Middle Cimarrons
Date: 08-06-2023
Partner: David Hughes
Trailhead: Middle Fork
Summits:
* PT13222
* PT13340
* El Punto
* Heisshorn
* PT13377
* PT13206
Distance: 15m
Elevation Gain: 6200ft
Duration: 12hrs 15min
GPX
PT13222 14ers.com Page
PT13340 14ers.com Page
El Punto 14ers.com Page
Heisshorn 14ers.com Page
PT13377 14ers.com Page
PT13206 14ers.com Page
Fun and challenging terrain coupled with unparalleled views make this one of my all time favorite routes. If you like longer days don't miss this one. If you prefer shorter days consider combining El Punto and Heisshorn.
15m - 6200ft - 12hrs 15min
After leaving the trail we made our way to the upper basin
The upper basin was expansive
Precipice(L) and Dunsinane(R)
Making our way to the first peak of the day PT13222
A little bit of tedious rock to cross before the scrambling begins. L2R: Comcomb, Redcliff, Fortress, Precipice
Not everything was solid on this one... helmets recommended
Alex summits
Looking south to the peaks ahead of us. Wetterhorn stands tall in the distance
Coxcomb and Redcliff
Carefully making our way down
David eyes the next segment...
Which is a tedious scree side hill
Ascending to PT13340's north ridge
David approaches the summit
Matterhorn(L) - Wetterhorn(R)
Coxcomb would change shapes all day long
Looking back to PT13222
Next stop El Punto... the small town to the left of Wetterhorn
El Punto(L) looking pretty damn cool!
El Punto... Spanish... for The Punto
We wrapped around until we found this gully
David climbs The Punto (tough light)
Alex just sort of the summit
David 'Hunking' on the summit. El Punto is not difficult to climb... it is just exposed. The rock is fairly solid
Back down the gully
En route to Heisshorn... aka Spicehorn. El Punto behind
Coxcomb
Heisshorn on the right... looking like a big sharp shark's tooth
We gunna climb that?
Hell yeah we are!
Last pitch looking steep
Loose rocks here and there... not too bad... just test things out
David summits. Uncompahgre off to the east
"I'm picking out a thermos for you. Not just an ordinary thermos for you."
Coxcomb and Redcliff
We opted to cut some mileage and descend a super nasty gully. I don't recommend it... but I would do it again :-0
Looking back to our descent gully... gross
Looking back to Heisshorn
Heisshorn's gnarly south ridge. No thanks. Know anyone who as traversed it?
David summits PT13377
Damn Wetterhorn!
Next and final stop PT13206
After summiting PT13306 we descended this slope from the snow
The scenic walk out begins... not too shaby
Looking up to Heisshorn
Looking back... Coxcomb on the right demanding attention
What a day... this route is high on my list of favorites