Sunday, August 28, 2011

Speed Running Bottle Peak and Ptarmigan Peak

Speed Running Bottle Peak And Ptarmigan Peak 

Although Byers Peak dominates the view from the Fraser Valley, Bottle Peak and Ptarmigan Peak are two fun lesser peaks that are accessed via the same trailhead. The peaks see half the traffic that Byers does, and afford spectacular views of the Williams Fork area and Byers and Bills Peak basin. They can easily be tagged together, and if you are feeling up for the full loop, you can add Byers on and tag all three peaks in a single run (in fact, you can tag Bills too, but that requires more route finding skills). It took us 2 hours and 10 minutes round trip to tag both summits, with plenty of time spent enjoying the views and taking photos. 

Cruzing up, with Byers and Bills Peak in the background 

At the top of Ptarmigan Peak, looking east over Bottle Peak towards the Divide 

Tara cruzing down... 

The numbers for those who care.... 

Distance Roundtrip: ~7.6 miles roundtrip 
Start Elevation: ~9,900 feet 
 High Point: ~11,650 feet 
Total climbing and descending: ~3,650 feet 
Difficulty: Medium 
Other People Factor: Minimal Time: 2 - 5 hours depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Speed Running Byers Peak in Grand County

Speed Running Byers Peak In Grand County 

Byers Peak looms over the Fraser Valley, and is a spectacular peak to trail run. With an excellent trail all the way to the top, and stunning views of the Williams Fork drainage, Gore Range, and Fraser Valley running Byers Peak is a locals favorite. We ran it last week and only saw one other group. Another amazing mountain run in Colorado's high country. It took me on this trip 2:27 roundtrip. 

On the way up... 

The "mandatory" self-portrait at the top... 

Looking across the Fraser Valley to the Divide from the top... 

The Williams Fork drainage.... 

Tara running down... 

Flowers are still going strong! 

The numbers for those who care....

Distance Roundtrip: ~8.6 miles roundtrip 
 Start Elevation: ~9,900 feet 
High Point: ~12,804 feet 
Total climbing and descending: ~3,808 feet 
Difficulty: Medium 
Other People Factor: Minimal Time: 2 - 5 hours depending on how often you stop to enjoy the views.