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Trailhead: Grizzly Lake TH
Route: North Couloir
Length: Approx 9 miles
Vertical: About 3500 feet
Partners: Solo
I just had to try and squeeze in one last snow climb before summer (and life) gets in the way. After reading Snow Alien's excellent (TR here ), and exchanging a few PM's with her for guidance, I was set.
A couple observations about this hike. I grossly underestimated the time it would take me to get from Parker to the TH. Even taking the last 7 miles on the dirt road rather fast in my FJ, it still took me 4 hours to make the trip. Plus, it took me longer than I expected to make it to the bottom of the couloir. Leaving Parker at 2:30 put me at the TH at 6:30. Took me almost 3 hours to get to the base of the couloir so I was starting up at 9:30 (topped out just before 11:30) and the snow was getting really, really soft. Looking back, I should have left home at midnight. Lesson learned. Maybe....
But - at least I was able to take some nice photos right from the start!
Just before the TH, you pass Grizzly Reservoir. I spotted some fishermen on my way out. The Portal Campground is just past this spot.
Like Bill's TH description says, almost any 2WD vehicle can make it. My FJ with its little sister
Even if you aren't into snow climbs, the hike to the lake is absolutely gorgeous - a little reminiscent of the Ice Lake basin area. Didn't realize this was part of the Collegiate Peaks WA One little snowbank to cross on the way.
The crux of the day might have been this creek crossing - somehow I managed to keep my feet dry and didn't need the extra pair of socks in my pack. I guess it's like a spare tire on a car - if you have one and it's in good shape, you don't get a flat. Potential for wet feet.
The scenery just keeps getting better as you get closer to the lake. Looking back down a ways after crossing the creek Water everywhere Reminds me of Ice Lake Basin
And then you finally get to the lake - As Snow Alien said - this is becoming one of my favorite lakes in Colorado, too.
The couloir cilmb is pretty straight forward. Just go up until you run out of up. Starting up.
I was fortunate that there were two strong climbers ahead of me. We Senior Citizens appreciate the kick steps! About half way up.
The weather was turning south fast. And then you hit the top.
As visibility was nil on the summit and snow conditions were getting worse, I just started straight back down. And (naturally) the weather then started improving.
Heading down.. Which was not fun in the soft snow. I didn't consider a glissade as there were a lot of rocks strewn throughout the couloir. But I did get a couple unintentional self arrest practice sessions..... Memo to self - either leave earlier or learn how to ski...
A couple vids taken as I was going down.
And a short vid taken from just above the lake.
A look back at the couloir from my lunch spot. And a zoom on the two climbers coming back down
On the way out, the weather just continued to get better and better. A last look back at the top of the coiloir
And a zoom on the top. If you look closely, you can see my tracks on the right and the other climbers tracks on the left.
And what's a TR this time of year without a few wildflower shots?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and please be careful out there!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I was driving your "little sister" that day. I was too cheap to upgrade with the rental company, and I'll admit that road was about the limit of what I would be willing to attempt with that car. I was up ahead of the other two hikers you show: Nice report!
Blazin - Yep, I'm in touch with my wildflower side!
Hunter - The descent was a pain in the butt. Didn't like that at all.
Natalia - Not sure that this old dog can learn a new trick :) But I do wish I'd taken up skiing 50 years ago...
Brad - Yeah - that musta been a fun drive in "little sister". I'm kinda surprised I didn't see you descend as I was going up unless you somehow circled around me near the lake on your way down?
All - thanks for the likes and the comments. I really do appreciate your input and feedback. Makes doing these TR's worthwhile.
Jay - Ah yes I forgot to mention, I made the circle tour. I went up the couloir, but down the ridge between Grizzly and Garfield and down to the Lincoln Creek Road via the west face, which is why we never crossed paths. It was probably easier to descend than the couloir, but still steep and tedious bush-whacking down to the bottom.
:lol: True... But it seems like I am more than 10 years older than 99% of the people I meet on the mountain. :)
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Nice report!
