Two buds and I did Eldorado Peak this Mon/Tue. Had a great time, and had the whole place to ourselves. Didn't see ANYONE else.
Using the beta obtained from this site, hiked up to the rock island at 7700' and bivied there. Took this 41 year old body 7 hours to do it, but it wasn't nearly as strenuous as I was led to believe.
Beautiful weather there above the clouds, and great stars. Real windy night - ripped our vestibule off since we hadn't guyed it properly. Fortunately it didn't go anywhere.
The next morning got a 'civilized' start at 0700, after kawfee and bagels, and topped out shortly thereafter. The snow was firm and we used running belays to the top. It was good and windy, but we spent some time on the rock island just past the snow ridge, and it was pleasantly calm there - with nice sun.
From there, we hiked all the way back to the car. My friend Spence once again hoodwinked me into a two day trip, rather than a more leisurely three day-er. My legs were rubber on the final tree-ski section, but I was able to hobble out.
Everything everyone has said about this peak is true - it's feels like a Himalayan experience up there, climbing the snow ridge and topping out. Lots of fun and a beautiful place to be.
