August 7, 2010 - Redcloud Peak 14,034 ft - It was a 4 1/2 drive from Littleton to Lake City on Friday afternoon. However, it
took another hour in fast fading light to get to the trailhead where I camped out in my jeep for an early morning climb to what I thought
was going to be Redcloud and Sunshine peaks.
This hike was unique for me because during this trip, I had several 'Oh shit!' moments. It started with the drive to the trailhead which
was 16 miles from the main road south of Lake City. About 11 miles into it, the road became what is classified as a shelf road basically
a single vehicle width road carved like a shelf along the side of the mountain. As I drove very carefully mind you in what was now
pitch darkness, I could hear the stream far below. My heart was in my mouth as I went over potholes and boulders in the road that made
the jeep lean too much for my liking. Oh shit I dont like this drive but I made it and promptly downed the only beer I packed for the
celebration AFTER the hike.
I am on the ridge and ready to head back down to the valley and the trailhead. I still have a couple hours of hiking from here but the view
from here shows the real climbing needed to get to the summit. From trailhead to the summit is almost 8 miles roundtrip and an elevation gain
of 3,650 ft. A final note, I got drenched on the hike back down making me even more glad I had decided to save Sunshine Peak for another
day.
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