Snowmass Mountain - 2007

Wow!  What a beautiful area, lake and rugged 14'er climb.  A friend, Brett from Kansas, agreed to meet up with me and hike Snowmass together.  We had agreed upon the East Slopes (standard) route which is beautiful but long - approximately 21 miles round trip.  This route ascends gradually through a long valley, through stands of aspens with a meandering river along side the trail the whole way.  I would put this relaxing, scenic approach in my top 3 of beautiful 14'er routes.

Although the approach up to Snowmass Lake is 1+ to easy 2, the route from the Lake onward to the summit becomes a bushwacking challenge around the lake, a scramble (2-2+) up the headwall, a moderate 2-2+ hike on slabs & big boulders and then a varied 2+-3+ depending on your specific route chosen to the summit.  If you're ever interested in this 14er, you should research the routes and read the trip reports on 14'ers.com.  This summit should not be your 1st 14er.

I loved this mountain and the hike.  Unfortunately, I did suffer an injury at about 13,000 ft while hiking - which thankfully I was with a buddy and together we had enough supplies to stop the bleeding and then tape me up.  Although I kept climbing about 500 ft more, I finally did not have the same confidence with my injured leg and the route difficulty in order to continue for the summit.  Instead, I told Brett he should go on to the top and I would attempt it another day.  I'll be back!!!

Slide Show - with more Snowmass Mountain Pics from our Hike!