Democrat and Bross. The valley which Traver calls…
Additional Info
- Trip Date February 13, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class 2.0 - Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands.
Read 952 times
Mount Rosa is a 11,499 ft. mountain located just west of Colorado Springs and from Colorado Springs appears to be next to (north of) Cheyenne Mountain. Mount Rosa is a deceptive mountain though because it is…
Additional Info
- Trip Date January 16, 2011
- Yosemite Decimal Class 1.0
Read 648 times
If you've followed any of my other trip reports this year or last year, you'd know that Tabeguache Peak is officially my nemesis. After one failed attempt last year (2009) due to weather, another failed attempt…
Additional Info
- Trip Date November 6, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2
Read 1641 times
Earlier this year I had made plans to climb Mount Wilson, Wilson Peak, and El Diente with my dad; however, plans quickly changed through the summer as Ray painfully realized that he did not have the…
Additional Info
- Trip Date September 19, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.
Read 1334 times
I've had my eye on Mount Sneffels for quite some time. This gem of a mountain located near Ouray, CO, is one of the most splendid-looking mountains in all of Colorado. Sneffels first caught my attention…
Additional Info
- Trip Date September 11, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.
Read 1570 times
Rio Grande Pyramid has long been on my "to-do list" for the Centennials (the highest 100 mountains in Colorado). Isolated by over 10 miles from its neighbors in the San Juan Mountains, Rio Grande Pyramid sticks…
Additional Info
- Trip Date August 28, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2
Read 1735 times
Capitol Peak: On The 'Edge'
Written by Matt Payne
Capitol Peak carries a mystique among hikers and climbers in Colorado. First climbed in 1909 by Percy Hagerman and Harold Clark, Capitol Peak is often revered as the most difficult 14er in Colorado. Capitol Peak towers…
Additional Info
- Trip Date August 15, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 5: Technical free climbing involving rope, belaying, and other protection hardware for safety. Un-roped falls can result in severe injury or death.
Read 2308 times
What an action-packed trip this was! From off-roading one of Colorado's most difficult 4x4 trails to witnessing a full-scale Search and Rescue operation! As if climbing one of Colorado's most challenging 14ers wasn't enough! To start…
Additional Info
- Trip Date August 8, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 4: Simple climbing, with exposure. A rope is often used. Natural protection can be easily found. Falls may well be fatal.
Read 1773 times
I have to admit, when I put together my climbing schedule for this summer, one of the mountains I was least looking forward to climbing was Longs Peak. Renowned for a very long approach and a…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 17, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.
Read 2227 times
There really is only one word that can aptly describe the Grenadier Range: incredible. This sub-range of Colorado's San Juan Mountains rests deep within the Weminuche Wilderness Area and sweeps up from the valley below in…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 9, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class 5.3
Read 4053 times
The Sawatch Range of Colorado is known for its long, gentle giants such as Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, etc. It would also seem that most visitors to this area of the state are solely interested in…
Additional Info
- Trip Date June 26, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2: Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands. Little potential danger is encountered.
Read 1195 times
Hiking in the San Juan Mountains was quite possibly the best gift a dad could get. Make that two dads. My dad is who introduced me to climbing mountains at the young age of six, and…
Additional Info
- Trip Date June 19, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2: Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands. Little potential danger is encountered.
Read 1394 times
Interesting statistics: Start time: 5:30 AM Summit time (Huron): 9 AM Summit time (Browns): 11 AM Finish time: 1:20 PM Mileage up: 3.6 Mileage down: 4.2 Total mileage: 7.8 Huron Peak Elevation: 14,003 ft. Browns Peak…
Additional Info
- Trip Date June 6, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2
Read 797 times
Shavano's Angel of Death
Written by Matt Payne
My goal for my first 14'er of 2010 was to summit Mount Shavano (14,229 ft) and then traverse over to Tabeguache Peak (14,155 ft). I had made this attempt last year at the end of May…
Additional Info
- Trip Date May 22, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2
Read 933 times
Sentinel Point is a fairly unknown mountain on the west side of Pikes Peak. One can access the mountain by driving to Divide on Highway 24 and heading South on Highway 67 just past the old…
Additional Info
- Trip Date May 1, 2010
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2
Read 566 times
Mount Massive - A Frozen Wonderland
Written by Matt Payne
Some fun information about this great hike: Mt. Massive - 14,421 ft. - 2nd highest in Colorado; third highest mountain in the contiguous U.S. 8 miles round-trip via Southwest slopes route 3,950 ft. elevation gain More…
Additional Info
- Trip Date October 17, 2009
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 2: Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands. Little potential danger is encountered.
Read 503 times
Mount of the Holy Cross at Sunrise
Written by Matt Payne
Short story: One of the most scenic and enjoyable hikes I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing. Long story: On Friday evening I drove via I-25, C-470, and I-70 past Vail to the Tigwon Rd. near…
Additional Info
- Trip Date August 8, 2009
- Yosemite Decimal Class 2.0 - Simple scrambling, with the possibility of occasional use of the hands.
Read 1410 times
Kit Carson Mountain, Challenger Point, Columbia Point, and "Kitty Kat Carson" - An Elevated Playground
Written by Matt Payne
Kit Carson Mountain is a very prominent mountain located in the Sangre de Cristo Range. The area surrounding Kit Carson Mountain is both rugged and pristine, with views of amazing peaks such as Crestone Needle and…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 29, 2009
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.
Read 1187 times
What an adventure! Never in my dreams did I think I would ever conquer the mighty Crestone Needle and Crestone Peak. After seeing them from two years ago, I figured I’d never have the testicular fortitude…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 18, 2009
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.
Read 1711 times
Blanca Peak has always mystified me. It is one of the most prominent mountains in Colorado - it towers over the San Luis Valley and the Great Sand Dunes National Park. It is easily one of…
Additional Info
- Trip Date July 11, 2009
- Yosemite Decimal Class Class 3: Scrambling with increased exposure. A rope can be carried but is usually not required. Falls are not always fatal.
Read 633 times
Browse Categories what interests you?
- Articles
- Gallery
- Black and White Mountain Photography
- Elk Mountains - Maroon Bells, Snowmass Wilderness and Lead King Basin
- Front Range - Pikes Peak, Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park
- High Dynamic Range
- Panoramic Landscapes
- Posters
- San Juan Mountains - Durango, Ouray, Silverton and the Weminuche Wilderness Area
- Sangre de Cristo Mountains - Crestone Needle, Crestone Peak and other giants
- The Sawatch Range and the mighty Collegiate Peaks
Need a camera? Support 100Summits
Got Gear? Support 100Summits
