Day 13-20: Missouri Mountain (#14), Mt. Belford (#15), Mt. Oxford (#16), Mt. Columbia (#17), Mt. Har
A short time ago, in a galaxy not that far away, there were seven interesting individuals. When posed with the heavy task of completing the Collegiate Peaks of Colorado, the brave souls did not hesitate (except for the occasional groans, mind you). Missouri Mountain tested the adventurers right off the bat. A frequently disappearing trail, partnered with a steep and soft snowy ascent, strained their patience. Yet, they prevailed.
After spending the night above 11,000ft, the team was rested--enough--to tackle the Belford and Oxford summits. With momentum and 50+ mph winds at their backs, they successfully peaked each mountain--and enjoying the ever-deserved sunrise on the way.
But, the challenge was only half-completed. Mt. Columbia and Mt. Harvard were tackled in one day, but only after battling a 10 hour day traveling 6 miles with 5,500ft elevation gain. Mt. Princeton was "easy" in the sense of simplicity and having a dry trail the majority of the way. It was a nice and relaxing day for the team.
Mt. Yale, the last of the Collegiate Peaks, was fairly difficult--and more difficult for others. Though, in spite of the strenuous challenges of the mountains, the team was successful--and were rewarded with the breathtaking view on Mt. Yale, where 30 of the 54 Fourteeners can be seen.
The team is anxious to complete the Sawatch Range, as they will be heading to the San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado afterwards, and will be faced with both the easiest, and most difficult, mountains in the state.
Until next time, continue climbing your personal mountains. Don't give up, as we are climbing with you.
COTD
Missouri Mountain:
Start Time: 5:30am
Summit Time: 11:45am
Finish Time: *To high base-camp*
Elevation: 14,067ft
Elevation Gain: 4,500ft
Distance Hiked: 5.5 miles
Mt. Belford
Start Time: *From high-base camp* 3:30am
Summit Time: 5:40am
Finish Time: *At high base-camp* 9:45am
Elevation: 14,197ft
Elevation Gain: *From high base-camp* 3,900ft
Distance Hiked: 7 miles
Mt. Oxford
Start Time: *From high base-camp* 3:30am
Summit Time: 7:00am
Finish Time: *At high base-camp* 9:45am
Elevation: 14,153ft
Elevation Gain: *from high base-camp* 3,900ft
Distance Hiked: *From high base-camp* 7 miles
Mt. Columbia
Start Time: *From high base-camp* 3:30am
Summit Time: 6:10am
Finish Time: *At high base-camp* 1:25pm
Elevation: 14,073ft
Elevation Gain: *From high base-camp* 5,500ft
Distance Hiked: *From high base-camp* 6 miles
Mt. Harvard
Start Time: *From high base-camp* 3:30am
Summit Time: 11:10am
Finish Time: *At high base-camp* 1:25pm
Elevation: 14,420ft
Elevation Gain: *From high base-camp* 5,500ft
Distance Hiked: *From high base-camp* 6 miles
Mt. Princeton
Start Time: 6:00am
Summit Time: 8:45am
Finish Time: 11:00am
Elevation: 14,197ft
Elevation Gain: 2,800ft
Distance Hiked: 6 miles
Mt. Yale
Start Time: 4:30am
Summit Time: 9:00am
Finish Time: 12:00pm
Elevation: 14,196ft
Elevation Gain: 4,400ft
Distance Hiked: 9 miles
