sroot - Apr 3, 2016 4:51 pm Date Climbed: Mar 28, 2016
Beast of a mountain
Flew into Mexico City on my birthday (25th) and reached the Piedra Grande hut by the 27th and summited about 7:15 AM on the 28th. I completely underestimated the effects of altitude and it was an incredibly hard push for me but completely worth it! Beautiful morning with perfect conditions.
ericd - Feb 12, 2016 1:22 am Date Climbed: Feb 9, 2016
High altitude club
Flew into Puebla just 36 hours before standing on top of Orizaba, this was awesome! The climb was a rewarding experience after postponing it over the last few years. A mountaineering challenge physically but cardio-conditioning ahead of time allowed me up this North American giant in 6 hours for a 9am summit. A grueling 2000' glacier push to summit and I renewed membership in the bona fide high altitude club. Wonderful to enjoy the panoramic views in a thin atmosphere at 18, 490 feet! After 30mins atop and somewhat replenished from the step climbing exertion I decided to head down, the descent taking 4 hrs, very true to a 2/3'rds rule of thumb. The climbing day had gentle wind & weather considering the uncertain forecast and condensation from the west coast eruptions. OMG provided excellent base logistics.
seano - Jan 2, 2016 11:50 am Date Climbed: Dec 27, 2015
Ruta Sur
We climbed the Ruta Sur because you can get a rental car to 13,200' instead of about 11,000' on the standard route. About 3h40 up and 5h30 car-to-car in completely dry conditions on a clear but windy day. I highly recommend this route because, while it is a slog on the way up, the scree-ski on the way down is absolutely epic. See the diagram in my trip report for the best lines up and down.
First international trip and experience above 14,500. So much fun!
Eleutheros - Mar 26, 2015 2:04 pm Date Climbed: Mar 25, 2015
Jamapa Glacier
My highest peak yet, and perfect weather. Sunrise on the glacier, and a clear, windless morning at the summit. An awesome glissade down...
Rhughson47 - Mar 24, 2015 11:56 am Date Climbed: Mar 7, 2015
Blizzard in Mexico?
Great climb but ascended too quickly and ended up having some issues with the altitude. We ended up reaching the true summit in the midst of a snowstorm and descended into a whiteout. Best part of the climb was being able to see Popocatepetl erupting in the early dawn light but unfortunately all interest in photography had pretty much ended around that time.
The first time, in 1997, I stayed in the large and noisy barracks at Piedra Grande. This was a mistake, which the following year I did not repeat. This time I had the driver drop me off on the approach road to base camp and I tented it at about 13,000' level. The next day I wandered up to the 14,000' level and camped away from the throngs. The next project was to set up a high camp at the base of the glacier at around 16,000'. A night up there and on to the summit to finish with a nice long glissade almost back to the tent. Truly memorable times and still the highest I've ever been and summited the mountain.
shknbke - Jan 4, 2015 10:49 pm Date Climbed: Dec 28, 2015
Ridge of Gold
Conditions were very good in the Labyrinth and on the glacier. I recent snowstorm 4 days prior made for perfect conditions to kick steps in the Labyrinth. We didn't feel the need to use crampons or axe. The glacier itself is perfect for crampon work. We took a slight variation of the standard route, contouring over to the Ridge of Gold and descended the standard route. 10 hours round trip including 1.5 hours on summit.
Monster5 - Nov 9, 2014 6:27 pm Date Climbed: Nov 20, 2012
summit
normal route not in good condition - standard route now goes closer to ridge of gold
I climbed orizaba with el Oso from Orizaba Mountain Guides. he was very helpful throughout the ascent. The ascent was pretty straightforward and not technical but once you are on the glacier its a long long slog to the summit even though it looks really close. It was a fun day altogether. I was out of energy by the time I reached the summit and it took me almost the same amount of time to get down as it did to ascend.
This was one of the best experiences of my life.
I did it without preparation.
It was magic. I walk all the way to the refuge with all my gear alone, lost hope, found hope with a cool guy who was looking for a buddy and made it to the top and back down.
It was awesome!
You can find everything about this adventure, with all the details and advices on my blog:
www.travelandroll.com/pico-de-orizaba-pure-authentic-adventure/
It's also available in French:
http://www.travelandroll.com/pico-de-orizaba-pure-authentic-adventure/?lang=fr
dstevenson0204 - Mar 18, 2014 1:47 pm Date Climbed: Mar 1, 2014
Perfect Conditions
Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. 6 hours to the summit from the hut. Started at 1:30am and returned to hut by 11:40am. On par with Mount Hood as far as physical difficulty. Add 18000ft of elevation and it makes it a bit more challenging. Great experience and absolutely beautiful country!!!
Cambot - Feb 2, 2014 10:10 pm Date Climbed: Jan 21, 2014
No trouble with altitude
Spent a lovely couple days at the smaller Piedre Grande hut. Made at attempt on the summit the day before but turned around in the Labyrinth because my partner wasn't doing well. Climbed solo the next day - up in 5.5 and had the summit all to myself. Hardly felt the altitude! Memorable mountain.
Cloud Ocean - Jan 30, 2014 2:20 pm Date Climbed: Dec 22, 2012
From high camp below the labyrinth
Climbed over two days, with a high camp by the last rock rings below the labyrinth. Began climbing from my tent at 4:30 and reached the summit at 9:00. The labyrinth was out of condition with hard ice everywhere. Great conditions on the Jamapa glacier. Climbed Orizaba solo, but there were plenty of others on the mountain and in the hut.
Fletch - Jan 17, 2014 2:09 pm Date Climbed: Jan 14, 2014
Ruta Normal
Great climb with great folks... large CMC group --- very fun.
Kevintheclimber - Dec 26, 2013 3:11 pm Date Climbed: Nov 26, 2013
summit baby
pretty tough straightforward climb. The last 2,000 feet were brutal against the wind. but a great mountain, the highest one so far in my career
Joerg Marretsch - Dec 11, 2013 2:05 pm Date Climbed: Dec 3, 2013
Jamapa Glacier
Perfect wheather and mountain conditions. 5:45 H from Piedras Grandes hut to the summit - 75 minutes at the summit - 3 h down to Piedras Grandes.
vanman798 - Dec 4, 2013 10:16 pm Date Climbed: Nov 27, 2013
Nov 27, 2013
Arrived at base camp Nov 25. Hiked to 15,600 ft. Slept at 14,000 ft. Next day hiked to 16,200 ft, slept at 14,000 ft. Summited Nov 27. Took 5.25 hours up and 2.5 hours down. Highest point to date, for me. It was cold on top. Had the whole hut to myself the night of November 27.
Deb - Nov 28, 2013 11:02 am Date Climbed: Nov 25, 2013
Ruta Normal
36 hrs after climbing Izta, we climbed Orizaba with Oso from OMG. Not a cloud in the way the entire 9 hours hut-to-hut! Quite cold, but that's what wool is for. We took a very direct line straight up with perfect snow conditions. So jealous to watch 2 Colorado guys ski down! Altitude was never an issue for me. Awesome trip! Spent a restful night at Canchola's afterward; love Joaquin's birds.
Andrew Webb - Oct 5, 2013 11:31 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2013
sroot - Apr 3, 2016 4:51 pm Date Climbed: Mar 28, 2016
Beast of a mountainFlew into Mexico City on my birthday (25th) and reached the Piedra Grande hut by the 27th and summited about 7:15 AM on the 28th. I completely underestimated the effects of altitude and it was an incredibly hard push for me but completely worth it! Beautiful morning with perfect conditions.
ericd - Feb 12, 2016 1:22 am Date Climbed: Feb 9, 2016
High altitude clubFlew into Puebla just 36 hours before standing on top of Orizaba, this was awesome! The climb was a rewarding experience after postponing it over the last few years. A mountaineering challenge physically but cardio-conditioning ahead of time allowed me up this North American giant in 6 hours for a 9am summit. A grueling 2000' glacier push to summit and I renewed membership in the bona fide high altitude club. Wonderful to enjoy the panoramic views in a thin atmosphere at 18, 490 feet! After 30mins atop and somewhat replenished from the step climbing exertion I decided to head down, the descent taking 4 hrs, very true to a 2/3'rds rule of thumb. The climbing day had gentle wind & weather considering the uncertain forecast and condensation from the west coast eruptions. OMG provided excellent base logistics.
seano - Jan 2, 2016 11:50 am Date Climbed: Dec 27, 2015
Ruta SurWe climbed the Ruta Sur because you can get a rental car to 13,200' instead of about 11,000' on the standard route. About 3h40 up and 5h30 car-to-car in completely dry conditions on a clear but windy day. I highly recommend this route because, while it is a slog on the way up, the scree-ski on the way down is absolutely epic. See the diagram in my trip report for the best lines up and down.
MadGrad96 - Oct 9, 2015 8:16 am
Loved it!First international trip and experience above 14,500. So much fun!
Eleutheros - Mar 26, 2015 2:04 pm Date Climbed: Mar 25, 2015
Jamapa GlacierMy highest peak yet, and perfect weather. Sunrise on the glacier, and a clear, windless morning at the summit. An awesome glissade down...
Rhughson47 - Mar 24, 2015 11:56 am Date Climbed: Mar 7, 2015
Blizzard in Mexico?Great climb but ascended too quickly and ended up having some issues with the altitude. We ended up reaching the true summit in the midst of a snowstorm and descended into a whiteout. Best part of the climb was being able to see Popocatepetl erupting in the early dawn light but unfortunately all interest in photography had pretty much ended around that time.
dino61111 - Feb 7, 2015 4:10 pm
Second ascent.The first time, in 1997, I stayed in the large and noisy barracks at Piedra Grande. This was a mistake, which the following year I did not repeat. This time I had the driver drop me off on the approach road to base camp and I tented it at about 13,000' level. The next day I wandered up to the 14,000' level and camped away from the throngs. The next project was to set up a high camp at the base of the glacier at around 16,000'. A night up there and on to the summit to finish with a nice long glissade almost back to the tent. Truly memorable times and still the highest I've ever been and summited the mountain.
shknbke - Jan 4, 2015 10:49 pm Date Climbed: Dec 28, 2015
Ridge of GoldConditions were very good in the Labyrinth and on the glacier. I recent snowstorm 4 days prior made for perfect conditions to kick steps in the Labyrinth. We didn't feel the need to use crampons or axe. The glacier itself is perfect for crampon work. We took a slight variation of the standard route, contouring over to the Ridge of Gold and descended the standard route. 10 hours round trip including 1.5 hours on summit.
Monster5 - Nov 9, 2014 6:27 pm Date Climbed: Nov 20, 2012
summitnormal route not in good condition - standard route now goes closer to ridge of gold
ajaysomani - Apr 25, 2014 6:35 pm Date Climbed: Apr 7, 2014
Ruta NormalI climbed orizaba with el Oso from Orizaba Mountain Guides. he was very helpful throughout the ascent. The ascent was pretty straightforward and not technical but once you are on the glacier its a long long slog to the summit even though it looks really close. It was a fun day altogether. I was out of energy by the time I reached the summit and it took me almost the same amount of time to get down as it did to ascend.
Geoffrey "Travel and roll" - Apr 23, 2014 6:54 pm Date Climbed: Apr 3, 2014
Aventure of a lifetime!This was one of the best experiences of my life.
I did it without preparation.
It was magic. I walk all the way to the refuge with all my gear alone, lost hope, found hope with a cool guy who was looking for a buddy and made it to the top and back down.
It was awesome!
You can find everything about this adventure, with all the details and advices on my blog:
www.travelandroll.com/pico-de-orizaba-pure-authentic-adventure/
It's also available in French:
http://www.travelandroll.com/pico-de-orizaba-pure-authentic-adventure/?lang=fr
dstevenson0204 - Mar 18, 2014 1:47 pm Date Climbed: Mar 1, 2014
Perfect ConditionsCouldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. 6 hours to the summit from the hut. Started at 1:30am and returned to hut by 11:40am. On par with Mount Hood as far as physical difficulty. Add 18000ft of elevation and it makes it a bit more challenging. Great experience and absolutely beautiful country!!!
Cambot - Feb 2, 2014 10:10 pm Date Climbed: Jan 21, 2014
No trouble with altitudeSpent a lovely couple days at the smaller Piedre Grande hut. Made at attempt on the summit the day before but turned around in the Labyrinth because my partner wasn't doing well. Climbed solo the next day - up in 5.5 and had the summit all to myself. Hardly felt the altitude! Memorable mountain.
Cloud Ocean - Jan 30, 2014 2:20 pm Date Climbed: Dec 22, 2012
From high camp below the labyrinthClimbed over two days, with a high camp by the last rock rings below the labyrinth. Began climbing from my tent at 4:30 and reached the summit at 9:00. The labyrinth was out of condition with hard ice everywhere. Great conditions on the Jamapa glacier. Climbed Orizaba solo, but there were plenty of others on the mountain and in the hut.
Fletch - Jan 17, 2014 2:09 pm Date Climbed: Jan 14, 2014
Ruta NormalGreat climb with great folks... large CMC group --- very fun.
Kevintheclimber - Dec 26, 2013 3:11 pm Date Climbed: Nov 26, 2013
summit babypretty tough straightforward climb. The last 2,000 feet were brutal against the wind. but a great mountain, the highest one so far in my career
Joerg Marretsch - Dec 11, 2013 2:05 pm Date Climbed: Dec 3, 2013
Jamapa GlacierPerfect wheather and mountain conditions. 5:45 H from Piedras Grandes hut to the summit - 75 minutes at the summit - 3 h down to Piedras Grandes.
vanman798 - Dec 4, 2013 10:16 pm Date Climbed: Nov 27, 2013
Nov 27, 2013Arrived at base camp Nov 25. Hiked to 15,600 ft. Slept at 14,000 ft. Next day hiked to 16,200 ft, slept at 14,000 ft. Summited Nov 27. Took 5.25 hours up and 2.5 hours down. Highest point to date, for me. It was cold on top. Had the whole hut to myself the night of November 27.
Deb - Nov 28, 2013 11:02 am Date Climbed: Nov 25, 2013
Ruta Normal36 hrs after climbing Izta, we climbed Orizaba with Oso from OMG. Not a cloud in the way the entire 9 hours hut-to-hut! Quite cold, but that's what wool is for. We took a very direct line straight up with perfect snow conditions. So jealous to watch 2 Colorado guys ski down! Altitude was never an issue for me. Awesome trip! Spent a restful night at Canchola's afterward; love Joaquin's birds.
Andrew Webb - Oct 5, 2013 11:31 pm Date Climbed: Oct 3, 2013
Pico de OrizabaMy fiancé and I had a great adventure getting to Tlachichuca and climbing the Volcano/Mountain. We had recently trad climbed a few multi pitch routes in Tuolomne and had a great guided climb up the east buttress of Mt. Whitney. Pico proved to be a great outing and as we are new at high altitude climbs to have success on the first go in a single day push is very encouraging. We were so exhausted and the wind was so strong at the summit we only took one picture.