Got up at 4am with intentions to drive up to Mt. Evans and climb Sunrise Coulier, a sheer snow cliff up the 14er. At 6am, we pull up to the road up to Mt. Evans and discovered that it had been closed due to snow.
We decided to hike the 9 miles to the Coulier to attempt a climb, so with a pack loaded with snowshoes, ice axes, crampons, food, water and a head light, we headed out. Unfortunately the weather gods did not feel like playing nice today. Once we got above treeline 11,500 elevation, the winds picked up and visibility dropped dramatically. Conditions continued to get worse, so at 12,500 we decided to turn back.
The conditions were much better at treeline, for the wind died down a bit. This shot was taken on the hike back at treeline. A snowbank to the left gave way to a sheer 150 foot drop on the right just outside of the camera. Overall though, it was a good day in the mountains.
Posted by Bret Edge on February 7, 2010 at 6:58 PM
Very cool photo, Koveh! Sounds like a fun and interesting day on the mountain.
Posted by Jody Grigg on February 7, 2010 at 7:03 PM
Nice pic, fyi the road to mount evans closes mid to end of September every year.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 7, 2010 at 7:31 PM
Nicely composed...I like the high key effect you achieved here.
Posted by Nick Moore on February 7, 2010 at 7:40 PM
That's some dedication hiking in 9 miles, even if you didn't make it kudos to you!. I like this pic Koveh, really emphasizes the conditions you had up there, and the diagonal slope works nicely!.
Posted by Darren Huski on February 7, 2010 at 8:17 PM
Sounds like a cool day.
Posted by Rajeev Thomas on February 8, 2010 at 1:39 AM
Koveh... a good story and a beautiful shot portraying the harshness of the environment you have experienced...
Posted by Morris McClung on February 8, 2010 at 10:14 AM
Nothing like testing yourself I admire your efforts, and your shot. Nice comp, almost journalistic in nature, yet with artistic quality.
Posted by Brian Jackson on February 8, 2010 at 11:16 AM
I've always wanted to hike up there on a cloudless full moon night to get one of those Jack Brauer shots.
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 8, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Thanks everyone for the kind words and feedback.
Jody, I wish you would have told me that earlier. =) I usually don't head up into that area and had planned on going to RMNP, but my buddy changed plans at the last moment to head here instead. Either way it was fun though.
Posted by D J Kuklinski on February 8, 2010 at 6:46 PM
Great story! Great image!
Posted by Don Grall on February 8, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Sounds kind of like an epic day. At least you got some great exercise! Based on the description and the photo, would your friend's ice axe be in a more useful place if he were holding it? The slope looks steep enough to slide right over that cliff
Posted by Dan Walters on February 10, 2010 at 8:57 AM
Discussion
12 repliesWe decided to hike the 9 miles to the Coulier to attempt a climb, so with a pack loaded with snowshoes, ice axes, crampons, food, water and a head light, we headed out. Unfortunately the weather gods did not feel like playing nice today. Once we got above treeline 11,500 elevation, the winds picked up and visibility dropped dramatically. Conditions continued to get worse, so at 12,500 we decided to turn back.
The conditions were much better at treeline, for the wind died down a bit. This shot was taken on the hike back at treeline. A snowbank to the left gave way to a sheer 150 foot drop on the right just outside of the camera. Overall though, it was a good day in the mountains.
Jody, I wish you would have told me that earlier. =) I usually don't head up into that area and had planned on going to RMNP, but my buddy changed plans at the last moment to head here instead. Either way it was fun though.