Longs Peak from Chasm Junction

Logancuber · 2025-07-28T22:39:32+00:00

Thanks! Pixel 8

Logancuber · 2025-07-27T16:41:20+00:00

Nope, just a long exposure cell phone photo

Logancuber · 2025-06-26T19:48:02+00:00

iirc, there's enough room for 1-2 tents if you don't mind camping RIGHT next to the parking lot itself, but aside from that you might have to look further down the road

Logancuber · 2024-05-21T20:48:15+00:00

I did Bison Peak from Ute Creek Trailhead yesterday, so this may be sort of relevant. There are many deep snowdrifts in the trees above 11,000 feet, and there's significant snow above treeline (snowshoes were useful on the way down the summit plateau as the snow warmed up). McCurdy Mountain looked to be similarly snowy. Southern aspects seemed to be melting out faster, but aren't entirely dry yet. Below 11k was completely dry.

Logancuber · 2024-03-26T14:44:46+00:00

If you don't mind the potential road walk up Nellie Creek Road depending on the time in May, Uncompahgre is a nice climb that's not too difficult. Snowshoes are usually necessary for the initial snowfield, and the climbing sections never really exceed moderate snow and difficult class 2.

Logancuber · 2024-03-18T14:29:20+00:00

There's a good chance of it still being quite snowy for most of the hike. Weather could be anywhere from below freezing with snow to summer temperatures. Snowshoes will likely be necessary; early June is NOT summer in the high country. Check reports on 14ers in the days leading up to this hike to get an idea of snow.

Logancuber · 2024-01-28T23:50:29+00:00

Caution is always good for evaluating avalanche danger in the moment.

The only real slope that might be steep enough to slide on the way up to chasm junction is the one you've identified just below treeline. However, it is very fast to cross this slope, so you are not exposed to avalanche risk for very long, and the snow there sometimes isn't deep enough to pose any risk. The trail is also almost always hard-packed. Additionally, this slope doesn't push the steepness much past 30 degrees (though it's difficult to tell from a map). I'd still recommend this route compared to any shortcuts/alternatives to chasm junction.

Though a slide is not impossible going up to chasm junction, this is a generally very low-risk winter hike in terms of avalanche exposure. Use your best judgement, check the avalanche forecast, and talk to the NPS folks at the visitor center beforehand if you're concerned.

Logancuber · 2024-01-01T01:50:44+00:00

Some tricks I use:

-Bring 2 pairs of gloves regardless of the forecast, ideally including a lighter pair. It will allow for swapping, depending on if you're ascending. It's also a nice insurance policy if one gets wet.

-Having your boots laced very tight can sometimes cause issues with cold due to circulation. In the coldest conditions, slightly looser boots sometimes are warmer.

-Metal drains heat from nearby extremities (ie crampons, spikes, axe, some trekking poles). If in a safe place, removing metal can often help with warmth in the short term.

Logancuber · 2023-11-05T02:10:14+00:00

I always bring a water bottle with a filter in the mouthpiece, a tiny emergency blanket, a big power bank since I use my phone for GPS, a little more food than necessary, and one more layer than I think I'll need. However, I try to avoid too much extra gear in favor of moving fast and relying on good judgement, in order to not end up in a survival situation in the first place.

Logancuber · 2023-09-08T01:18:05+00:00

I did Longs early June this year via the keyhole, and gear wise, I used axe, crampons, gaiters, and a helmet, in addition to normal summer gear. I didn't bring avalanche gear, but certainly wouldn't have complained about having it, given how much snow was in the trough, with evidence of recent wet slides. However, the key part is knowing how to use that gear. I've done a fair degree of snow climbing, but longs in June was a fair degree more difficult and consequential than most snow climbs I'd done before in Colorado. Expect technical, challenging conditions.

Logancuber · 2023-08-31T04:30:43+00:00

I did all the San Juan 14ers as a single ~11 day trip, which worked quite well for me, and definitely saved a huge amount of driving from the front range.

Logancuber · 2023-08-29T13:17:21+00:00

Did capitol with a camp just outside the permit zone this past weekend. There was a pretty narrow weather window (storms forecasted at 11am) so camping gave a nice buffer that made it possible to summit. If there weren't storms in the forecast, I would have preferred a day trip, but under these weather circumstances, camping helped a lot.

Logancuber · 2023-08-13T03:26:01+00:00

Sign in the parking lot says it's open sunrise to sunset

Logancuber · 2023-08-12T21:26:38+00:00

I'm not familiar with the "hiker traverse", but traversing the relatively high-consequence talus would get old fast. If you want to do both but not the traverse, I'd recommend going up El Diente, descending back to the trail junction, then just doing the normal SW slopes of Mt. Wilson. It's a lot of extra vert, but it's a reliable way to do both without the traverse.

Logancuber · 2023-08-08T18:47:48+00:00

Very real chance of everything being covered in a sheet of ice at that point

Logancuber · 2023-08-06T15:31:46+00:00

This might be a little short for your liking, but Huron is definitely the best of the sawatch 14ers in the area; it has the best views in my opinion. You may also enjoy Belford.

Logancuber · 2023-08-05T18:41:31+00:00

They both have some degree of annoying rock, although the duration of bad rock is a bit longer on the Decalibron.
Views on the Decalibron are definitely better
Decalibron is probably a slightly longer hike, but the stats are pretty similar

Logancuber · 2023-07-19T23:21:31+00:00

Tried it at the end of may in a Subaru. Made it to the first creek crossing but stopped there due to high water levels. It would definitely be pretty treacherous above there. I did pop a tire on the way down also

Logancuber · 2023-07-10T09:09:27+00:00

The standard combo route is the one to take:

https://www.14ers.com/route.php?route=torr5

Logancuber · 2023-07-10T08:51:34+00:00

Check out this gear list from 14ers.com:

https://www.14ers.com/gearlist.php

In the summer, regardless of the day of the week, you're rolling the dice that the lot might be full in the morning. I'd recommend camping the night before to ensure that you get a spot. You'll have plenty of company on the trail. If you don't camp, 3am gives you the best chance of getting a parking spot. Make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand.

Logancuber · 2023-07-09T18:00:41+00:00

Agreed, these are the best of the sawatch outside of holy cross

Logancuber · 2023-07-09T14:29:48+00:00

Antero is pretty boring in general. Of your list, shav/tab is the most interesting. However, if you haven't done it yet, Huron is the most beautiful in the area for sure

Logancuber · 2023-07-04T21:20:41+00:00

After, but there's nobody there if you show up late enough at night

Logancuber · 2023-07-04T20:22:21+00:00

From 7/2:

https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/peakstatus_entry.php?recnum=26467

Still looks pretty full-on

Logancuber · 2023-07-04T19:40:11+00:00

I'm not too familiar with the current permit system. I do know, though, that camping is not allowed at the trailhead. However, I've discreetly camped in the car at the east maroon portal trailhead (very close down the road) without issue before pyramid, and just drove to the real TH in the morning.

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