Ouray Ice Park

Collection of pictures from ice climbing in Ouray, CO a few weeks ago.

I really love this town

This canyon right next to town was my playground for two days.

The first day was characterized by relatively warm temps and mixed precip. As a result the ice was soft and tool placement was easy.

 

Trust those front points!

Monkey hang, ya that's the technical term.

Over night, the temps dropped and several inches of snow accumulated. Climbing the next day was totally different. Sweeping snow off the ice with your tools, blind foot placements, and hard brittle ice.

Just kind of guessing how the ice is through the snow.

Tiny ledge for a quick rest.

 

Hopefully I can get back next year and climb some backcountry waterfall ice! On my drive back to flag I got a good winter view of the heart of the San Juan range. I'm planning to to explore remote Needles and Grenadiers this summer!

Over Due Colorado Trip

I've been eyeing the Weminuche Wilderness for a while, specifically the Needles and Grenadiers Ranges within it. High remote alpine peaks. When I finally got time to make the trip in late July, Colorado's wet summer weather would keep me out of my first choice. Instead we headed up a dirt road outside of Silverton in a rough direction that looked promising, but also gave options to retreat to tree line if the lighting started popping.

The dirt road was bordered by an endless valley of daisies and other wild flowers.

Once on trail, we gained elevation quickly and crossed the Continental Divide. A couple friends of mine had actually passed by here about a month ago through hiking the CDT trail. We dropped back down to near the tree line and set up a camp next to a creek ducking into the tent right as the regular afternoon showers hit.

The next day we followed the creek upstream and just enjoyed being in the alpine. This was a pretty casual trip compared to my usual mileage and elevation pain trains.

Once again, the afternoon rains pushed us back to the tent. The next day we decided to change it up and explore a different area entirely. The wildflowers were obviously blooming are we were looking to get into some wet meadows and really see the colors. So we packed up camp and set out for the vehicle.

Marmot

Back on the Continental Divide

Then back into the valley we drove up with all the flowers. Can definitely tell we were on the dry side of the rain shadow

Drove around and camped at the trail head for Ice Lake.  We made the 14 mile round trip day hike the next day. The flowers and lakes were stunning.

The high plateau was the destination for the day.

Is this for real?!?! That's really the water color.

Old hunting shack. Ya, I'd live there.

How many Ptarmigans can you spot?

Their camouflage is spectacular.

One last parting shot, because that water is ridiculous.

I will be back hopefully in 2014 to try again for the Needles and Grenadiers!