Hike to Stanley Mountain Summit

Authors Note:  The following text was supplied by hike leader and driver, Ed Blum.  Details such as elevation, mileage, and wilderness background information was provided by the author.  Images provided by Kathy Hall, and Dorothy Stranberg.  

Eleven members of the High Country Hiker (HCH) group made the trip to the Berthoud Pass TH (11,315') where this hike began.  The TH was virtually wind free, but things were to change.



Much of the 1,100' elevation gain came quickly as the intrepid hikers had to first pass through timberline then trek the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) to the summit.  As we left the protection of the last krumholz the wind started.  It would stay with us all day with few exceptions.  Top speed was estimated to be 35 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

Hikers stop to catch their breath and rehydrate.

At about 12,400' el., we entered the Vasquez Peak Wilderness, a 12,300 acre tract managed by the U. S. Forest Service.  Snowfields that were above us early in the day were now below us as we traversed the trail above treeline.  Looking back on trail and across Route #40, is Colorado Mines Peak (12493'), named after the university in Golden.  Ahead is Vasquez Peak (12,947'), another 2.25 miles beyond our destination today and can also be seen during the climb.

Views north to the town of Winter Park and Ski Resort and south to the town of Empire from the ridge line are unique.  The trail continues across the plateau to a 200' high wall.  Tight switchbacks will take us up to the top, followed by a short walk to the summit.

A break before attacking the wall.

Beautiful flowers did their best to raise their heads in this severe alpine environment.  The tallest flowers were about 6" with most being merely a ground-clinging tundra cover.  Colors were red, yellow, purple, blue, and white.

A small alpine lake could be seen below on the left as we made our way up slope.  The vast tundra we were walking through was surreal.  Some areas were flat enough to play football on, but the land forms went this way and that.

An alpine lake peaks out from below the ridge line.

Two White-tailed Ptarmigan (Willow Grouse).

Trail followed the headwalls and precipices, and at times going to the middle of the ridge.  The succession of land areas we walked on looked somewhat like loaves of bread laid end to end.

Nine of the eleven hikers reached the summit (12,521'), where we found a respite from the wind on the south side.  This provided a sunny lunch spot.  The summit is defined by nothing more than a bunch of rocks.

On the way back, because of the lack of trees, I could see the group stretched out half-a-mile ahead.

The wind came at us from different directions and seemed stronger because of the beating of the wind.  Most in the group thought the 6+ miles seemed twice that distance.  At times wind gusts would push you out of the trail channel.  Many times your foot would not come down in the place you intended because while it was off the ground the wind would move it.

The group moved on steadily, finally losing the wind as we moved back down to the gnarly trees.

High Country Hikers (L to R): Gary Merical, Marcia McBurnett, Ed Blum, Luisa Sandoval, Marian Conaway, Al Akell, and Robert Seckman. Not shown: Kathy Hall, Raheal Kneebone, Dorothy Stranberg, and Clietta Terry.

The bus was waiting at the TH and soon we were in Empire having ice cream, cookies, and coffee.

Total miles = 6.5 mi.

Total elevation gain = 1,214'