Co Springs area Mar. 22 or 23

[Bob Kocher]

Anyone in the Colorado Springs area interested in a local off-trail adventure this weekend? I’m considering starting from N. Cheyenne Canon and attempting Tenney Crags, Mt Arthur and Mt Garfield via KentonB’s route in this TR:

https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=5535

Since it’s mostly off trail and away from the crowds I’d prefer at least one partner. I don’t get out often so I won’t be setting any speed records, but I stare at these peaks from town and it’s time to stand on top.

Let me know if you’re interested. Glad to consider other peaks within 2 hrs of COS.

Bob

[Northern]

It is illegal to be offtrail in this area...fishies

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 136739.pdf

[susanjoypaul]

I don't see a map in your post and I'm too lazy to read the whole report to figure out how Kenton went up, but be prepared for a lot of ice on the trails and snow on the peaks right now, especially if you have north-facing routes. I've been hiking in the canyon pretty regularly the past couple of months, and the trails have been consistently icy. You will need spikes. I did Rosa on Sunday and waded through four feet of snow for the last 3/4 mile. And it just snowed again here. I met some guys on the way up Kineo a few weeks ago (actually, back on January 5th) who were just coming off Arthur and Garfield. I asked how the hike was and they said "Brutal!" I don't know... I'd probably wait for things to melt out a bit. Then again, maybe you'll get lucky.

[Northern]

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 136746.pdf

Sadly, Tenney, Arthur and Garfield are all unapproachable from the south...

"The Bear Creek Watershed Restoration Project is a multi-year effort to protect the federally protected greenback cutthroat trout. The project is a collaborative effort led by the United States Forest Service – Pikes Peak Ranger District. The primary goal of the project is to protect the greenback cutthroat trout and its habitat while allowing for appropriate and sustainable recreation in this very popular area of El Paso County. One of the primary threats to the fish and its habitat is excessive sedimentation into the creek. Higher sedimentation reduces the amount of viable habitat for the fish. RMFI, at the direction of our U.S. Forest Service partners, implements a variety of trail and restoration projects in the watershed, including the closure and decommissioning of illegal non-system trails, trail and drainage improvements on system trails, and hillslope erosion control treatments. While responsible outdoor recreation is permitted in the watershed, off-trail travel is strictly prohibited. The creation or use of illegal, unauthorized, non-system trails in the watershed, whether intentional or unintentional, is extremely impactful to the fish and its habitat. Illegal trails increase erosion and lead to downhill sedimentation into the creek. We encourage everyone to enjoy the area, but stand with our land management partners in insisting that users stay on designated trails."

[Bob Kocher]

I don't see a map in your post and I'm too lazy to read the whole report to figure out how Kenton went up, but be prepared for a lot of ice on the trails and snow on the peaks right now, especially if you have north-facing routes. I've been hiking in the canyon pretty regularly the past couple of months, and the trails have been consistently icy. You will need spikes. I did Rosa on Sunday and waded through four feet of snow for the last 3/4 mile. And it just snowed again here. I met some guys on the way up Kineo a few weeks ago (actually, back on January 5th) who were just coming off Arthur and Garfield. I asked how the hike was and they said "Brutal!" I don't know... I'd probably wait for things to melt out a bit. Then again, maybe you'll get lucky.

Thanks for the info! Sound like there's a lot more snow than I anticipated.

[jrs1965]

I did Kineo on March 16th. The only place we encountered any ice was in the Seven Bridges section between bridge 5 & 7. Very typical for Seven Bridges to be super icy. After Seven Bridges, dry. Plenty of parking at 7:30 AM, parking lot fills up quick...

[Bob Kocher]

I did Kineo on March 16th. The only place we encountered any ice was in the Seven Bridges section between bridge 5 & 7. Very typical for Seven Bridges to be super icy. After Seven Bridges, dry. Plenty of parking at 7:30 AM, parking lot fills up quick...

Good info. Thank you!