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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: April 24,
2004
- Miles Hiked: 4.0
- Elevation Gain: 1,900'
- Hiking Partner(s): Greg Hiltbrand
& Carl Siegel
- Description:
- Last Veteran's Day I drove up to Guanella Pass to check out Mount
Bierstadt, knowing full well that a chance at the summit was not
in the cards. Because of this, I decided to name that short trip
"Scott Gomer Creek" and not "Bierstadt
Attempt". "Denny Creek" is a very similar
situation, and to call this a "Yale Attempt" would be an
exaggeration to say the least. We knew from the onset (even the
night before) that this was a scouting trip and not a summit attempt.
- After posting for partners on an internet forum earlier in the week, I
was contacted by Carl and Greg to join me on a trip to Buena Vista (CO) and
an attempt of Mount Yale. I was optimistic about the hike until
Thursday and Friday when Colorado received a significant amount of
snowfall. Because of our groups lack of knowledge reading
avalanches, and several new inches (feet) of snow, the trip was almost
called off late Friday night. After a flurry of emails, we decided
to head over and check out the mountains regardless of weather and snow
conditions.
- We met at the Colorado Springs (CO) REI at 6:00 and made our way to
the Denny Creek Trailhead. Upon arrival, we were immediately
greeting by the sweet sound and smell of snowmobiles. The snow
shoes were strapped on from the start as the trail was initially covered
with approximately 6-12 inches of snow depending on tree cover. We
took turns breaking trail in 15-20 minute increments and found ourselves
at the Browns Pass-Mount Yale intersection after about an hour of
hiking.
- We made a right turn and headed up into Delaney Gulch. We were
able to interpret the trail to approximately 11,000' when we simple
started climbing northeast towards Yale's southwest shoulder. The
pace slowed considerable here as the grade increased and footing was
difficult. In addition, the snow level increased to approximately
18-24 inches of powder and at a few points, we could practically cover the
entire length of our trekking poles. Because of the new snow,
steep grade, and avalanche potential, it was decided that we would
continue until noon and remain close to the trees when possible.
The timing was perfect as we popped above tree line with the
opportunity to enter a clearing and get a view of Yale's west
ridge and southwest shoulder.
- We had a snack, drank some water, and visited while enjoying the late
April winter conditions. Although strenuous, we were all glad to
have made the trip to get into the mountains, get a good workout, and
get an alpine feeling snow shoe hike in. It took us four hours to
get to 11,800', and two hours to return to the trailhead.
- Maps:
- Click
here to view a 2D map of
the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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