LOVELAND MOUNTAIN CLUB
PO BOX 983, LOVELAND, CO 80539
www.LovelandMountainClub.org
Vol. 40, #6: August, 2016
The club July meeting will be Monday, 8/1/16 at Pulliam Community Bldg., 545 Cleveland AVE.
We begin promptly at 7:00 pm and this month’s program is “Mount Everest Experience”.
President’s Message
I hope you liked the “What’s the Name of This Peak” photo in the July Newsletter. I’ll try to have
a few more in the months to come.
This month I need to write about a couple of things. First, it seems we’ve had a couple of minor
issues come up on recent hikes. In one case a person (not a member), who had not contacted
the hike leader, showed up at the trailhead and asked to join the hike. Later in the hike this
person decided the hiking was too difficult and wanted to turn back. This entailed bushwhacking
back to the trail and returning several miles solo. Needless to say, this caused concern and a
dilemma for the participants. Should someone forego the summit and go back with this person?
To make a long story short, all was well that ended well. However, it does raise a question
about whether a person of unknown ability should be allowed to join a hike? Having lead a few
hikes over the years I would say it’s the hike leader’s responsibility to make the determination
based on the hike difficulty and the safety of the participants. As much as we like to share the
mountains with everyone, sometimes the leader just has to say, no.
The second incident involved a member not helping to pay for gas, even after being asked. I
think we might need to have the gas share amount included in the hike description in the
newsletter.
At a future meeting I’d like to hear thoughts and suggestions from the membership about
responsibilities of leaders and participants.
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You’ve probably noticed that I’ve changed the format of the meetings to have the club business
portion taken care of before starting the program. I have given many presentations to various
organizations and in most cases the program comes after the business meeting. I think this has
advantages: it lets the presenter (and guests) get a feel for what the club is all about, and it
gives those who show up a little late a chance to see the entire program.
Happy Trails
Jim
This Month’s Program:
Mount Everest Experience:
On May 26, 2012, Dr. Jon Kedrowski summitted Mount Everest after having to turn around only
800 feet from the summit because of a terrible storm six days prior. The storm was the second
deadliest in Everest history (At the time) claiming seven lives in one night. Jon will take the
audience through his 2012 expedition to Nepal, which was featured on the award-winning
Dateline NBC documentary called Into the Death Zone. He will also explain how the
mountaineering he did for his best-selling book, “Sleeping on the Summits: Colorado Fourteener
High Bivys”, was one of the many ways he prepared mentally and physically for his climb of the
highest mountain on earth.
In 2015, Jon was once again back in Nepal in Everest Basecamp when a 7.9 magnitude
earthquake struck, triggering a deadly avalanche and killing 20 and nearly 10,000 people in
Nepal. Jon stayed to help with recovery efforts and turned a failure into a success by helping
others and embracing a change in plans.
Notes and Announcements:
December 2016 Weekend Hike Organizer
This administrative job involves contacting the Hike Leaders who have already volunteered to
lead hikes for the month and gathering their hike descriptions via email. And forwarding the hike
descriptions on one word doc page to Mike Woeckener, our Newsletter Editor. There are 7 to 9
weekend hikes each month.
This opening is for December. With the hike descriptions due to Mike by the middle of
Navember. Please contact Steve at [email protected] or call his cell phone at 916600-2209. Thanks!
Thursday Hike Organizer
After four years of dedication to organizing the Thursday hikes, Reedy is stepping down. The
club is looking for another volunteer and there will be a period of overlap with a task that
consists of gathering hike descriptions from four-to-five hike leaders per month, organizing
them, and forwarded them on to the newsletter editor. Interested? Contact Reedy at
[email protected].
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VERY IMPORTANT! READ THIS!!
Weekend Hike Leaders Meeting:
“If you like to hike on Saturday or Sunday, the Weekend Hike Leaders Meeting is for you!
Please plan to attend this meeting on Thursday night, August 18th at 7:00 PM. The meeting
will be at Steve and MJ Bergstrand’s home, 1620 Dumont Place. We will be planning the hikes
for the October through March weekends. Please call or email Steve at 292-8804,
or [email protected]. If you are not able to attend but can lead one or more hikes
please call or email Steve with your dates.
September Program (Meeting held on 8/29 due to Labor Day)
“Yellowstone National Park Bison” by Dr. Jennifer Barfield:
A brief history of bison genetics and disease will be discussed with a focus on bison from
Yellowstone National Park. Reproductive technologies that are currently being used at Colorado
State University to generate healthy Yellowstone offspring will be explained as well as how this
has enabled the establishment of the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd in northern
Colorado. Additionally, ecological and social science studies being conducted alongside the
reproductive research will be presented. Future prospects of this research will also be
discussed.
CHECK THIS OUT! READ ALL ABOUT IT!!!
Mountain Club Members’ Favorite Hikes
Mountain club members are again invited to share pictures and descriptions of their favorite
hikes with other members at a special program on October 3, 2016. We have all hiked (or
trekked, or rafted, or biked, etc.) in many places beyond our beloved Front Range, so please
choose adventures from other areas in Colorado, other states, or even other countries, like
Canada or those in Europe, or even farther afield.
Each member will be allotted 7-8 minutes, with a recommendation to limit the number of images
to no more than 25. Time limits will be strictly enforced! Presenters will be invited to describe
their hike and pictures; if desired, pictures may be captioned and no public speaking need be
done!
First come, first served; preference will be given to members who did not present at the first
show in March. Notify Doug Moore ([email protected]) that you plan to present some
pictures; they should then be sent or brought to him by Sept. 16. All pictures will be mounted in
PowerPoint on his laptop and advanced by him or the speaker.
Special Thanks to our July Hike Leaders:
All of you are special and we know that without your efforts, there would be no Loveland
Mountain Club. Thank you for leading the hikes you have and continue to do. Hello Summer!
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A big THANK YOU to our Hike Coordinators.
These outstanding volunteers work with hike leaders to plan your hikes for the weekdays and
weekends each month. Thank you for all that you do!
Weekend Hike Coordinator for August - Pam Berthold (232-9767)
Tuesday Coordinators - Ed Ogle or Sally Hartshorn (231-7378)
Thursday Coordinator - Reedy Porter (532-0413)
September Weekend Coordinator – Steve Bergstrand (292-8804)
Hello Hikers! This is IMPORTANT; Read and Heed!! Anyone interested in participating in an
LMC hike must contact the trip leader prior to the hike to sign up. Consult with the trip
leader for information on departure time and place, trip difficulty, and any specialty gear you
might need for the hike. For the safety of all participants, the trip leader reserves the right to
decline a request to participate in a hike. Loveland Mountain Club welcomes non-members to
join us for any of the hikes we offer. Membership is encouraged after two hikes. Visit
www.lovelandmountainclub.org for more information about club activities and membership.
Special Announcement:
One of our faithful hike coordinators and leaders is passing along the following valuable
information. If you are planning to hike from Bear Lake or Glacier Basin, either arrive in the
parking lot prior to 7:00 AM or plan to take the shuttle. RMNP is yet again experiencing record
attendance as folks from around the world are coming to see “our backyard”. So, make your
hike plan accordingly.
Hike Offerings:
Sun 7/31 Thunder Lake:
Thunder Lake is a 12 mile round trip from Wild Basin Trailhead. One of the more spectacular
lakes, it is at the base of Alice and Tanima Mountains and Boulder-Grand Pass. The forested
trail rises 2,074 ft. to a destination height of 10,574 ft. The pace will be moderate, and we may
encounter snow at the top so bring traction. Call Carol at 685-4943 or email [email protected].
Tue 8/2, Heart Lake:
Elevation gain 2,055 ft. hiking pace, easy. This is a great hike if you are looking for amazing
views of the Continental Divide and alpine lakes above the tree line. The trail starts by Moffat
Tunnel which runs through the Continental Divide and ends at the West Portal by Winter Park
ski resort. A good portion of the hike follows South Boulder Creek which makes for a pretty
wet/moist trail. The trail has several wooden bridges to help prevent wet feet. We will be going
up to Heart Lake and not over the Divide Leaving at K mart at 6 am to have plenty of time to
hike before afternoon thunderstorms. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. Call Vern or Pat
785-633-4680. If no answer call 970-297-8100
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Thu 8/4, Montgomery Pass:
Located 57.4 miles from Ted's Place up the Poudre Canyon, at the Zimmerman Lake Trailhead
parking lot. The trail is 2 miles one way with a 1,000 mile elevation gain. It is considered easy to
moderate and the view is breath taking, once we get above timberline. Wildflowers put on a
tremendous display after snow melt. The remains of a log cabin that was probably built by Tom
Montgomery around 1900, are still visible.
Sat 8/6, Lion Lake:
Lion Lake No 1 - Class B Hike 12.6 mile round trip with 2,600 feet elevation gain. From the Wild
Basin TH hike to one of the most scenic and beautiful places in all of RMNP. From the lake
there are impressive views of Mount Alice and Chiefs Head Peak. Contact Douglas 672 7629 or
[email protected]
Sun 8/7, Sandbeach Lake:
Leaving from the Wild Basin area of Rocky. This will be a class ‘B’ hike of about 8.5 miles with
an elevation gain of almost 2,000 feet. Wonderful views of Mount Meeker and a beautiful sandy
beach to stretch out and enjoy a leisurely lunch around. Call Reedy for time/place 532-0413
Tue 8/9, Lake Helene:
Class A 6 .5 mile round trip with 1030 ft. elevation gain. Contact Ruth for details. 292-8431,
[email protected]
Thu 8/11; Niwot Ridge:
Located above Nederland with gorgeous views of the Front Range and plains. It is a B hike with
elevation gain of 1800’ in 10 miles at a moderate pace. We will lunch on the Ridge which is
above tree line and then make our way down. Call or email: Kathy Langan 303-960-8168 or
[email protected]
Sat 8/13; Lookout Mtn. (Buckhorn Canyon):
7 mi. RT, 1700’ EG; Class A+. We hike to Donner Pass (just north of Miller Fork drainage) and
then turn north for the climb to the peak. The views on top (360 degrees!) from a dramatic rock
outcropping are outstanding. Slow pace. Group limited to 8 hikers. We will need two high
clearance vehicles. Recommended rideshare of $5. Call Ron Tuttle at 667-4479 for meeting
time and place.
Sun 8/14: Twin Sisters:
Twin Sister's Peak is a 7 mile round trip "B" hike, with 2500' elevation gain, rated as "strenuous"
by RMNP. The trail is often in the shade of spruce-fir (with some exceptions) and provides
outstanding views. After a mile or so, we'll cross a landslide (a result of the 2013 flood) marked
by cairns. But afterward, a very steep uphill social trail replaces the previous switchbacks that
were washed out. When the trail emerges above tree line, it becomes progressively more
rugged, over sections of talus and scree. At 3.3 miles, we'll reach the saddle between the two
peaks and follow the cairns to the west peak summit. We'll lunch while enjoying the views of
Long's Peak, Mt. Meeker and the Continental Divide, then return back down. Call Nancy at 6352530 for more information and to register.
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Tue 8/16; American Lakes
Class B 8.5 mile round trip w/ 1,790 ft. of gain on this beautiful hike in the Cameron Pass. .
Contact Doug H. at 776-6329 for more information.
Thu 8/18; Lookout Mountain:
Class B hike. Call Ted H for time/details 292-8431
Sat 8/20; Blue and Hang Lakes:
The Blue & Hang Lakes hike is a class “B” of 10.5 miles RT with an elevation gain of 2,500 ft.
This will be an all-day hike since the drive from Loveland is approximately 75 miles up the
Poudre Canyon Road. Even though the first 2 miles of the trail follows an old logging road, the
trail climbs continuously until we reach the subalpine lakes. Hike will be at a moderate pace.
For meeting time and place, call Jim or Pam Berthold at 232-9767
Sun 8/21; “A Tour of Tombstone Ridge”:
Located in Rocky Mountain National Park - 7 miles - 1500 feet elevation gain/loss – rated A/B –
Pace, moderate to slow – limited to 6 participants – gas share $7. Since this hike is in the park
drivers will need a park pass. Weather permitting, this hike will visit four scenic viewpoints on
Tombstone Ridge, including the highest point at 11,732 ft. A good portion of this hike is off trail
and on the tundra and that’s why it’s limited to 6 people. There is some easy rock scrambling
required to reach the high point. Contact Jim at [email protected] for details.
Tue 8/ 23; TBD:
No details as of this writing
Thu 8/25; Mt. Sniktau:
Want to do an easy 13er? Mt. Sniktau located at the top of Loveland Pass is 13,234’ and the
parking lot is about 12,000’ making this Class B hike 1200’ gain in 2 miles. Moderate pace for
this 4 mile round trip hike which will begin around 8AM. I will already be in Summit County so
we will meet at Loveland ski area for parking as it is limited at the top of the pass. You can also
choose to stay overnight to make the drive worth it! Call or email: Kathy Langan 303-960-8168
or [email protected].
Sat 8/27; Pawnee Pass (& possibly Pawnee Peak):
This hike is located in the Indian Peak Wilderness. A class “B” hike of 9.4 miles RT with an
elevation gain of 2,130 feet. The trail is highlighted by stops at Long Lake, Lake Isabelle,
abundant flowers and miles of open tundra. Pawnee Peak is a moderate .5 mile, 400' climb from
Pawnee Pass with terrific views across the Indian Peaks and Wild Basin Area of Rocky
Mountain National Park. For meeting time and place, call Jim or Pam Berthold at 232-9767
Sun 8/28; Boulder-Grand Pass:
Hike on the Continental Divide on this challenging trail in Wild Basin. This Class C hike will be
15.6 miles R.T. with 3,561 ft. elev. gain done at a brisk pace. Call Ted Hartman at 292-8431 for
meeting time and place.
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Tue 8/30; TBD:
No details as of this writing
Thu 9/1; Buffalo Mountain:
Located in Silverthorne & is a Class C with a grueling climb, steep switchbacks and talus fieldsall above timberline. 5.5 miles round trip with 3000’ elevation gain--that’s 3000’ gain in 2.75
miles!! (Just sayin’…) We will get an early start so you may want to stay overnight in Summit
County as I will be doing. Kathy Langan 303-960-8168 or [email protected].
Sat 9/ 3; Blue Lake (11,350’) (Indian Peaks Wilderness):
5 mi. round trip, 1000’ elevation gain; Class A. We begin the hike at the Mitchell Lake Trailhead
near Brainard Lake. This is a popular hike so we will leave early to get a parking place. Slow
pace. Recommended rideshare of $6. Call Ron Tuttle at 667-4479 for meeting time and place.
Sun Sept. 4; The Teahouse:
The trail starts from Lily Lake. It’s a nice hike to see where the original buildings of the Tea
House are. This is a Class A casual hike: 4-5 miles round trip. Please email Randy
[email protected] for meeting place and time.
Tue 9/6; TBD:
No details as of this writing
Hike leaders: Please call the RMNP Backcountry Office at 586-1242 and report any changes
in trail conditions after your hike. They have requested our help as they cannot cover the
hundreds of miles of trails. Also call this number the day before your hike for the latest road, trail
and weather conditions at the Park.
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…And the Answer IS…
Hayden Spire, 12,480+ ft., which rises above Hayden Gorge, was named by Abner Sprague in
1911 for two tenderfeet, Al and Julian Hayden. Because of its remote location and requiring
technical climbing it is one of the least climbed of the 128 named peaks in Rocky Mountain
National Park. It is one of the peaks visible from Forest Canyon Overlook on Trail Ridge Road.
Happy Trails
Jim
Interested in posting your "Club Hike" pictures to the club Facebook page?
Please forward your pictures to Dick Lottes at [email protected] or Steve Bergstrand at
[email protected] prior to the end of the day following the day of the hike. The
number of pictures posted to Facebook is limited to 10 so the possibility exists that all your
pictures will not be posted. Request you do not annotate your pictures, please?
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