Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: 12 August, 2005
Left the TH just before sunrise, 5:50 MDT. 4 hrs, 1 min. to the summit, travelling very light. Mild, sunny weather and great views, especially of the Elk Range 14ers. Failing to trim my toenails sufficiently the night before made the trip down take just as long as the trip up--live and learn! But I had the summit all to myself for 15 minutes. A beautiful hike and a challenging climb.
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: August 2005
Most beautiful climb in the Sawatch by far. I was really impressed not only by the scenery, but by how steep this one was. Cool clouds and fog added to the fun.
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: July 9, 2005
Great climb!! Started at 12:00 AM and summitted just before 5:00 AM. We waited around on the summit until about 6:00 so we could se the sunrise. I climbed with Dylan Wann, Alex Wann, and John Sandlain.
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: My Birthday
What a beautiful place. The hike was fantastic. We started from the main lot and finished the same day. In spite of what poeple say, the uphill on the hike out is not that bad. The summit was quiet. We arrived at the top at 8:00 am. There was no wind whatsoever and nothing but sun. Out of the 23 14ers that I have done, this summit was the most peaceful. As we were descending, the hordes were heading up. 2 hikers were missing while I was up there. I hope they were found. Beautiful peak and HOLY COW!! I've never seen so many hot men on a peak in my life. Between the beautiful scenery, both men and natural, my sense of sight was completely overloaded.
Route Climbed: Halo with descent via North Ridge Date Climbed: July 2003
Very long day. This is one of the most beautiful 14er's I've hiked. Recommend the Halo Ridge, as you're very high for a long time with a beautiful emerald lake a couple thousand vertical below you. Similar to Longs in that respect. It's less technically challenging, but also gruelling because of the distance and the additional 1000 ft. ascent toward the end of the day if you return via the N. Ridge route.
Route Climbed: Holy Cross Couloir Date Climbed: July 3, 2005
Unfortunately I didn't make it to the summit this time but I will be back. After the grueling approach I got to the mouth of the Couloir before being hit be a loose rock falling and hitting me in my shoulder. The injury wasn't severe but it was my ice axe arm and I didn't want to climb with a bad self-arrest shoulder, so I turned around.
Hiked solo from the Halfmoon trailhead. Very Nice hike and great weather till I got back down to the treeline - rained for a bit but cleared back up for the hike back up and over halfmoon pass. 6:45 car to car
Route Climbed: North Ridge route Date Climbed: July 9, 2005
What a sweet climb! I climbed it with my bro, Alex Wann, and Trevor Simmons. We started climbing at midnight and summited just in time for the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen--it was well worth the climb in the dark. It was an awesome bonus to a total wild-man adventure!
Route Climbed: North Ridge Route Date Climbed: July 9, 2005
I loved this climb and must say that it now resides on the top of my favorites list! We started at 12:00am and summited at 5am, putting us in front row seats of the prettiest sunrise I have ever seen. This was also my first view of the vast mountains of the wild and rugged Colorado wilderness from a 14,000ft summit. I enjoyed the company of wild men John Sandlian, Trevor Simmons, and brother Dylan. I am hooked and may never go back to a normal life.
Route Climbed: Cross Couloir Date Climbed: July 1, 2005
This is a stunning area, and the cross is a great climb. I wish my camera hadn't broken during that stunning sunset over the Gores the night before the climb...
Route Climbed: Cross Couloir, descent via North Ridge Date Climbed: June 25, 2005
After a crazy night of little sleep (forgetting my thermarest at home, trying to find the climbers trail to lake Patricia around midnight, getting caught in a nasty thunderstorm, losing a member of our party who had the tent, and sleeping under a big rock) I was planning on foregoing our plans to climb the cross couloir. In the late morning, I climbed up towards the Bowl of Tears in search of our missing friend. When I saw his tracks leading up the Cross Couloir and the morning clouds burned off, I got sucked in. I didn't start up the couloir til about 10:30am and the snow was very soft. There were huge steps kicked in the snow from people ahead of me and the climb seemed pretty easy because of this (still tiring of course). Had I ever started to slide, I'm sure my ice ax would have done little good given the softness of snow (its pretty steep at the top). Summited around noon and descended via the North Ridge and dropped down into the Patricia basin to get my gear from our bivy spot. Turned out to be an awesome day weather wise ... just a few sprinkles around 4pm. Very fun snow climb.
Route Climbed: North ridge Date Climbed: July 2003
This is a long day hike. Start early or stay in the camping areas at the bottom. Remember the return trip goes over another saddle near 11000. Watch the afternoon storms. One of the greatest peaks in this part of Colorado.
Closed the bar in Minturn with Alpine Master. Made it back to camp at like 2:00am and started hiking at 7:00am. Still drunk and Alpine Master puked the whole way, but this trip proved what we can really do when we decide to "just do it". Summited, no pictures, hiked out, drank straight creek water and made it back. Check out his trip report. He was puking from a hangover all day and even up to 300 feet below the summit. I'm not that proud of how stupid we are, but we reallized how much farther we can push ourselves when we want too.
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: September 6, 2004
Long climb for one day. We made it to the top the my dad thought that descending Teardrop would be a short cut that ended up adding even more hours. Started 7 am ended 8 pm thanks to the shortcut
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: August 2004
Beautiful mountain, however disappointing to lose so much elevation on Halfmoon pass. The views up here were incredible. Would like to come back for one of the couloirs.
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: August 5, 1984
After only getting 3 hours sleep and being hungover (girls can be a distraction, huh?) I met the CMC, I and rode to the trailhead hardly raring to go. One of the cars in the group actually ripped a gash into it's gas tank on the road to the trailhead, delaying our start (and ruining his day!). Our group was to backpack into to a camp near east cross creek, but we took a side diversion en routefrom Half Moon Pass up the north ridge of Notch Mountain. After setting up camp and eating dinner, I was in my sleeping bag by 7:30 p.m. The next morning was clear and we hiked the standard north ridge route to the summit, descended and packed our camp and then took the agonizing climb back over Half Moon Pass. Getting to the pass before a thunderstorm hit, we finished the descent in a steady rain.
cftbq - Aug 13, 2005 12:40 am
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: 12 August, 2005Left the TH just before sunrise, 5:50 MDT. 4 hrs, 1 min. to the summit, travelling very light. Mild, sunny weather and great views, especially of the Elk Range 14ers. Failing to trim my toenails sufficiently the night before made the trip down take just as long as the trip up--live and learn! But I had the summit all to myself for 15 minutes. A beautiful hike and a challenging climb.
sbkelley - Aug 10, 2005 4:27 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: August 2005Most beautiful climb in the Sawatch by far. I was really impressed not only by the scenery, but by how steep this one was. Cool clouds and fog added to the fun.
Trevor Simmons - Jul 17, 2005 8:54 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: July 9, 2005Great climb!! Started at 12:00 AM and summitted just before 5:00 AM. We waited around on the summit until about 6:00 so we could se the sunrise. I climbed with Dylan Wann, Alex Wann, and John Sandlain.
Foxy Long Bottoms - Jul 17, 2005 8:05 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: My BirthdayWhat a beautiful place. The hike was fantastic. We started from the main lot and finished the same day. In spite of what poeple say, the uphill on the hike out is not that bad. The summit was quiet. We arrived at the top at 8:00 am. There was no wind whatsoever and nothing but sun. Out of the 23 14ers that I have done, this summit was the most peaceful. As we were descending, the hordes were heading up. 2 hikers were missing while I was up there. I hope they were found. Beautiful peak and HOLY COW!! I've never seen so many hot men on a peak in my life. Between the beautiful scenery, both men and natural, my sense of sight was completely overloaded.
CWFry - Jul 15, 2005 6:05 pm
Route Climbed: Halo with descent via North Ridge Date Climbed: July 2003Very long day. This is one of the most beautiful 14er's I've hiked. Recommend the Halo Ridge, as you're very high for a long time with a beautiful emerald lake a couple thousand vertical below you. Similar to Longs in that respect. It's less technically challenging, but also gruelling because of the distance and the additional 1000 ft. ascent toward the end of the day if you return via the N. Ridge route.
Genghis Climber - Jul 15, 2005 12:29 am
Route Climbed: Holy Cross Couloir Date Climbed: July 3, 2005Unfortunately I didn't make it to the summit this time but I will be back. After the grueling approach I got to the mouth of the Couloir before being hit be a loose rock falling and hitting me in my shoulder. The injury wasn't severe but it was my ice axe arm and I didn't want to climb with a bad self-arrest shoulder, so I turned around.
doumall - Jul 13, 2005 3:24 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge with descent of Halo Ridge Date Climbed: September 18, 200437th 14er!
jake2m - Jul 10, 2005 9:57 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: 07/09/05Hiked solo from the Halfmoon trailhead. Very Nice hike and great weather till I got back down to the treeline - rained for a bit but cleared back up for the hike back up and over halfmoon pass. 6:45 car to car
DylanWann - Jul 10, 2005 4:58 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge route Date Climbed: July 9, 2005What a sweet climb! I climbed it with my bro, Alex Wann, and Trevor Simmons. We started climbing at midnight and summited just in time for the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen--it was well worth the climb in the dark. It was an awesome bonus to a total wild-man adventure!
Alex Wann - Jul 9, 2005 9:20 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Route Date Climbed: July 9, 2005I loved this climb and must say that it now resides on the top of my favorites list! We started at 12:00am and summited at 5am, putting us in front row seats of the prettiest sunrise I have ever seen. This was also my first view of the vast mountains of the wild and rugged Colorado wilderness from a 14,000ft summit. I enjoyed the company of wild men John Sandlian, Trevor Simmons, and brother Dylan. I am hooked and may never go back to a normal life.
Nathan - Jul 6, 2005 12:19 am
Route Climbed: Cross Couloir Date Climbed: July 1, 2005This is a stunning area, and the cross is a great climb. I wish my camera hadn't broken during that stunning sunset over the Gores the night before the climb...
jhansen007 - Jun 26, 2005 2:11 pm
Route Climbed: Cross Couloir, descent via North Ridge Date Climbed: June 25, 2005After a crazy night of little sleep (forgetting my thermarest at home, trying to find the climbers trail to lake Patricia around midnight, getting caught in a nasty thunderstorm, losing a member of our party who had the tent, and sleeping under a big rock) I was planning on foregoing our plans to climb the cross couloir. In the late morning, I climbed up towards the Bowl of Tears in search of our missing friend. When I saw his tracks leading up the Cross Couloir and the morning clouds burned off, I got sucked in. I didn't start up the couloir til about 10:30am and the snow was very soft. There were huge steps kicked in the snow from people ahead of me and the climb seemed pretty easy because of this (still tiring of course). Had I ever started to slide, I'm sure my ice ax would have done little good given the softness of snow (its pretty steep at the top). Summited around noon and descended via the North Ridge and dropped down into the Patricia basin to get my gear from our bivy spot. Turned out to be an awesome day weather wise ... just a few sprinkles around 4pm. Very fun snow climb.
eggheadsherpa - Jun 6, 2005 2:58 pm
Route Climbed: Halo Ridge Date Climbed: July 3, 2004Spent the night on Notch Mt, summited via Halo Ridge the next day. Halo Ridge is long but the views are incredible. Well worth the effort.
Mike N - May 13, 2005 7:17 pm
Route Climbed: North ridge Date Climbed: July 2003This is a long day hike. Start early or stay in the camping areas at the bottom. Remember the return trip goes over another saddle near 11000. Watch the afternoon storms. One of the greatest peaks in this part of Colorado.
Old Ickabod - Apr 15, 2005 12:44 am
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: 7/2003Closed the bar in Minturn with Alpine Master. Made it back to camp at like 2:00am and started hiking at 7:00am. Still drunk and Alpine Master puked the whole way, but this trip proved what we can really do when we decide to "just do it". Summited, no pictures, hiked out, drank straight creek water and made it back. Check out his trip report. He was puking from a hangover all day and even up to 300 feet below the summit. I'm not that proud of how stupid we are, but we reallized how much farther we can push ourselves when we want too.
James C - Apr 4, 2005 7:29 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: September 6, 2004Long climb for one day. We made it to the top the my dad thought that descending Teardrop would be a short cut that ended up adding even more hours. Started 7 am ended 8 pm thanks to the shortcut
alpine master - Apr 3, 2005 11:52 pm
Route Climbed: West Ridge Date Climbed: July 11 2003This was a long brutal hike. Check out my trip report. Quite entertaining.
altitude14er - Mar 20, 2005 8:10 pm
Route Climbed: Halfmoon Trailhead Date Climbed: 07/2004I climbed this with asphazell after a night of drinking the 5,625ft. elevation gain was brutal !!
Asphazell - Mar 1, 2005 3:14 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: August 2004Beautiful mountain, however disappointing to lose so much elevation on Halfmoon pass. The views up here were incredible. Would like to come back for one of the couloirs.
ColoradoScott - Feb 7, 2005 1:25 pm
Route Climbed: North Ridge Date Climbed: August 5, 1984After only getting 3 hours sleep and being hungover (girls can be a distraction, huh?) I met the CMC, I and rode to the trailhead hardly raring to go. One of the cars in the group actually ripped a gash into it's gas tank on the road to the trailhead, delaying our start (and ruining his day!). Our group was to backpack into to a camp near east cross creek, but we took a side diversion en routefrom Half Moon Pass up the north ridge of Notch Mountain. After setting up camp and eating dinner, I was in my sleeping bag by 7:30 p.m. The next morning was clear and we hiked the standard north ridge route to the summit, descended and packed our camp and then took the agonizing climb back over Half Moon Pass. Getting to the pass before a thunderstorm hit, we finished the descent in a steady rain.