West Elk
Date: 09/16/2022
Partner: Kristi Henes
Trailhead: Mill Castle
Distance: 18m
Elevation Gain: 5100ft
Duration: 7hrs 20min
GPX
West Elk 14ers.com Page
A long walk on a well maintained trail to a mound in the middle of nowhere. #gaperslog.
There were cool views of castle like features and spires along the way. This zone reminded me of the La Garitas.
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18m - 5100ft - 7hrs 20min
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The views started early in the day
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Flowers brighter than you might expect in mid September
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The terrain opens up above treeline
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We followed the trail and gained this ridge
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The Castles come into view after gaining the ridge. Snow dusted Elks in the distance.
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Up the ridge
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West Elk's summit in view
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The terrain is reminiscent of the La Garitas
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Cool features on the west side of the ridge
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A view to North Baldy
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One last look at The Castles
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Racing the weather
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The long hike back to the TH
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PANO
