[TR] Columbia Peak - West Spur 10/06/2019

[geosean]

Trip: Columbia Peak - West Spur

Trip Date: 10/06/2019

Trip Report:

Sunny skies = had to get out.

Light snow cover = nothing "in" season

Solution = scramble!

 

Columbia Peak from the Monte Cristo area, standard route.

21 miles, 5700' vertical, 11.5 hours.

 

We had a great time I believe. It's always good to get out and get some sun in October and it felt extra sweet this year with all the crappy early fall weather. Columbia was a good choice, mellow, but with a couple of spicy spots to make it feel real. There were 3 or 4 places where a fall would have been gnarly and we had to introduce some mixed skills, but no ropes required. A bit more snow would make it better/safer still, so feel free to be inspired to hit this up yet this year. It was a fun shoulder season trip.

@Albuquerque Fred please contribute some photos if you would. Max McHale is a lurker and thus will not be @mentioned. 

 

Fred and Max taking a break at Monte Cristo:

 

An easy step below the gully:

 

Fred descending the gully:

 

Max downclimbing:

 

Gear Notes:
Axe, crampons, poles, bikes.

Approach Notes:
Bike wagon road 5 miles to Monte Cristo. Trail is in great shape, hit snow at the 4820' saddle and switched from runners to boots.

[JasonG]

2 hours ago, geosean said:

Solution = Go Smooting!

I did a little translating for you....

Nice work, you've made all us Smooters proud.

[geosean]

On 10/7/2019 at 6:18 PM, JasonG said:

I did a little translating for you....

Nice work, you've made all us Smooters proud.

Yeah, actually that was the initial inspiration for this peak. One day I'll have done all the Smoot guide but probably only because I'll have done most all the peaks around; it might be a while yet. He is a good source for peaks that don't necessarily catch your attention, that are best done shoulder season.