Arapahoe Peak

In our quest to train for our upcoming Lamotte Peak hike on National Summit Day, we needed more climbing.  So, I took Thursday off and we left early in the morning to knock off Arapahoe Peak in the Indian Peaks Range.  At 8.5 miles, 3,200 feet of climb and an altitude of 13,350, this would be a good last training hike before Lamotte.  It was a beautiful morning:

... and the flowers, especially the Larkspur, were stunning!

This is the cirque on the other side of the canyon; many lakes over there we need to explore another day.

The trail was gradual at first, climbing out through and out of the trees (Grizz is checking on me, like he always does on our hikes).

And a lovely water stop to fill our bottles before we get to the hard part where the trail is steeper and there's no more water.  The rock to the right of that low saddle is the flank of Arapahoe Peak.

Up and up we went, out of the trees and across a lovely bit of tundra.  Some of the longest switchbacks we've encountered, and we were glad for them!  The highest bump on the left is our goal, and the "trail" up that steep, rocky, last bit proved to be a challenge.

 

Last switchback!  That's the peak, sort of.  The actual peak is a bit behind the one you see here, but this one makes the dramatic photo!

At the saddle before the push to the peak, Grizz ready to go as always.  Just behind Grizz the ground drops away in a cliff to beautiful lake at the bottom of Arapahoe Glacier.

We made it!!!  A stunningly beautiful day, almost no people and the wind was kind enough to let us enjoy lunch on the peak!

The descent to the car was peaceful and warm.  Sue's multi-DNA knee performed flawlessly, my magic hiking boots kept my back and feet happy, and it was a glorious day.  Lamotte, here we come!!!