Middle Cimarron Loop
Date: 08-06-2023
Partner: David Hughes
Trailhead: Middle Fork
Summits:
* PT13220B
* PT13350A
* El Punto
* Heisshorn
* PT13382
* PT13215
Distance: 15m
Elevation Gain: 6200ft
Duration: 12hrs 15min
GPX
PT13220B 14ers.com Page
PT13350A 14ers.com Page
El Punto 14ers.com Page
Heisshorn 14ers.com Page
PT13382 14ers.com Page
PT13215 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.
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15m - 6200ft - 12hrs 15min
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After leaving the trail we made our way to the upper basin
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The upper basin was expansive
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Precipice(L) and Dunsinane(R)
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Making our way to the first peak of the day PT13220B
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A little bit of tedious rock to cross before the scrambling begins. L2R: Comcomb, Redcliff, Fortress, Precipice
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Not everything was solid on this one... helmets recommended
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Alex summits
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Looking south to the peaks ahead of us. Wetterhorn stands tall in the distance
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Coxcomb and Redcliff
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Carefully making our way down
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David eyes the next segment...
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Which is a tedious scree side hill
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Ascending to PT13350A's north ridge
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David approaches the summit
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Matterhorn(L) - Wetterhorn(R)
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Coxcomb would change shapes all day long
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Looking back to PT13220B
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Next stop El Punto... the small town to the left of Wetterhorn
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El Punto(L) looking pretty damn cool!
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El Punto... Spanish... for The Punto
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We wrapped around until we found this gully
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David climbs The Punto (tough light)
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Alex just sort of the summit
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David 'Hunking' on the summit. El Punto is not difficult to climb... it is just exposed. The rock is fairly solid
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Back down the gully
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En route to Heisshorn... aka Spicehorn. El Punto behind
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Coxcomb
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Heisshorn on the right... looking like a big sharp shark's tooth
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We gunna climb that?
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Hell yeah we are!
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Last pitch looking steep
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Loose rocks here and there... not too bad... just test things out
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David summits. Uncompahgre off to the east
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"I'm picking out a thermos for you. Not just an ordinary thermos for you."
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Coxcomb and Redcliff
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We opted to cut some mileage and descend a super nasty gully. I don't recommend it... but I would do it again :-0
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Looking back to our descent gully... gross
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Looking back to Heisshorn
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Heisshorn's gnarly south ridge. No thanks. Know anyone who as traversed it?
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David summits PT13382
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Damn Wetterhorn!
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Next and final stop PT13215
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After summiting PT13306 we descended this slope from the snow
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The scenic walk out begins... not too shaby
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Looking up to Heisshorn
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Looking back... Coxcomb on the right demanding attention
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What a day... this route is high on my list of favorites
