7-20-13

Mt. Wilson

14,252 ft.

July 20, 2013

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This morning Bob, Rich & I set out early to summit Mt. Wilson. This would be Rich's 46th Colorado 14'er in his quest to climb all 54. This would be my 7th CO 14'er and Bob's 1st in the state. Bob & I both hiked Mt. Whitney (14,505 ft) in California a few years ago. 

After hiking over a bunch of jagged rocks we reached the Rock of Ages saddle. From here we got our first view of Mt. Wilson (Bob is pointing to Mt. Wilson). We have to hike down into the valley behind him and then up a steep ascent.

Down we go.

 At the bottom of the valley we can't find the trail that goes up. Bob and Rich pull out the map and we all search for cairns that mark the path.

 Back on track and heading UP.

The higher we got, the looser the scree and the slower we went. 

It was a tough climb and hard to find the proper way (not marked as well as other trails). I felt sketched out at times because of the unstable terrain. :-(

 A view down as we near the top.

 The top is just a few feet away! 

 Bob and Rich go for it! Yikes.

On the summit!

While they showed off their rock climbing skills I had a PB&J sandwich and...

enjoyed the scenery! :-)

Summit shots: 

Rich. #46 CO 14'er.

Bob. #1 CO 14'er

Jane. #7 CO 14'er

We did it!

Mt. Wilson is ranked as one of the harder/more dangerous 14'ers in CO (I can see why) and because of that it wasn't my favorite.

 The Marmot-eers!

Our team name. :-)

On the way down and into the valley.

 Back off the scree, eating a snack and looking back up at Mt. Wilson.

I like this shot.

Still have a ways to go. Hiking to the Rock of Ages Saddle and then down again.
Lucky we had good weather for 8 hours of adventure.

 At the Rock of Ages Saddle. It's all down hill from here!

 My sherpas. :-) 

It was so awesome to hike with Bob!

He and Rich made sure we were safe.
Success!