The lower trail is stunning right now with the peak fall colors. The upper mountain is officially in early winter conditions.
Challenger’s gully is loose with soft snow, and the Avenue is filled in with snow. Traction gear highly recommended to navigate the ledges safely.
A beautiful but grueling day in the Sangres!
Took the West Ridge up, but descended the unmaintained East Ridge to avoid the deep snow descent on the standard route. It turned into a rough slog with ridge snow, freezing river crossings, and hidden swamps. The vibrant fall colors helped make up for the brutal bushwhacking and route finding on the way down.
Planning on driving out to Telluride area next Friday, and hiking El Diente and Mt Wilson traverse loop from Kilpacker TH Saturday, and Wilson Peak Sunday.
If anyone’s interested in linking up would be much appreciated!
I’m coming from the Denver area and have previous experience with class 3 and 4 14ers.