Trip Report: Longs Peak, Keyhole Route

Longs peak is one of those mountains that has haunted me for years.  Majestically dominating my views of the front-range, i've always been too lazy to try it after getting turned back by bad weather and preperation a few years ago.  That and the fact that Longs peak is ALWAYS crowded has been a major turnoff from me attempting to climb it....Read More

Tool of the Week: Topo Maps

[caption id="attachment_425" align="alignright" width="320" caption="TopoMaps near one of my favorite mountain biking spots: Walker ranch"][/caption] There is no substitute for a good topo map and old fashioned compass.  Knowing how to use them is a basic skill for any outdoors person.  With that said, nothing beats being able to bust out your smart phone and immediately know your place on...Read More

Trip Report: Mount Rainier

As with most of the things on my bucket list, I don't know why I wanted to climb Mount Rainier, other than the fact that its majestic (if you've ever been to seattle, you know what I'm talking about) and there's the challenge of it: I've done a few 14ers, but Mt. Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the lower 48,...Read More

Trip Report: Mt Shasta

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="720" caption="View of Shasta from Bunny Flats"][/caption] Mt Shasta was my first 14er ever.  In fact, before I climbed Shasta, I had never even heard of a 14er.  The idea got in my head when my uncle Larry suggested I come out and climb it with him, and the resulting road trip was some of the best...Read More