NanitaD - Apr 7, 2006 12:55 am Date Climbed: Sep 2, 1978
From the south side
This was when you could camp without permits. We camped on the south east shoulder. The next day we scrambled up to the top and then traversed to the saddle between Audubon and Paiute. Some of our group decended to camp from the saddle. I went on with a friend to Paiute.
Mountain Jim - Apr 6, 2006 2:21 am Date Climbed: Jul 17, 1970
Mt Audubon Trail
Total ascents = 2. Second time from Buchanan Pass via Paiute Peak.
Route Climbed: Standard Route Date Climbed: October 17, 2004
Summited Audubon on the last weekend before the road to Brainard Lake was to be closed. Did not see another soul on the entire hike - rare for Audubon.
Route Climbed: Mitchell Lake (standard) Date Climbed: July 20, 2005
Great day, the bare ridges of vast tundra exposed me to the wind, and at about 11,000 feet we noticed a thunderhead forming above us. There are about 4 false summits advancing 1,500 feet over the end of the tundra, don't be fooled!
Route Climbed: standard Date Climbed: July 10, 2003
My brother Mike's first real alpine summit (driving up Mt. Evans didn't count, and Death Valley's Telescope Peak is not a true alpine peak)-- tough on him but rewarding, and windy. Bring a windbreaker for this even if it's warm and still at the trailhead.
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge Date Climbed: July 4, 2005
Fun route taking the Southeast Ridge up. Not a single other person, bright blue sky and absolutely no wind. Taking the East Slope Trail down was another story. 50+ people, strong winds and monotonous trail. Should of traversed to Paiute to avoid the crowds. At least I will know next time. Overall, a perfect day to spend the Fourth of July.
Route Climbed: Blue Lake Loop Date Climbed: June 18, 2005
An easy ascent via East Slopes, no snowshoes necessary. When you reach the saddle between Audubon and "Notabon", take a peek over the edge to the Coney Lakes basin below. It's a spectacular sight. Watch out for the wind that comes screaming up from the basin, however. I almost got knocked back onto my butt! (I attempted to climb Audubon in May via this basin, but the snow was too deep w/the long approach I had) A glissade down Crooked Couloir, described as "very steep gully" in the route description, is highly recommended if snow conditions permit. Be sure you have an ax to control speed on this one, it is very steep, and is almost 2,000 vertical feet! We probably could have put on our snowshoes when down in the basin, as the snow was pretty soft at 11am and still very deep. Snowshoes will be unnecessary in a few weeks... A great route all-around.
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge Date Climbed: June 20 2003
I've been on this ridge three times. Weather turned me back at the notch the first time-I quickly descended into the east face cirque to dump altitude. Second time was the charm. Snow helps make this route easier, covering the scree and talus down low, and allows a quick descent/ascent of the south facing couloir into the notch if you're so inclined. The 'Headwall' out of the notch was mostly turf on my June, 20 ascent. Third attempt exceeded my partner's comfort level at the notch. Bring a rope to rap if you're worried about this notorious downclimb, although I went without on all my attempts. Also ascended from Paiute's connecting ridge in September?, 2004. Simple third class scramble, with insane wind.
NanitaD - Apr 7, 2006 12:55 am Date Climbed: Sep 2, 1978
From the south sideThis was when you could camp without permits. We camped on the south east shoulder. The next day we scrambled up to the top and then traversed to the saddle between Audubon and Paiute. Some of our group decended to camp from the saddle. I went on with a friend to Paiute.
Mountain Jim - Apr 6, 2006 2:21 am Date Climbed: Jul 17, 1970
Mt Audubon TrailTotal ascents = 2. Second time from Buchanan Pass via Paiute Peak.
1mvertical - Jan 5, 2006 10:26 am
Route Climbed: Blue Lake Loop Date Climbed: July 2, 2000Great peak for views into RMNP. Easy solid trail up to the summit cone(about 12,800'). The there is a bit of boulder hopping, but nothing serious.
CODave - Dec 30, 2005 12:37 pm
Route Climbed: Standard Route Date Climbed: September 21, 2002My first mountain summit. Awesome hike.
CODave - Dec 30, 2005 12:36 pm
Route Climbed: Standard Route Date Climbed: July 11, 2004Hiked solo up Audubon before sunrise. Very warm day. Had summit to myself for an hour before descending.
CODave - Dec 30, 2005 12:36 pm
Route Climbed: Standard Route Date Climbed: October 17, 2004Summited Audubon on the last weekend before the road to Brainard Lake was to be closed. Did not see another soul on the entire hike - rare for Audubon.
lilmantis - Nov 21, 2005 4:26 pm
Route Climbed: Mt Audubon Trail Date Climbed: October 30th, 2005Nice day, good hike!
heather14 - Oct 22, 2005 11:02 pm
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: September 24, 2005As usual when I'm in the IPW it was windy...VERY windy! Almost couldn't keep your feet on the top. But well worth it.
Topoftheworld - Oct 5, 2005 9:01 pm
Route Climbed: Mitchell Lake (standard) Date Climbed: July 20, 2005Great day, the bare ridges of vast tundra exposed me to the wind, and at about 11,000 feet we noticed a thunderhead forming above us. There are about 4 false summits advancing 1,500 feet over the end of the tundra, don't be fooled!
Bob Sihler - Sep 28, 2005 9:48 pm
Route Climbed: standard Date Climbed: July 10, 2003My brother Mike's first real alpine summit (driving up Mt. Evans didn't count, and Death Valley's Telescope Peak is not a true alpine peak)-- tough on him but rewarding, and windy. Bring a windbreaker for this even if it's warm and still at the trailhead.
jltrefry - Sep 23, 2005 3:28 pm
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: September 17, 2005Beautiful views, but it was really windy that day adding quite a chill and a lot of resistance on the hike up. Overall it was worth it!
filmgaffer - Aug 7, 2005 4:56 pm
Route Climbed: Bever Creek Trail Junction Date Climbed: July 2001Incredible view from Mt. Audubon - well worth the climb
Raoul Duke - Aug 2, 2005 1:25 pm
Route Climbed: Eastern Slope Date Climbed: August 1, 2005Beautiful day hiking, awesome views from the top! It was CRAZY windy though!! I was very glad to hunker in one of the rock shelters for a rest. :-)
doumall - Jul 13, 2005 3:33 pm
Route Climbed: East Slopes Date Climbed: May 14, 2005Lots-o-Snow
ajdonner - Jul 8, 2005 11:17 pm
Route Climbed: Crooked Couloir Date Climbed: July 2, 2005Super fun day in the IPW.
Andrew Vargo - Jul 5, 2005 1:11 am
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge Date Climbed: July 4, 2005Fun route taking the Southeast Ridge up. Not a single other person, bright blue sky and absolutely no wind. Taking the East Slope Trail down was another story. 50+ people, strong winds and monotonous trail. Should of traversed to Paiute to avoid the crowds. At least I will know next time. Overall, a perfect day to spend the Fourth of July.
sbkelley - Jun 27, 2005 12:50 pm
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge Date Climbed: September 2004Thunderstorms in September? It made things interesting - but as or more beautiful than anything I've seen on the Fourteeners yet.
RMdaytripsgrl - Jun 23, 2005 4:34 pm
Route Climbed: Blue Lake Loop Date Climbed: June 18, 2005An easy ascent via East Slopes, no snowshoes necessary. When you reach the saddle between Audubon and "Notabon", take a peek over the edge to the Coney Lakes basin below. It's a spectacular sight. Watch out for the wind that comes screaming up from the basin, however. I almost got knocked back onto my butt! (I attempted to climb Audubon in May via this basin, but the snow was too deep w/the long approach I had) A glissade down Crooked Couloir, described as "very steep gully" in the route description, is highly recommended if snow conditions permit. Be sure you have an ax to control speed on this one, it is very steep, and is almost 2,000 vertical feet! We probably could have put on our snowshoes when down in the basin, as the snow was pretty soft at 11am and still very deep. Snowshoes will be unnecessary in a few weeks... A great route all-around.
umbra alta - Jun 21, 2005 5:12 pm
Route Climbed: Southeast Ridge Date Climbed: June 20 2003I've been on this ridge three times. Weather turned me back at the notch the first time-I quickly descended into the east face cirque to dump altitude. Second time was the charm. Snow helps make this route easier, covering the scree and talus down low, and allows a quick descent/ascent of the south facing couloir into the notch if you're so inclined. The 'Headwall' out of the notch was mostly turf on my June, 20 ascent. Third attempt exceeded my partner's comfort level at the notch. Bring a rope to rap if you're worried about this notorious downclimb, although I went without on all my attempts. Also ascended from Paiute's connecting ridge in September?, 2004. Simple third class scramble, with insane wind.
growski - Jun 20, 2005 12:25 am
Route Climbed: East Slopes Date Climbed: June 16, 2005Great fun in the snow and rewarded with very calm winds at the top. Perfect climbing day.