FLATTOP-HALLETT-OTIS

Joscelyn and I had a very rare day off together this Sunday.  We took advantage of it!!  We woke up at 5am to drive to Rocky Mountain National Park.  At 7:15am we were at the Bear Lake TH on a beautiful 45 degree morning. 

FHO 020.jpgThe planned hike was to climb from the TH at 9,000 ft to three peaks above 12,000 ft.  Flattop Mountain at 12,324 ft was the first leg.  There were only a couple of us hikers out that early.  It was quiet and we were able to get above tree line quickly.  It really got the heart pumping because it was mostly straight up.  It was also amazing as we crossed our first glacier to the summit of Flattop.

After resting for a couple of minutes on the summit of Flattop and chit chatting with our new friends, we headed off to Hallett Peak at 12,713 ft.  This is where the trail went primitive and we had to follow rock cairns through a saddle to the summit of Hallett.  On the way to this peak we saw a few marmots and passed another glacier.  The final trek up to the peak was a chore.  We had to rock hop to the summit.  Not a easy task at over 12,000 ft!

FHO 033.jpgAfter resting a little bit more (we realize we can’t rest for long!  go go go!), we started off to tag our final peak, Otis.  Later this day, I realized Joscelyn didn’t really want to do it because she was tired.  She is a trooper and the best hiking partner I have ever had!  Anyways, the trip to Otis (12,400 ft) was the hardest!  We trekked down another saddle and the trail went away.  We had to make our own trail.  As we approached the summit, we had to manage through a huge boulder field.  We took it easy as we didn’t want to break an ankle in the middle of the continental divide.  On the top of Otis, you can see me pointing to Longs Peak, our next adventure!

We did it!  We tagged three 12ers in great time!  Overall we hiked over 12 miles and for seven hours.  We stumbled back down to the TH destroyed.  It was awesome, but it took a toll on our bodies.  I think we would definitely do it again!

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June 28, 2009 | Filed Under Daily, Hiking

Comments

2 Responses to “FLATTOP-HALLETT-OTIS”

  1. Debra Cook on July 1st, 2009 7:55 pm

    On top of the world pictures!

  2. Ben Jacobsen on December 29th, 2009 2:15 pm

    Dude, I don’t get here often enough, but this hike looks AMAZING. We’re so jealous this is in your backyard! I can only imagine it’s covered in snow now and you’re out skinning up it!

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