S6 & S4
Date: 07/22/2023
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Blue Lakes TH
Summits: S6 & S4
Distance: 11.9m
Elevation Gain: 5600ft
Duration: 9hrs 40min
GPX
S6 14ers.com Page
S4 14ers.com Page
Given how loose the rock is in this zone, I can't say I will repeat these peaks... at least without snow coverage. The crowds at the TH and the lake didn't help either.
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11.9m - 5600ft - 9hrs 40min
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Views on the way to Lower Blue Lake
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Didn't see many people on the trail
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However as I approached the lake there was a tent city of maybe 50 tents.
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I ascended the slopes to the west and didn't see another person until I returned to the lake
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![S6 s4 07]()
Unranked S3
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Looking up to S4
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I aimed for the S3-S5 saddle above the top snow field
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Some deer crossing the snow
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I climbed this snow field to the saddle. Took this picture on retun... those are my glissage tracks
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Mears!
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The west side of the saddle was heinous. Unfortunately I had to descend and then ascend it on return. It was basically a pile of microwaves teetering on each other and ready to slide.
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The Wilsons (L) and Dolores Group(R) while ascending S6
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Ascending S6
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S6 summit selfie with Mears behind and food in my teeth front and center
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Easterly views from S6 over to Unanked S5. S3 on the right
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S6 front and center, my next peak S4 just beyond. The mighty Sneffels needs no introduction
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Descending S6
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Time to climb back up the nasty slope to the S3/S5 saddle.
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Looking across to my next peak S4 (L)
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Dayum!
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Two steps forward one step back to the S4 summit ridge
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Looking south to Dallas
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S4's fun summit ridge
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Checking out the east side of S4's summit... not sure if it goes... decided not to explore much further due to the loose rock in this zone
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Oh hey... thanks for cleaning that food out of your teeth. S4 summit
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Cant. Stop. Looking.
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Heading back along S4's summit ridge. Pretty rugged country up here
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Was able to surf a bit of this stuff
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Some glissading was had on the way back to the lake
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