PT13402 & PT13015
Date: 06/11/2023
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Eddiesville TH
Summits: PT13015 & PT13402
Distance: 15.3m
Elevation Gain: 5300ft
Duration: 8hrs
GPX
While hiking the Colorado Trail that morning, I was planning on approaching and deproaching these peaks via Canon Diablo. However when I reached Canon Diablo junction it looked kinda bushwhacky and I opted to continue up the CT to PT13015's northern slopes. It worked out great! I found a good spot to cross the creek (knee deep) and made my way up PT13015.
About 400ft below the summit, I about stepped on a baby deer who was laying all alone in the rocks. It scared me to death and I let out a scream. The deer jumped to it's feet and ran off letting out screams of its own. The poor little guy was all alone with no family. I hadn't seen a deer all morning and I wasn't sure if he was 100% healthy. I felt bad for scaring him and wasn't sure how long he would survive without his family. I continued to the summit.
After summiting PT13015 I decended southeast and climbed PT13402's northern slope. The hike up PT13402 was steep and led me to call the second audible of the day. Instead of decending the steep slope into Canon Diablo and potential swampy bushwhack back to the CT, I took the gentle northeast plateau back to the Machin Basin Trail and connected to the CT there. This route also worked out great.
There are two knee deep creek crossings on this route... I crossed barefoot without issue.
15.3m - 5300ft - 8hrs
Cruising in on the Colorado Trail
The first peak of the day PT13,015 comes into view.
A westerly view up the valley on approach to PT13,015's north slope
I left the CT here, crossed the creek and climbed to the summit. This is a good spot to plan your route with respect to snow, willows, grass and scree.
San Luis on ascent
Looking southwest to Phoenix Peak from the summit
San Luis (L) and Organ (R)
All eyes on the second peak of the day PT13402. I ascended the steep slope on the left by the rock slide with snow patches near the bottom.
Looking back to PT13015 on ascent of PT13402
Looking up to PT13402's summit
Phoenix views from the summit.
San Luis (R) and Organ (L)
HAAAYYYY
I made a game time decision to return on this low angle meadow instead of descending the steep route I came up.
Glissading is fun
Looking back to PT13015(L), San Luis and Organ (R)
Looking back to PT13402 and my glissade route
The valley I hiked in on earlier in the day. PT13015 (R) and San Luis (center)
A view towards the Eddiesville TH before descending off of the plateau
Crossing back over the creek just before connecting back with the CT and the mile back to the TH