Hike To Unnamed Point 12,792 Feet - Second Peak South Of Cottonwood Pass (July 4, 2007)
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This morning I decided to reach the second
major peak south of Cottonwood Pass. I was just in the mood to get out and
capture some nice photos of Colorado's high country.
Adjacent are three photos
early on, including the unnamed peak (middle) situated a short walk south
of the Cottonwood Pass parking lot (top). You can see my hike of this particular peak in 2006 here:
Continental Divide Trail.
The parking lot is rarely that busy,
and I learned from a local friend
it was attributed to a mass hike of over 100 people to the nearby unnamed peak to the south.
The Continental Divide Trail, which is a work in progress,
is a well-maintained trail that leads to this peak.
As I hiked away, I looked back to capture a nice photo that includes the trail,
Cottonwood Pass and Mt. Yale way out there left of center. I
hiked Mt. Yale three days ago and
it was great to see that mountain in all its greatness again. :) |
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Past that first unnamed peak,
I continued for about another mile south along the divide ridge.
I was particularly curious to scope out some of the peaks to the south including
Mt. Kruetzer and Emma Burr Mountain. |
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Facing east, I captured this fantastic shot of Mt. Yale (left),
Turner Peak (large mountain in the middle) and Mt. Princeton to the right. This photo
is a strong candidate to be today's entry for my Mt. Princeton web site. ;) |
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There it is! The unnamed peak measured at 12,792 feet above sea level. I continued along the divide to reach its summit.
TOP: It's the far peak on the right.
BOTTOM: Approaching the peak.
TopoZone's topographical map of the area was greatly helpful which can be seen
here. |
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West of the divide, I had a nice view of
Cow Lake with the sun to my back. A friend enjoys hiking down to that lake from Cottonwood Pass to fish. |
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As I climbed up the unnamed peak, I captured this
nice one of wildflowers and mountains as I looked to the east. |
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As I rested along a steep stretch of the peak,
I looked back to capture the view of the divide I had walked along, including the first unnamed peak to the left. |
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At the summit! It's a shame this peak does
not have a name, but it was real name to have the entire area to myself.
The rock pile appeared to be home to numerous bees, so I steered clear of it. :-O |
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Now this peak is also part of the Continental Divide,
and looking towards the east (Chaffee County), I was practically looking straight down on Lost Lake. |
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Looking west, towards Gunnison County,
I captured a shot of Taylor Park and its reservoir way out there. |
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A few more photos the mountain scenery. Unfortunately,
clouds began to roll in which made some of the photos dark.
BOTTOM PHOTO: Part of my hike was motivated by seeing what Mt. Kruetzer and Emma Burr
Mountain looked like from this peak. After 4-wheeling way into South Cottonwood Canyon two days ago and having grand views of those mountains, I was curious to scope
out the terrain. It appears hiking along the divide to both of those peaks is approximately six
miles (one way) and probably not the best way to reach them for a day hike. |
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One token photo. It was so beautiful up there! |
