You Tube Video of us on Maroon Peak

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw1pQIEU2OM

Maroon Peak 14,156'

It's Sunday and we are recovered from Pyramid Peak and time to climb Maroon Peak. Here is a view of it taken from the top of Pyramid Peak. We started hiking at 3:30AM. We knew it was going to take some time and we decided to get up early as opposed to hike in and camp in tents. This was also taken yesterday. So pretty. Maroon Peak is very popular and located very close to Aspen. Most people come for the day and hike, fish, or swim in the lake.

This was actually one of the hardest hikes we have ever done. The reason why starts here. This trail goes mostly straight up for 3,000'!!! On the way, down it's totally mental to keep going and to keep from slipping. I'm so glad I have strong knees!

Still going and the terrain gets rockier.

Looks like a steep angle to me.

Still going....

Our friend Dave is hiking with us. The snow at the bottom is essentially where we started.

This is a view of where we go next after reaching the ridge.

Looking down - Finally at the top!

This terrain is very rocky just like Pyramid. Many rows of ledges to walk up and around. It felt like we were going in circles.

Alas! We made it to the top!!! Thank goodness. I have 5 rosaries to pray to Thank God and St. Jude for watching over us! (St. Jude is the Patron Saint of Hopeless Cases) :)! And we still have to get back down.

Now, it's time for the free Sandwich shot! There is a sandwich shop called Which wich? If you take a picture with the Which wich? Card at the top, you get a free sandwich.

This is a picture of North Maroon Peak. We still have to do that one, but another day and another week.

And there is Pyramid which we did yesterday.

Hanging out at the top. Well deserved!

It was a long, arduous hike back, but my cold drink waiting for me at the car was enough to keep me going. And the buffalo tacos at the Riverside grill was a great ending!

Until next time.....

Pyramid Peak 14,018'

It's Saturday and although we were planning a restful weekend, we decided to take advanatage of the great weather and climb a few more peaks! First up, Pyramid Peak. Here it is in the background. You can see this one most of the hike. We started at 4:30am.

Although most of the snow is melted by now, there are still some areas that have some.

We are now in the area they call the ampitheatre.

We took a break here to view our next destination. We have to climb the ridge before us. Looks straight forward.

Here I am coming up the ridge.

A mountain goat decides to greet us and show us the way!

Now, that we are on top of the ridge, we must follow it to the top of Pyramind Peak!

A few ledges to walk across.

It's very rocky.

I'm almost there!

Here we are at the top!!

Shawn wanted to take a picture looking down.

Now the mountain goat has his baby goat with him!

Heading back down the trail with Maroon Lake at the bottom. We walk by the lake to get to the parking lot.

We saw these interesting flowers everywhere.

Surrounding mountains....

Pyramid Peak is done. Time to rest up for Maroon Peak tomorrow!

Mount Antero 14,269'

Here is where we are going today! This was taken from Tabeguache peak that we did yesterday. Antero is close by, so let's climb that one too!We started bright and early, and although the sun is up, it hasn't reached us yet. Most of this hike is one a 4 WD rode. Lots of folks drive that truck or ATV as high as they can go, then, climb the mountain, or they just ride around for fun and look for gems!

This is Cronin Peak 13,870'. We may climb this one day.

Views from the hike.

This is sign is at 13,100' feet. Many roads for folks to drive and play!

We stick to our task, and start the ridge climb to Mount Antero in the distance.

Some interesting rock structures that we hiked around. That's me, the first person in red. Kind of reminded us of Bedrock (where the Flintstones lived). :)!

Shawn found a mountain goat at the top!

I didn't get to see him. Here I am on my way.

From Antero, you can see Shavano and Tabeguache that we did yesterday. Shavano is on the left and Tabeguache is on the right, and you can see the ridge we went down and up and back down and up again!

Here we both are at the top of Mount Antero with Mount Princeton in the background. (we have already climbed Princeton too)

Another successful hike! Thanks to God for all our blessings!