La Garita Peak
Date: 06/28/2024
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Phoenix Park / E. Willow TH (FS502-1A) (4x4)
Distance: 9m
Elevation Gain: 3500ft
Duration: 4.5hrs
GPX
In 2016 Kristi and I (on a whim) did a sunset hike on Phoenix Peak. So when I rolled into Phoenix Park at 5pm I kind of knew I was going to hike La Garita that evening... despite hiking a few peaks on Carson Pass that morning.
Sunset hikes never disappoint and crossing the beaver ponds in the dark at 10pm hoping not to run into a mosse definitely added to the adventure factor.
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9m - 3500ft - 4.5hrs
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After driving the rough road... Phoenix Park is quite nice. Hikers heading to the falls
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Big moose in the beaver ponds
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Find this marker and then your best path across the beaver ponds
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More beaver ponds up the trail
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After hiking a reasonable trail with dead fall here and there things opened up
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Looking back down across the grassy meadows
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Rainbows to the southeast - I think that is Wheeler Geologic Area?
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Big skys and open views
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This pitch to the summit seemed to never end
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Northern views from the summit ridge
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Northeastern sunset views towards Phoenix (which is close to 2 miles away)
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To the northeast from the summit
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Back down La Garita's never ending southwestern slope. This time with sunset light
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The Weminuche silhouetted under burning skys
