Backpacking part 3 - Handies Peak

We climbed up from Burrows Park toward Handies Peak along Grizzly Gulch. The trail started a bit steeply, or maybe we were still getting re-used to our packs, then became a very nice trek.

A beautiful trail on a pretty morning (and the guy ain't half-bad either):


Looking back toward Redcloud Peak:



That's Handies behind me:


Nice marmot:


Looking up at our goal:


Checking out Uncompahgre Peak in the distance - we have heard it's a really interesting climb:


Starting up the last climb toward the small snowfields. There isn't much snow this year, so this section should be pretty straightforward coming down at night:


We made it - our third 14er in one day! We hung out at the top (after meeting a family with a 5-year old girl who made the whole climb!), and then the trail-marking party appeared from the other side. Awesome!


Andy taking a self-portrait:


Nicholas, Jack, and John:


Such a fun group!


Jim and Andy taking off back toward Grouse Gulch - we were hoping to catch a ride with them, so we got going down the hill too. In the background is American Basin.


What a neat adventure! I think we deserved those cookie/brownie treats from the local bakery.

The next couple of days involved laundry, gear sorting, and shorter workouts, so I'll be back later when I have more photos. Until then!