Reconnoiter Peak
Date: 10-19-24
Partner: Solo (Kristi turned back 600ft below summit)
Trailhead: Blue Lakes TH
Distance: 9.5m
Elevation Gain: 3800ft
Duration: 6hrs
GPX
Blaine Basin is a magical zone surrounded by Sneffels, Kismet, Cirque, Teakettle, Ridgway and Reconnoiter. The views are incredible in every direction. The fresh snow made our experience extra special despite wet feet and some mild trail breaking over a well maintained trail that takes you into the upper basin. Steep snow covered grass took us to the Reconnoiter/Ridgway saddle where I traversed north below the summit ridge to a gully that took me to the summit.
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9.5m - 3800ft - 6hrs
![Reconnoiter peak 02]()
Sneffels on the drive to Blue Lakes TH
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Cirque (R) and Teakettle on the drive to Blue Lakes TH
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Reconnoiter on the drive to Blue Lakes TH
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Kristi keeping her feet dry on the hike to Blaine Basin
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There was 2-4 inches of new snow covering the trail - Our feet weren't dry for long
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Kismet (tooth shaped peak) from Blaine Basin
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Sneffels (R) and Kismet(L) from Blaine Basin
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Circque Mountain
![Reconnoiter peak 10]()
Teakettle
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Looking up towards Reconnoiter
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Kristi trudging along in the fresh snow - Sneffels behind
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Reconnoiter's summit ridge comes into view
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I walked up the steep snow covered slopes to the saddle
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From the saddle I walked below the summit ridge to the the northwest
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Sneffels looking badass
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The final pitch to the summit - Snow covered gravel that was a joy to descend
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Northern views from the summit
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Reconnoiter's northwest ridge
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Summit selfie with Sneffels
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L2R: The Hand, The Penguin (tiny point) and The Thumb (spire)
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Descending the summit pitch
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Mount Ridgway
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Teakettle (R) and Cirque on descent
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The fresh snow over the grass made for a fun descent
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R2L: Cirque, Kismet and Sneffels
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"Number One"
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Teakettle on descent
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Can't get enough of Teakettle
