IMG_0566-2
La Plata Peak as seen from the bridge just past the parking area for the trailhead. I probably didn't take this picture when I summited because I was too tired. This shows a great view of the ridge.
The mound of trees to the left is what you ascend up out of the gulch. It's a 1600' ascent over ~2.5mi (distance varies in the winter depending on your route) to a clearing above the trees at ~11.8k'.
You then scale pretty much as straight up as you can without "rock climbing" to the top of the true ridge, which is another ~400' vertical above the clearing. This is the first snow covered/tree bare hump on the left.
You then walk the ridge ("walk" makes it sound easy eh?) to the summit, which is another vertical ~2200' over ~1.5mi. Note the multiple gains and losses in elevation before a that last aggressive left sweeping climb. It is not easy.
This view probably goes well with this one: www.flickr.com/photos/andrewdavidoff/8643435173/in/set-72...
(Note: This photo is part of a set in which I summited, but this photo was taken about a year and a half later.)
IMG_0566-2
La Plata Peak as seen from the bridge just past the parking area for the trailhead. I probably didn't take this picture when I summited because I was too tired. This shows a great view of the ridge.
The mound of trees to the left is what you ascend up out of the gulch. It's a 1600' ascent over ~2.5mi (distance varies in the winter depending on your route) to a clearing above the trees at ~11.8k'.
You then scale pretty much as straight up as you can without "rock climbing" to the top of the true ridge, which is another ~400' vertical above the clearing. This is the first snow covered/tree bare hump on the left.
You then walk the ridge ("walk" makes it sound easy eh?) to the summit, which is another vertical ~2200' over ~1.5mi. Note the multiple gains and losses in elevation before a that last aggressive left sweeping climb. It is not easy.
This view probably goes well with this one: www.flickr.com/photos/andrewdavidoff/8643435173/in/set-72...
(Note: This photo is part of a set in which I summited, but this photo was taken about a year and a half later.)