TRAIL &
TREKKING JAPAN 24 • COLORADO’S YOUNG CLIMBERS 28 • EQUAL IS GREATER 34 • LEARNING TO SEND 40
TIMBERLINE The Colorado Mountain Club • Summer 2018 • Issue 1034 • www.cmc.org
THE NEXT GENERATION OF MOUNTAINEERS
26 Join fellow adventure-loving mountaineers for an evening of awards, celebration & gear grabs as we raise funds for the CMC’s education & conservation programs.
October
Tickets: cmc.org/bash
The Colorado Mountain Club
Presents: The
Adrenaline Series
October 11 • 12 • 13 $15 Public | $12 CMC Members
7PM
C M C .O RG / B A N F F A film festival from:
Letter from the Interim Executive Director The Next Generation of Mountaineers
F
uture generations will always shape the direction of humanity. Fortunately for us Coloradans, we’ve got an inspiring, motivated generation in today’s youth. From young climbers pushing the boundaries of the sport, to adventurers finding new ways and new places to explore, this next generation is well on their way. And the Colorado Mountain Club is here to inspire the next generation of leaders in the outdoors. Since its founding in 1912, the CMC has been devoted to encouraging and educating Colorado’s youth in all things outdoors. From the rich history of the Denver Juniors in the mid-1900s to the ever-expanding Youth Education Program today, the Club has always provided a space for kids to develop their skills and confidence in the company of their peers. We believe that all Colorado kids deserve opportunities for leadership, exploration, and adventure, and the mountains are the best place for those experiences. At the Colorado Mountain Club, our goal is to help Colorado residents find their own way to experience our vast natural landscape. That starts with the youth—fostering love and respect of the outdoors at a young age leads to a lifetime of learning, adventure, and stewardship. Whether they are one of over 7,000 diverse youth who participate in YEP programming each year, find their way into the world of conservation through the CMC’s continuing efforts, or expand their world on one of the many CMC Adventure Travel trips, Colorado’s next generation will find adventure through the Club. And as this generation of Coloradans grows, the Colorado Mountain Club grows alongside them—prepared to meet their expectations and explore new ideas. CMC membership continues to show steady growth, our conservation efforts are increasing, and programming and course offerings are becoming increasingly diverse and educational: all of this provides more and more opportunities to our over 6,400 members! As the Club searches for an Executive Director, it’s clear that the position of the CMC is at a high. Staff, volunteers, and members are eager to play an integral role in the future of the Colorado Mountain Club, ensuring its continued growth and ability to serve the ever-changing needs of all those who recreate in Colorado. The path ahead is an exciting unknown, and we at the Colorado Mountain Club are thrilled to play a role in the futures of our members, the youth of Colorado, and anyone who shares our passion for the outdoors.
Photo by Alton Richardson
Thank you for being part of our future,
Holly Barrass Interim Executive Director
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24 24 Trekking Japan’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail Relive a breathtaking trip through Japan’s rich history with CMC Adventure Travel. By Kris Ashton
28 Colorado’s Young Climbers Keep Smashing Records
Catching up with some of Colorado’s foremost young climbers and adventurers. By Kassondra Cloos
28 34 I Dreamed a Dream: “Equal is Greater” for Women in the Mountains
Ride along as two women chase an ever-changing goal of tackling Colorado’s 14ers by bike. By Maddie Miller
40 Learning to Send: Colorado’s High School Climbers Students around the state are finding confidence and empowerment in high school climbing programs. By Reed Fischer
Summer 2018 Trail & Timberline • Issue 1034 • www.cmc.org
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Departments 01 Letter from the Interim Executive Director 06 On the Outside 08 Mission Accomplishments
Summertime in the mountains means busy times for the CMC. Stay up to date with our membership, conservation, youth education, press, development, and safety departments.
14 Around Colorado
Find a local CMC chapter and get involved!
34 On the Cover
18 Pathfinder
Help your kids find their inner mountaineer on this Mount Falcon hike. By Tony Parker
20 Safety First
Bringing the American mountain clubs together to improve outdoor instruction. By Matt Stevens
26 CMC Adventure Travel
Explore the globe with unique trips to exciting destinations, all organized by the CMC.
42 End of the Trail
Remembering those who have passed.
CMC member and Technical Climbing School instructor Andrew Hawks negotiates Kelso Ridge with the Alpine Scrambling Course. Photo by Valerie Hawks
36
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TRAIL & TIMBERLINE
SUMMER ADVENTURE
Registration open now!
The official publication of the Colorado Mountain Club since 1918.
Editor Reed Fischer
editor@cmc.org
Contributing Editor Sarah Gorecki Designer David Boersma Advertising Sales
advertising@cmc.org
The Colorado Mountain Club 710 10th Street, Suite 200 Golden, Colorado 80401 303-279-3080 The CMC is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.
www.cmc.org The Colorado Mountain Club is organized to ▶ unite the energy, interest, and knowledge of the students, explorers, and lovers of the mountains of Colorado; ▶ collect and disseminate information regarding the Rocky Mountains on behalf of science, literature, art, and recreation; ▶ stimulate public interest in our mountain areas;
Explore the mountains with the CMC Youth Education Program! We offer affordable and specialized multi-day courses in outdoor skill-building, climbing and adventure for youth ages 9-18. Programs run June-August. CMC.ORG/SUMMERADVENTURE 4
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▶ encourage the preservation of forests, flowers, fauna, and natural scenery; and ▶ render readily accessible the alpine attractions of this region. © 2018 Colorado Mountain Club
All Rights Reserved
Trail & Timberline (ISSN 0041-0756) is published biannually by the Colorado Mountain Club located at 710 10th Street, Suite 200, Golden, Colorado 80401. Subscriptions are $10 per year; single copies are $5. Advertisements in Trail & Timberline do not constitute an endorsement by the Colorado Mountain Club.
Please recycle this magazine. Printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper.
guide to membership
We summit 14ers, enjoy fly-fishing excursions, climb rock faces, backpack through wilderness areas, explore the culture of Europe, and so much more. Being connected to thousands of other adventure-loving mountaineers makes your membership matter. CMC has regional groups all over Colorado... find the group nearest you and get outside! The Club comprises regional Groups across the Colorado to serve the local needs of its members and partners. Plus, activities of any CMC Group are open to members regardless of home group affiliation. Build your trail family by meeting people through the skill clinics and great trips that we offer. Questions? Contact us anytime at office@cmc.org or 303-279-3080 x2.
CONNECT with the outdoor
community – Make new friends and adventure buddies by interacting with other members
VOLUNTEER and give back to
the organization – Become a volunteer trip leader, be an instructor with our courses or help out with youth education (YEP)
GO on a CMC-led trip – The club offers more than
GIVE
to your favorite cause – Make a taxdeductible contribution toward conservation, youth education or the area of greatest need
1,600 trips annually. From easy after-work hikes to difficult 14er routes, there’s something for everyone
EXPLORE the world with Adventure
PROTECT the natural environment –
Travel – Receive special member pricing on active vacations in the US and abroad
ATTEND a CMC event – Members
receive exclusive pricing for film festivals, famous speakers, Backcountry Bash and more
MEMBER-ONLY DEALS & STEALS
MEMBERSHIP PAYS FOR ITSELF! MEMBER PRICING Courses and Skills Clinics Adventure Travel - Domestic & International Trips Youth Education Adventure Courses
Lend a hand on a conservation project and meet other passionate about stewarding our lands
LEARN a new outdoor skill and enroll in
a CMC course – No matter your skill level, you can always know more!
GUIDE BOOKS & PACKGUIDES Save 20% on CMC Guidebooks and Packguides, and be the first to know about upcoming titles
FILM & EVENT DISCOUNTS Radical Reels Banff Mountain Film Festival Backcountry Film Festival Backcountry Bash Happy Hours
GEAR DISCOUNTS • Asana Climbing • Backcountry.com • Experticity.com (100+ brands) • Icebreaker • Mountainsmith • Slackline Industries • Zeal • Local gear shops • ... and MORE!
LOGIN TO CHECKOUT YOUR DEALS AT
CMC.ORG/MEMBERDEALS Trail & Timberline
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On the Outside Spring pollen cloaks the foothills, drifting upward into the Rockies. Photo by Sid Gopinath
Mission Accomplishments
Meet a School Instructor: Valerie Hawks VALERIE IS A TRIP leader and Senior Rock Climbing Instructor. She has been a member of the CMC since 2012. Favorite Road Trip Song: “Little Fluffy Clouds” by The Orb Favorite Trail Food: Sour Patch Kids Favorite Piece of Gear: My harness (because it means I’m climbing something!) 8
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Favorite View: Anything from the ridgeline between Loveland Pass and Grizzly Peak D Favorite fun fact: I sing when I’m scared Types of hikes/trips you lead: Winter ridgelines and spring snow climbs Best outdoor advice you’ve ever been given: Come back safe, come back as friends, reach the summit. ▲
YEP’s Volunteer Base Sprouts New Growth By Doug Maiwurm, Youth Education Program Manager
IN 2018, A BIG initiative for YEP will be to create more awareness and opportunities for volunteering. We’ve gone to volunteer fairs, collaborated with community partners, and spoke at CMC events to recruit folks who are passionate about connecting young people to the outdoors. In 2017, YEP had fewer than 10 volunteers. Already in 2018, that number has increased to 44! Special thanks to Meredith Willingham, a former YEP Intern, who stepped into a new role as Volunteer Coordinator to lead this effort. So, who is a typical YEP volunteer? Why do they choose to spend their time volunteering? • They are students: We’ve partnered with Colorado Young Leaders, Compass Montessori, and Mapleton Early College High School to help teenagers fulfill volunteer requirements for school. They love the outdoors, and connecting with YEP was a natural fit. • They are launching careers: College students are seeking opportunities to learn outside the classroom and gain real-life experience. Red Rocks Community College Outdoor Education majors partnered with YEP to design and deliver environmental science lessons to elementary school students. We also collaborated with Regis University’s Service Learning Program.
CMC’s Youth Education Program is always looking for passionate and knowledgeable volunteers. Photo by CMC YEP Staff
Physical Therapy majors volunteered on YEP’s after-school rock climbing programs with Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver. They also created a great warm-up routine that YEP now uses to get kids limbered up prior to climbing. • They are part of our local community: John Hildebrandt, a Golden local and owner of Mountain Side Gear Rental, has made a career of outfitting people to camp and hike in Colorado. This year John has volunteered on YEP hiking programs, donated equipment rentals, and even put together a Cornhole Tournament that raised $1,000 for YEP. Amazing!
• They are CMC members: Volunteers are the heart and soul of the CMC. Thank you to all the members who’ve helped out at an event, served as a teaching assistant, or shared a day hiking or climbing with kids this past year. Cathy Crist, Cindy Smith, and Kathy Tandy from Rocky Mountain Over the Hill Gang deserve special recognition for their dedication to YEP school programs this year. Above all, YEP volunteers are compassionate. Thank you all for giving back. You are inspiring future generations of mountaineers! To learn more about volunteering with YEP visit cmc.org/youth. ▲
Let’s Go Explore The World By Ben Larson, Adventure Travel Manager
CMC MEMBERS LOVE THEIR adventure! From day hikes into local mountains to multiday expeditions, the Club has a rich history of members volunteering their time and talents to teach, lead, and explore with others. While the great majority of this happens in Colorado, CMC’s Adventure Travel (AT) program pushes past national borders and takes members to countries around the world. These adventures are led by volunteer AT Trip Leaders who are passionate about sharing experience and connections to the local community and cultures. While not limited to CMC members, it’s primarily people like you who gather together to share a journey and create memories. Unlike other travel opportunities out there, this personal connection means that you’ll come back with new friends that are likely not far away. Many AT participants find hiking partners,
climbing buddies, and friends for life. Upcoming trips are headed to places as close as Grand Junction and as far as Japan. You can choose to go high altitude mountaineering, or stay a little lower and trek through the fjords of Norway. Whether you’re a seasoned international traveler or just dipping your toes into this amazing world, there’s a trip that’s right for you. Check out cmc.org/AdventureTravel to see the amazing places that we’re going to in the next year. The Adventure Travel Committee (ATC) is always looking to add new destinations and new Trip Leaders the team. If you’ve traveled and are curious about being a volunteer AT Trip Leader we would love to talk with you. It’s not only a great way to travel with others, it’s also a great way to share your gifts and passions with the CMC. The ATC will guide you
through the training and be available through the planning process to share their years of experience as needed. Find more information about becoming an AT Trip Leader at cmc. org/AdventureTravel/BecomeAnAdventureTravelTripLeader.aspx. ▲
CMC members climbing on the Tour du Mont Blanc, France. Find your adventure with CMC Adventure Travel! Photo by CMC Adventure Travel Program
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CMC Stewardship Crews and Volunteer Opportunities By Brink Messick, Conservation Outreach & Project Manager
SINCE 2015, THE CMC Conservation department has hosted a seasonal Stewardship Crew that works with public land managers across the state to assist them with a variety of projects including trail construction, habitat restoration, and more. This year’s projects include everything from improving access to five of Colorado’s Fourteeners, to closing and mitigating the impact of user-created roads, to trail restoration on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, and much more. Last fall, the Club received funding from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (Title II) to host an additional crew in 2018. This new crew will exclusively serve the Rio Grande National Forest in Saguache, Rio Grande, Conejos, and Hinsdale Counties by completing projects managed by US Forest Service recreation managers. The crew will be based in the San Luis Valley and bounce around to each of the Rio Grande National Forest’s three different Ranger Districts. Both the Statewide and Rio Grande Stewardship crews combined this May to complete a five-week training program to prepare them for the field season. Our training is both comprehensive and specialized to provide the skills necessary for each year’s specific projects. Topics and certifications include Wilderness First Responder, Crosscut Saw Certification, Outdoor Stewardship Institute Crew Leader for Trails, and Alpine Stewards Training. Follow along with the crew and their accomplishments by visiting www.cmc.org/ stewardship.
MEET THE CREW!
Emily is a Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail thru-hiker and will be working on the CMC Statewide Stewardship Crew. Logan Hielmstad: Logan is a recent graduate of Adams State University where he was actively involved with the Adventure Program, which operates on the Rio Grande National Forest—making him an ideal candidate for the CMC Rio Grande National Forest Stewardship Crew that will work on that forest this summer. He is an avid “outdoorist” and has climbed 48 of Colorado’s tallest peaks.
Sarah Barringer: Sarah is a NOLS Patagonia alumni and earned an Adventure Education degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango. She spent several seasons working for the Southwest Conservation Corps where she picked up a skill set that will be put to use this summer on the CMC Rio Grande National Forest Stewardship Crew.
Logan Hjelmstad
Kyrie McCullough
Kyrie McCulough: Kyrie comes to Colorado from Missoula, where she earned a degree in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana. She will draw on her past experience working in Glacier National Park and in the Rawah Wilderness while serving on the CMC Statewide Stewardship Crew. Emily Bresko: Emily’s professional credentials include experience as an Adventure Guide in California, Outdoor Recreation Director in Panama, and Crew Leader for the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Junior Rangers program, while she attended the University of Colorado. 10
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Emily Bresko
Sarah Barringer
GIVE BACK TO YOUR PUBLIC LANDS Want to be a part of our work this season? Join the CMC Stewardship Crew on a volunteer stewardship project this sum-
mer and explore a new part of the state while giving back to Colorado’s natural resources!
Please visit www.cmc.org/stewardship to see the complete 2018 Stewardship Calendar and to register for volunteer opportunities. ▲
Date
Location
Project Description
6/19–20
Kit Carson/Challenger (Crestone) – Rio Grande National Forest
14er Peak Trail Maintenance/Pack-in and Gear Staging
6/29 & 7/6
Alder Creek and Cimarron (Ouray District) – GMUG National Forest
Riparian Restoration
7/13
Mt. Elbert (Leadville) – San Isabel National Forest
14er Peak Trail Maintenance & Restoration
7/26–28
South San Juan Wilderness – Rio Grand National Forest
Trail Maintenance & Restoration
8/7–10
Continental Divide Trail (South Fork) – Rio Grande National Forest
Trail Maintenance & Restoration
8/10
Flat Tops Wilderness (Meeker) – White River National Forest
Trail Maintenance & Inventory
8/18
Upper Colorado River – Kremmling Field Office Bureau of Land Management
Trail Maintenance
9/14–15
Divide Ranger District (Del Norte) – Rio Grande National Forest
Heavy Trail Maintenance/Re-Construction
9/15–16
Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) – Pike National Forest
14er Peak Trail Maintenance & Restoration
9/22
White River Field Office (Meeker) – Bureau of Land Management
Trail Construction
10/6
Grand Junction Field Office – Bureau of Land Management
Trail Maintenance & Restoration
TBD
Raggeds Wilderness (Paonia) – Gunnison National Forest
Trail Maintenance
TBD
South Park Ranger District (Fairplay) – Pike National Forest
Habitat Restoration
Wilderness First Responder and Digital Waivers Coming Soon By Philip Swiny, Safety & Operations Director
MEDICAL TRAINING AND THE utilization of a well-drafted assumption of risk (waivers) are vital components of risk mitigation for outdoor membership-based organizations. As a result, the CMC spends a great deal of time focused on these two areas of our operation. Since starting to offer Wilderness First Aid (WFA) classes, the state office has monitored student satisfaction through the implementation of post-course surveys. Course graduates give feedback on class size, course materials, the relevance of training scenarios, and types of future class offerings. The results show high satisfaction with the delivery of the current courses, and a desire for the CMC to offer more advanced medical classes. As a result of this feedback, we are excited to announce the first CMC-sponsored Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course to be held in June 2018. A WFR course consists of 72 hours of training for outdoor enthusiasts and educators who want to be prepared for challenging emergency situations in remote settings. The curriculum focuses on both treatment and prevention of emergencies in wilderness settings, as well as teaching students to use available resources to manage complex events when additional medical assistance
CMC will begin offering Wilderness First Responder courses in June. Photo by Jim Guerra
may be far away. The addition of this WFR course significantly raises the bar for CMC medical offerings and is just the first of many such classes. Another exciting development is the CMC’s migration to online waivers. This transition will allow members to sign their annual membership documents digitally, and will enable participants in the Youth Education and Adventure Travel programs to sign waivers online well in advance of the actual activity. Anyone with access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone will be able to sign a waiver, reducing logistical
complexities for all involved. We’re excited, as this new system will reduce the amount of paper documents we store at the state office, lessening our impact on the environment. Although there are many benefits to the new system, it is a change from how this process has previously been managed. CMC staff will be available to assist with any challenges and questions moving forward. These are just two of the many exciting new developments in the safety and operations department over the last few months, and we will continue to refine and enhance these processes moving forward. ▲ Trail & Timberline
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The CMC Continues to Grow, Thanks to Your Support By Jay Cordes, Development Director
The CMC welcomes Logan Chandler into a new role with the Club. Photo courtesy of Logan Chandler
MOVING ON FROM SKI season is always tough, but summer brings a sense of excitement that is unparalleled in our state. As we gear up to tackle 14ers, send our favorite routes, and hook countless numbers of our native trout, the CMC’s development team is hard at work in the community to secure funds that enable the Club to educate, preserve, and facilitate recreation. The Club’s ability to expand offerings and educate over 7,000 students annually depends on your contributions and support—and for that we are deeply grateful. Your donations at our annual events helped set records this year. The development team continues to put an emphasis on raising funds and engaging with you.
Many friends of the CMC have come to know Logan Chandler from interactions with membership services at the front desk. The CMC is happy to announce that Logan will step into a new role, creating unique and engaging events for the CMC with corporate sponsors, and developing strategies to bring partners on board. We are excited to increase our strong member benefit campaign and show appreciation to CMC supporters and donors. As always, we are grateful for your support of the Colorado Mountain Club. Remember, there are many ways to support the Club and its mission—sign up for our events, or head to www.cmc.org/donate to explore the variety of ways you can give to the Club financially. ▲
Outdoor Retailer Show Finds New Home in Denver By Jay Cordes, Development Director
IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T heard, the Outdoor Retailer show moved from Salt Lake City, Utah, and set up shop in Denver this year. In January, hundreds of the largest outdoor brands gathered at the Colorado Convention Center to exchange ideas, display products, and meet with nonprofits like the CMC. As Colorado moves towards being the premiere state in the country for outdoor recreation, the CMC is well positioned to prove ourselves as an industry leader for education, recreation, and conservation. The CMC’s development team has been
busy meeting with brands that want to invest in our people and our state. Over four days in January, the team had countless meetings with groups and companies about the future of outdoor recreation in the state and to garner support. These meetings resulted in new benefits for members and corporate support that will sustain the Club. We look forward to building on the momentum of the January show at the summer Outdoor Retailer show in July. The CMC will be hard at work planning great events and outings around the show, so stay tuned! ▲
The CMC set up shop at Denver’s first Outdoor Retailer show this past January. Photo by Reed Fischer
Volunteers Complete CMC Archives Project, Preserving Club’s Rich History By Katie Sauter, AAC Library Director
AN OVERHAUL OF THE CMC Archives was completed in April 2018. The project
CMC members silhouetted on Longs Peak at sunrise. Courtesy of CMC Archives 12
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included the organization and digitization of CMC photographs and trip reports that date back to the Club’s founding in 1912. The work completed will help to conserve the rich history of the Club, ensuring that the Archives remain accessible and preserved for years to come. During the project, copies of Trail & Timberline dating back to the 1920s were unearthed and digitized, a great find for history buffs. The project was accomplished by 16
volunteers, through nearly 500 hours of their time. The CMC is thankful to Katie Sauter, AAC Library Director, and her dedicated team for their hard work in preserving the many gems of the archives. This project was supported in part by an award from the Colorado Historical Records Advisory Board, through funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC), National Archives Records Administration. ▲
CMC Press Updates Old Favorites and Adds New Titles for 2018 By Clyde Soles, Director of Publishing
JUST OVER A CENTURY ago, the Colorado Mountain Club delivered its first publication, Trail & Timberline newsletter. A lot has changed for the CMC Press since then, but we still work to bring Coloradans the information they desire. Today, the CMC’s publishing legacy continues both with the magazine you hold in your hand and the CMC Press, which currently publishes 61 books. The ever-popular Colorado Trail Databook, 7th Edition is now being printed on waterproof paper, making it nearly indestructible and ready for your next adventure. Our newest titles, Rocky Mountain WildStart bagging peaks with Colorado Summit Hikes, 2nd edition. Available now for $24.95.
flowers, 2nd edition by Marlene Borneman and Colorado Summit Hikes by Dave Muller, are now available. Coming in late June, look for The Colorado 14ers: The Best Routes (a fully revised update of Standard Routes) and Colorado Waterfall Hikes, by Sandy Heise. There are another half dozen books in the works that will be coming before the end of the year. Since this issue of T&T is focused on youth, it is worth reminding you that one of our best selling books, The Best Front Tackle your 14er list the right way, with The Colorado 14ers: The Best Routes. Available in late June 2018 for $24.95.
Range Hikes for Children by Tony Parker, was published in 2014 and is available on the CMC website or at the front desk. This publication includes 46 hikes on the Front Range suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Next spring, we will be adding The Best Utah Hikes for Children by Courtney Johnson, which will include many national parks, state parks, and other public lands. We’re excited to continue bringing high quality guidebooks to inspire Coloradans in the years to come! ▲ Enjoy some of nature’s most impressive features with Colorado Waterfall Hikes. Available in late June 2018 for $24.95.
Find the state’s best wildflower spots with Rocky Mountain Wildflowers, 2nd edition. Available now for $16.95.
The Colorado Trail Databook, 7th edition—now waterproof! Available now for $19.95.
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Around Colorado Our groups across the State Fort Collins Group
Friends of Routt Backcountry Chair: Leslie Lovejoy Email: leslie@lovejoygraphics.com Website: cmc.org/FriendsRB
Shining Mountains
Chair: David Sanders Email: sandeaa@comcast.net Website: cmc.org/ShiningMountains
Longs Peak
Website: cmc.org/LongsPeak
Chair: Gordan Thibedeau Email: gthibedeau@comcast.net Website: cmc.org/FtCollins Newsletter: fortcmc.org/newsletters.html
Boulder
Chair: Lori Barkus Email: chair@cmcboulder.org Website: cmc.org/Boulder
Denver
Western Slope
Gore Range
Website: cmc.org/WesternSlope
Chair: Dale Pfaff Email: dpfaff@ftek.com Website: cmc.org/GoreRange
Chair: Brian Le Blanc Email: cmcdgcc@gmail.com Website: cmc.org/Denver Newsletter: Mile High Mountaineer
Aspen
Chair: Mike Miller Email: miller866@comcast.net Website: cmc.org/aspen
Pikes Peak
Chair: Kristen Buckland Email: buckie06@hotmail.com Website: cmc.org/PikesPeak
El Pueblo
Chair: Jill Mattoon Email: jill.mattoon@judicial.state.co.us Website: cmc.org/ElPueblo
Friends of Colorado
Chair: Scott Otteman Email: scotteman@aol.com Website: cmc.org/FriendsOfColorado
Club members enjoy a snowshoe day in the backcountry. Photo by Brandon Emery
WE ARE THE CMC The Colorado Mountain Club is the state’s leading organization dedicated to adventure, recreation, conservation, and education. Founded in 1912, the CMC has helped Coloradans enjoy the mountains for more than a century. The Club acts as a gateway to the outdoors for novices and experts alike, offering an array of year-round activities and events. The CMC’s local chapters host a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, rock climbing, skiing, and many other outdoor activities. See cmc.org/Calendar for current listings.
Get Involved in Your CMC
Yoga in the park. Photo by Lauren Shockey
• There are many volunteer opportunities throughout the Club. All group activities are led by dedicated and skilled volunteers. Visit cmc. org/Volunteer for more information or contact your local group. • To ensure the continued enjoyment of Colorado’s pristine places, the CMC leads efforts to protect wild and public lands with its conservation and stewardship programs. cmc.org/Conservation • The CMC’s Youth Education Program inspires confidence and academic achievement in youth through school programs, summer camps, after-school programs, and young adult programs. cmc.org/Youth • The Club has published its magazine, Trail & Timberline, since 1918, and operates the CMC Press with more than 60 titles in print. cmc.org/Store • The American Mountaineering Museum celebrates the rich history of the mountains and mountaineering. mountaineeringmuseum.org
Mountain Education
CMC Trailblazers
Staff Lead: Logan Chandler Email: loganc@cmc.org Website: cmc.org/Trailblazers
Colorado Wilderness Families Chair: Jennifer Teece Email: jteece@yahoo.com Website: cmc.org/CoWildernessFamilies
The CMC offers many educational opportunities through our regional groups. CMC courses appeal to people new to the outdoors as well as people looking for new ways to enjoy the mountains and expand their personal horizons. These affordable courses encourage individuals to improve their outdoor skill sets. CMC instructors are volunteers and members of the Club. They are experienced users of the outdoors who have polished their skills on Club trips and demonstrated their leadership abilities. Safety and personal responsibility, respect for the natural environment, and leadership skills are stressed in all courses. Students of all ages gain the skills and knowledge to comfortably participate in mountain trips. See cmc.org/schools for a calendar of upcoming schools.
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Whitehouse Mountain is included in the new San Juan Wilderness Act, introduced in Congress this spring. Photo by Jack Brauer, courtesy San Juan Citizens Alliance
New Colorado Wilderness Proposals Under Congressional Review By Julie Mach, Conservation Director
T
hree land protection bills aim to protect sensitive resources and pristine recreation opportunities across the state.
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE WILDERNESS, RECREATION, AND CAMP HALE LEGACY ACT
98,000 acres in Summit and Eagle Counties
This bill was introduced by Senator Michael Bennet in early 2018 and includes three new wilderness areas for the Tenmile Range, Hoosier Ridge, and the Williams Fork Mountains, as well as additions to the existing Eagle’s Nest, Holy Cross, and Ptarmigan Peak Wilderness Areas. It also designates a Special Management Area and Recreation Management Areas that protect mountain biking access for the Tenmile Mountains and creates two Wildlife Conservation Areas to protect critical wildlife linkages near Loveland Pass and in the Williams Fork Mountains. Finally, it establishes the nation’s first National Historic Landscape to preserve Camp Hale, home of the World War II-era training camp of the storied 10th Mountain Division. Learn more at www.continentaldivide.org. 16
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COLORADO WILDERNESS ACT
Bureau of Land Management parcels across much of Western and Central Colorado A revised version of Representative Diana Degette’s 2015 bill is anticipated this summer and will propose a slate of protections for Wilderness Study Areas and Lands with Wilderness Characteristics across more than 500,000 acres in Colorado. CMC trip leaders are planning a series of Conservation Hikes to visit these landscapes and talk about the sensitive resources that a wilderness designation would protect. For more info on the bill and a full list of hikes, visit www.cmc.org/conservation/publiclands.
SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS WILDERNESS ACT
60,000 acres near Ouray, Ridgeway, and Telluride
The centerpiece of this wilderness bill is an expansion of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness, doubling its size (by about 21,000 acres), most significantly by completing protection of the Sneffels Range. Mount Sneffels itself is mostly outside the current wilderness boundary, including its north face and one of the most photographed mountain scenes in Colorado—the view from Dallas Divide. This addition would include Whitehouse Mountain, Potosi Peak, and Teakettle. The bill additionally designates new wilderness that includes additions to the existing Lizard Head Wilderness and protection for Bureau of Land Management wildlands in the Dolores River Basin. It also withdraws from future mineral development another 20,000 acres of spectacular alpine lands incorporating Ice Lake Basin and the surrounding high 13ers of the West Silverton Group. These are situated in the Animas River headwaters adjacent to the Bonita Peak Mining District superfund site, designated after the 2015 Gold King mine spill. Learn more at www.sanjuanwilderness.org. ▲
We are constantly monitoring Forest Planning processes, ski area expansions, new trail developments, and other projects that impact how and where we play on public lands.
NEPA: Not Everybody Pays Attention—But CMC Does! By Julie Mach, Conservation Director
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on’t worry, CMC Conservation is tracking NEPA projects so you don’t have to! The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a bedrock conservation law that directs decision-making on federal public lands. Before the Forest Service, Park Service, or Bureau of Land Management can start a new project, they have to analyze the environmental impacts such as effects on water quality, wildlife species, cultural artifacts, and more. Want to harvest timber? Graze cattle? Build a trail? Offer guiding services? NEPA comes first! NEPA is also one of the best tools for the public to provide feedback on projects and—as outdoor recreation continues to be a growing social and economic use of public lands—CMC is there to represent hikers, mountaineers, and backcountry skiers in these decision-making processes. We are constantly monitoring Forest
2017 Stewardship Crew member Jeremy Aarons backpacking through the Raggeds Wilderness to clear downed trees. Photo by Noah Hirsch
Brink Messick trains volunteers on technical trail and rock masonry skills. Photo by CMC staff
Planning processes, ski area expansions, new trail developments, and other projects that impact how and where we play on public lands. And often, the most important and substantive comments come from our members! You are the ones backpacking through remote terrain, exploring new slopes, and climbing extreme routes—and you can speak up about how management decisions would impact your recreational experience. Check out the CMC Action Alert page (cmc.org/Conservation/ ActionAlerts) for open comment periods and join the Conservation e-newsletter for up-to-date information on all of the NEPA projects we’re tracking. Here are a few you might want to pay attention to: • GMUG Forest Plan Revision: includes Crested Butte, the Grand Mesa, and Northern San Juan Mountains. • Rio Grande Forest Plan Revision: includes the Sangre de Cristo and South San Juan Mountains surrounding the San Luis Valley. • Eastern Colorado BLM Resource Management Plan: includes the Front Range and Upper Arkansas Valley (Cañon City, Salida, and Leadville). • Pike-San Isabel Travel Management Plan: includes forest from Colorado Springs to the Continental Divide. ▲ Trail & Timberline
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Pathfinder
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MOUNT FALCON LOOKOUT TRAIL Excerpted from The Best Front Range Hikes for Children Text and photos by Tony Parker
MAPS: USGS, Morrison Quadrangle, 7.5 minute ELEVATION GAIN: 121 feet (7,730’–7,851’) DIFFICULTY: Fairly level, not too far—perfect for 5- to 8-year-olds ROUND-TRIP DISTANCE: 1.75 miles ROUND-TRIP TIME: 1 to 2 hours NEAREST LANDMARKS: Mount Falcon (7,851’), Indian Hills FEES: Free TRAILHEAD: Mount Falcon Road (west side of the park) RESTROOMS: Vault toilets 560’ down the Castle Trail from the parking lot INFORMATION: www.jeffco.us/1332/Mount-Falcon-Park ; 303-271-5925 DOGS: Must be leashed HOURS: Half hour before sunrise to half hour after sunset DESCRIPTION: There is no way to have a guide on Front Range hikes without including a hike in Mount Falcon Park. Its popularity and importance to Front Range history make it a perennial favorite, and its spectacular views in every direction make it a great observation point to scout other Front Range Colorado hikes. Many guides include the popular Mount Falcon hike, which is the Castle Trail to remnants of the burned-out husk of John Brisben Walker’s mansion.
Winter terrain at Mount Falcon makes for a serene holiday hike. 18
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Looking northeast from the Mount Falcon lookout tower.
The Mount Falcon hike highlighted in this guide, however, is a short trek to Mount Falcon and its observation point. This manageable hike, a mile up to Mount Falcon and a mile back to the car, with a brief stop at the Eagle Eye Shelter, will introduce families to Mount Evans to the west; James Peak, which towers above St. Mary’s Glacier; Black Mountain on the northern end of Staunton State Park; Red Rocks, Green Mountain, and other views east and north; and the mouth of Waterton Canyon and the Audubon Nature Trail on the southwest end of Chatfield Reservoir are readily visible to the south and east. Bear Creek Lake Park is front and center, just below Mount Falcon. GETTING THERE: From Denver, take US 285 south (west on the compass) out of town toward the mountains. At a little more than 4.0 miles past the intersection with C-470, turn right at the Indian Hills exit and follow Parmalee Gulch Road for about 3.0 miles. Looking for the brown information signs for Mount Falcon Park, turn right on Picutis Road and wind your way up about 2.0 miles to the Mount Falcon Park parking lot. The parking lot has enough room for about 30 cars with an overflow lot of about 15 more, which illustrates the popularity of the trail. The trailhead is on the east side of the paved lot. Restrooms are 560 feet down the Castle Trail. Dogs must remain leashed. As with all the foothills trails, watch for rattlesnakes.
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Find The Best Front Range Hikes for Children at cmc.org/Store.
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THE ROUTE: In summary, start from the parking lot at 7,775’ and gradually descend to 7,730’ into the creek drainage of the main meadow along the Castle Trail for 0.4 mile until you see the Meadow Trail fork off on the right. Take it 0.8 mile to the Tower Trail, which again is the right-hand fork. Follow the Tower Trail up to Eagle Eye, where there are panoramic views. First, as you descend from the parking lot, check out the informative trail sign and look to see if a map is available. You may decide that you want to extend your hike and take
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in the castle ruins before heading home. You’ll pass the restrooms and an intersection with the Parmalee Trail, as you make your way toward the meadow down below. Before you arrive at the meadow, you’ll see some informative signs describing the fire of April 1989. As you look down you’ll see the signs of destruction and recovery. After passing the burn area, a pavilion shelter with a bench near the Castle Trail intersection, you’ll begin to gain elevation and head into a ponderosa pine forest. A little way into the forest, the Meadow Trail begins to fork to the left. Pass it and continue upward on the Tower Trail. Begin ascending about 0.4 mile up toward Eagle Eye. At the Eagle Eye shelter, you’ll be able to see several other areas where hikes from this guide are located. For example, west and north you can make out the top of Bergen Peak and right at its base you can see Elk Meadow. You can also see areas around Black Mountain to the West. Want to find more hikes like Mount Falcon to inspire your own pioneers? Head to cmc.org/Store and check out The Best Front Range Hikes for Children, written by Tony Parker and published by CMC Press. Featuring nearly 50 beautiful hikes, the book has everything you need to hit the trail! ▲ Trail & Timberline
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Safety First
On the “summit” of Machu Picchu. Photo courtesy of 2014 CMC Ausangate Team
BRINGING THE AMERICAN MOUNTAIN CLUBS TOGETHER TO IMPROVE OUTDOOR INSTRUCTION BY MATT STEVENS
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n the fall of last year, Philip Swiny, CMC Director of Safety & Operations, and I were invited to meet with the staff and volunteers of the American Alpine Club, the Mountaineers (Seattle), and the Mazamas (Portland). Our goal was to discuss what and how we teach our members, in terms of skills and safety, and to think about applying as a group for UIAA certification of our instructional courses and individual volunteers. The UIAA, or International Climbing & Mountaineering Federation, is an international organization dedicated to promoting the growth and protection of mountaineering and climbing worldwide. It is probably best known for its safety labels—those tags on all the gear you buy that certify compliance with the relevant safety standards. From helmets and ropes to carabineers and ice axes, you’ll find a small “CE” (for certified equipment) followed by a number identifying the specific safety standard. When there are product recalls, the UIAA is often involved and the product is identified by its safety label as well as the manufacturer and product name. In addition to certifying gear, the UIAA has been certifying volunteer training programs via their Mountain Qualification Labels, 20
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or “MQLs.” Unlike the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA), which focuses on professional standards, the UIAA is only involved with volunteer organizations such as the CMC. In the ongoing discussions CMC has had with the Mountaineers and Mazamas, we have realized that our three clubs provide very similar training for our members. With guidance from the American Alpine Club, we have begun working to create training standards that span across the three clubs and could provide helpful guidance to other organizations that offer similar training. Working with a team of CMC volunteers from across the groups that offer more formal classes, we’ve provided comments on the first two proposed MQLs, called “Mountain Leader” and “Winter Mountain Leader.” These standards are not meant to replace the classes and classifications we use in the CMC but to help translate what we’re doing into a language that is common across the American mountain clubs. Our goal is that these efforts, and the third-party verification the UIAA provides, will help cement the CMC as a leader in providing training and access for those interested in safely and respectfully maximizing living in an outdoor playground. We also hope that our
Our goal is that these efforts, and the third-party verification the UIAA provides, will help cement the CMC as a leader in providing training and access for those interested in safely and respectfully maximizing living in an outdoor playground. Matt Stevens and Brandon Tatum follow Greg Long up Ausangate, Peru. Photo courtesy of 2014 CMC Ausangate Team
Matt Stevens follows Greg Long up Ausangate, Peru. Photo courtesy of 2014 CMC Ausangate Team
combined efforts with the other mountain clubs and the resources we are jointly creating will help our training to continuously improve as experience and technology evolve, so that we are always able to provide best practices to our members. For us, the Mountain Leader MQL addresses hiking and scrambling in non-technical terrain—destinations such as Chautauqua to Rocky Mountain National Park. It approximately corresponds to the skills a person would have if they took Denver Group’s Wilderness Trekking School (WTS), Alpine Scrambling Course (ASC), and Wilderness First Aid (WFA) classes. The Winter Mountain Leader MQL would then add the Basic Snow course from the Technical Climbing School, and a class in Avalanche Safety. We’re looking to certify the first class
of CMC members this spring and then begin offering the certification more broadly as we work the bugs out of the process. Beyond those initial two MQLs, the mountain clubs are meeting this spring to discuss setting standards around single-pitch instruction for both sport and traditional climbing. That meeting will have strong CMC representation from across the groups with climbing schools. Then, over the course of the next year or so, we are looking to develop further standards for multi-pitch rock climbing, ice climbing, and higher altitude training that would correspond to our High Altitude Mountaineering School (HAMS). If you’d like to be involved in these efforts, or have any questions, please reach out to either Philip Swiny at philipswiny@cmc.org or Matt Stevens at panamatt@me.com and we will keep you informed as our efforts progress. ▲ Matt Stevens is a senior instructor in the Technical Climbing School and Telemark Ski School, and the vice president of the CMC Board of Directors. Although he doesn’t get out as often or as high as he did before his two children were born, you can find him climbing the indoor wall at the AMC or on North Table Mountain. Trail & Timberline
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The Denver Juniors:
A Legacy of Fun, Food, and Fine Outdoor Adventure By Caroline Jackson, CMC Marketing Intern These are the things I prize, and hold of dearest worth; Light of the sapphire skies, Peace of the silent hills, Shelter of the forest, Comforts of the grass, Music of the birds, murmur of little rills, Shadows of clouds that swiftly pass, And after showers the smell of flowers And of good brown earth, And best of all along the way Friendship and mirth” —Denver Juniors Campfire Pledge
summit due to those strong Colorado winds we’ve all experienced. But some of the best memories hiking with your friends happen when nothing goes according to plan. A 1935 January outing to Fern Lake was cursed with strong winds and a scarcity of food other than rice. (The trip report, however, also detailed that they had a party of cooks who traveled ahead of them, so I’m not sure just how sympathetic I am about their lack of food variety.) Also, if you were wondering if this group of youngsters was just young men, think again. This January Fern Lake trip also had eight girls in attendance.
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efore the days of the Trailblazers, the CMC was home to a different group of young people: the Denver Juniors. Beginning in 1930, youngsters ranging from 14 to 21 years old got to explore Colorado at their own pace and spare the adults from the antics of high school and college students. To join, potential members had to get two current members and a sponsor to sign off on their application and pay $3.50. The Juniors had their own council, which gave members a chance to become experienced leaders and mountaineers. All Denver high schools were represented, and each trip was accompanied by an adult chaperone. Their first outing was a ten-day trip to Cameron Pass, costing each participant $8.50; two other trips were taken in that founding year as well. For a while the Nature Protection Group sponsored the Juniors, but that was short-lived as the Juniors became more and more interested in climbing. A main Juniors theme that proved resilient throughout the years was food (something we can all agree can make or break a good camping trip). Carrying a watermelon up to the top of a hike became a well-loved tradition. A group favorite was a meal they called “Grunge,” a stewpot concoction of hamburger meat, canned corn, and tomatoes. The Juniors were connoisseurs of fine camping cuisine, and to keep up with the latest camping food trends they started a column in Trail & Timberline called the “Ptomaine Ptarmigan.” As someone who is down for anything that isn’t dehydrated eggs, I would personally love to see this column make a comeback in future issues of T&T. Just like the rest of us, the Juniors believed that hiking was more about the journey than the destination. They understood the importance of being humble in the mountains and the fact that weather doesn’t always cooperate with the trip goals set for the day. On a 1950 trip to Mt. Elbert, only three Juniors were able to reach the
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“Winter Wonderland”— a powder day at Fern Lake. Photo courtesy of CMC Archives
According to their report, the women got to choose between “gentlemen” and “Bobs.” I am now extremely curious what a “Bob” is and how they differ from gentlemen so if you can shed some light on this topic please let me know (you can email me at intern@cmc.org). Their trips seemed to be blessed with a lot of good luck and fun as well. That same 1935 ski trip happened to fall over one girl’s birthday on New Year’s Eve. To celebrate, the chefs baked a cake to follow the birthday dinner. That night, the Juniors hosted a fake wilderness wedding that had them up around a campfire having a good time until 1:00 a.m. The excursion that I am most jealous of, however, was a 1950 trip to the Elk Mountains. The Juniors enjoyed a luxurious hotel stay and breakfast in Aspen for a pricey 25 cents. Whether or not you could get a cup of coffee in Aspen for that same price nowadays is doubtful. Like many CMC groups, the Juniors had their own yearly traditions. Every year there was an annual Juniors Banquet in the fall that highlighted the events of the past year, while outlining the scheduled events for the year ahead. Members were allowed to bring guests interested in joining the group to the banquet. However, it sounds
Chuck Harden shows off the high-tech gear of the period. Photo courtesy of CMC Archives
Denver Juniors making their own tracks at Fern Lake, 1934. Photo courtesy of CMC Archives
like the President at the 1946 banquet might have scared some off by talking about members suffering from broken limbs or scarlet fever. Another annual tradition was the CMC Annual Junior Giant Slalom. Every year on Berthoud Pass, the Club put on a Giant Slalom event for junior clubs all around the state, including Tabernash, Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, Dillon, Leadville, and several Denver clubs. The course was set on a north-facing trail called “Hell’s Half Acre” and was packed out the day before by the chief of course and volunteers. As a washed-up ski racer myself, I can attest to how tedious and time-consuming of a job packing down powder for a race course is; those volunteers were angels. The event typically drew over 100 kids who would race in classes A through D. Although the Juniors are no longer a club today, the things they loved about the outdoors can still be found on all CMC trips. The camaraderie that comes with spending time in the outdoors with people and sharing stories around a campfire did not end with the Juniors. Although I cannot guarantee that you’ll spend your time singing campfire songs and eating sweets until 1:00 a.m., everyone still gets the same feeling looking at the stars and persevering through the fun challenges and difficulties that come with being in the outdoors. ▲ Trail & Timberline
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s ’ n a p a J g l n i i a k r T k e e g Tr Kodo Pilgrima Kumano
eader el Trip L ture Trav n e v d A MC shton, C By Kris A
Torii gates mark the mountain path of Fushimi-Inari. Photo by Kris Ashton
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eautiful sunshine. Cherry blossoms in abundance. Rain and typhoon-force winds. Ancient Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Hot soaks, incredible food, sleeping on futons. And steps—lots of steps—made of rocks, roots, stones,
and logs, through forested trails. These are some of the fond memories experienced by eleven Colorado Mountain Club members who came to Japan in April 2017 to tour Kyoto and trek the ancient ways of the Kumano Kodo.
KYOTO
Of all the amazing places in Kyoto to visit, Fushimi-Inari shrine stands out. Fushimi-Inari is a complex of shrines that occupies an entire mountain, the natural element being celebrated. The shrine consists of over 2,000 torii gates that snake up and down the mountain and tower over the walking paths beneath. There are many small shrines and worship places along the way, as well as incredible views over Kyoto and intimate tea houses in which to stop and rest. Climbing to the top of Fushimi-Inari proved to be a good challenge and gave us a glimpse of what to expect on the mountainous trek to come. After our time visiting Kyoto, we boarded a train and headed down the coast through Osaka and on to Tanabe at the western edge of the Kii Peninsula—home to the ancient way of Kumano Kodo. Waiting to introduce us to the Kumano experience was our guide, Mike, an American who now makes his home in Japan. Mike showed us around the Tourist Information Center and helped us gather the maps and stamp books we’d need along our trek and to orient us to the region. Mike even arranged a special blessing for our group from the head priest at one of the main shrines in Tanabe.
Our timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as we arrived in Kyoto at the height of the cherry blossom season. Everywhere we went in Kyoto we were met with splashes of intense color and the sometimes overpowering scent of flowers. We saw men, women, and children dressed in their best traditional clothing while out walking the paths of parks, shrines, and temples—all enjoying the beautiful weather and celebrating the season. We had three days to spend in Kyoto. It was hard to decide among the many interesting things to see and do. A Buddhist temple, a Shinto shrine. The Path of Philosophy. UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A walk through Gion in hopes of catching sight of a geisha heading out for her evening’s appointments. Celebrating cherry blossom season at a hanami, an evening picnic in a park under lighted cherry trees with hundreds of other revelers. Somehow we managed to fit plenty of activities into our limited time there. All were amazing introductions to a variety of beliefs and customs celebrated in Japan. 24
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What an unexpected treat! We were sure to walk well on the Kumano Kodo trails with that blessing. Kumano Kodo is a pilgrimage route which comprises a network of trails that converge on the nation’s spiritual heart: the mountains of the heavily forested Kii Peninsula. The route has been in use for over a thousand years and is heavily dotted with Shinto shrines both large and small. Our trek would take us to three grand shrines and would pass by hundreds of smaller and less important ones. Each shrine is unique and celebrates a natural element such as a rock, tree, or waterfall. It is said that these natural elements contain spirits, or deities, and that the shrines offer them a place to rest and to be honored.
KUMANO KODO
Our trek began with a short bus ride to the “official” starting point and the first shrine. As we disembarked from the bus, it started raining in earnest. We were well prepared for the weather and started out without any worries. At first the trail seemed pleasant enough: a flat, wide surface through cypress and cedar forest. Within about 500 feet, however, we encountered what would be the majority of trail conditions on the trek—steep steps composed of tree roots, rocks, and logs. We discovered that all steep hills come to a top at some point, usually at an overlook with views of forested peaks that seem to go on forever. While the distances of our daily hikes were not long (the longest segment was around 12 miles), we were challenged by the terrain nevertheless. After trekking in the rain, we were happy to see our accommodation and be able to enjoy hot soaks, beverages, and dinner together before heading to our futons to dream of better weather to come. Alas, better weather was not to be, at least not on this day. The forecast predicted strong typhoon-force winds blowing across the peninsula as a storm sat offshore. We hiked on through pouring rain and extremely high winds for the majority of the day before the storm blew itself out and we arrived at our night’s accommodation without mishap. Again, hot soaks, beverages, and dinner revived us. Fortunately, the sun came out and we were able to visit the first of three grand shrines on our itinerary under partly cloudy skies with warm weather. We traveled to our second grand shrine just like the ancient noble and imperial families did—by traditional flat-bottomed boat down the Kumano-Hawa River to the east coast of the Peninsula. Here we disembarked, visited the shrine, and then made our way via steep steps (what else?) up to the large rock that is enshrined there. Over the course of six days, we hiked approximately 38 miles. That doesn’t sound like much, but each day was long and tiring after
Hanami at night. Photo by Kris Ashton
Enjoying a traditional boat tour. Photo by Richard Burrell
climbing up one hill and down the other side, only to find another hill in our path. On the last full day of hiking, we tackled a trail nicknamed Dogirizaka or “body-breaking slope.” After trekking up stone step after step after step, we decided it was aptly named! It was quite a relief when we reached the top, the highest point on the trek at 881 meters. Champagne carried in Mike’s backpack was our reward at the end of this last segment of tough walking. We visited the final grand shrine in clear warm weather, then headed to our accommodation for a well-deserved night’s rest. The next day would see bad weather and storms blow in again. Kii-Katsuura, on the east coast of the Peninsula, was the end point of our Kumano Kodo trek. Katsuura is a lively fishing village where we were able to experience the bluefin tuna for which the region is famous. It was as delightful as advertised! We celebrated with our guide, Mike, one last time, wishing him a fond farewell, before making our way to Osaka and home or to further travels. What an amazing adventure in Japan! Want to experience the rich culture and beauty of Japan firsthand? Join CMC Adventure Travel for the Kyoto & Kumano Kodo Trek trip November 14–28, 2018, and experience fall foliage in Japan— another of nature’s spectacular displays not to be missed! ▲ Trail & Timberline
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ADVENTURE TRAVEL CMC Adventure Travel specializes in active vacations and small group itineraries to inspiring mountain destinations around the world. See cmc.org/AdventureTravel for more details.
England
Italy
Colorado
Trekking
Trekking
River Canoeing & Hiking
Aug. 19–Sept. 1, 2018 Trip Leaders: Kris Ashton & Jen Pruchnik
Aug. 24–Sept. 9, 2018 Denise Snow
Sept. 12–16, 2018 Ben Larson
Utah
Mexico
Japan
Biking & Hiking
Trekking & History
Hiking & Culture
Oct. 1–6, 2018 Rick Pratt
Oct. 20–Nov. 1, 2018 Chris Englert
Oct. 30–Nov. 12, 2018 Kris Ashton & Christine Petty
Patagonia
Japan
Mexico
Trekking
Hiking & Culture
Mountaineering
Nov. 10–23, 2018 Denise Snow
Nov. 14–18, 2018 Kris Ashton
Nov. 17–26, 2018 Michaela Brtnkova
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Nepal Trekking and Volunteering Nov. 9–19, 2018 Karma Sherpa
Explore the natural beauty of the Himalaya while doing volunteer work to preserve conservation land, flora, fauna, and water resources. The Nepal Mountain & Cultural Trek will offer you an opportunity to see the vast beauty of this unique part of the world. You’ll become immersed in the culture as you observe and participate in daily Sherpa life in rural villages. The Sherpa are friendly, hospitable, and welcoming to visitors and they are happy to invite guests into their homes and share what they have. As you trek through terraced hillside villages, you’ll learn about Sherpa communities and how they overcome the challenges of daily life and limited material resources. Take in stunning panoramic views of the eastern Himalaya Range, including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Mt. Numbur, and many other famous peaks.
Argentina
Switzerland
Costa Rica
Mountaineering
Ski Touring
Hiking & Wildlife
Dec. 27, 2018–Jan. 15, 2019 Steve Bonowski
April 6–14, 2019 Gary Hellenga
Arizona
Norway
Grand Canyon Rafting
Trekking
Explore a wilder side of Costa Rica! Tour through the rainforest and hike along secluded beaches in a rich land of volcanoes, waterfalls, rivers, and spectacular wildlife. National Geographic has described it as “the most biologically intense place on earth!” April 27–May 9, 2019 Patrick McKinley
Aug. 18–Sept. 1, 2019 Denise Snow
Jan. 4–19, 2019 Trip Leaders: Kris Ashton & Ellen Montague
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Colorado’s Young ClImbers
Keep Smashing Records Past recipients of CMC’s Young Climber of the Year Award keep excelling beyond their years
By Kassondra Cloos
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n a Saturday morning just outside of Boul- He spotted the route a few weeks earlier and knew it der, Max Manson stares up at Easter Rock would be the perfect challenge—his first trad 5.12, and mimes the holds to lead Thunderdome. the hardest climb he’s ever tried by two grades.
He says he’s nervous, but he doesn’t seem it. He scales the wall fairly quickly, laughing rather than freaking out when he realizes a funny squeaking noise he heard coming from a crack turned out to be a bat. Climbers twice his age on another route a few feet over grunt loudly and shout curses when they fall. Not Max. He makes 5.12 look easy. But even when he does fall while climbing, he doesn’t mind, his father, Pat Manson, says as Max continues to rise toward topping out. 28
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“He loves the falls,” he says, in between cheering Max on. “He loves everything.” When Max, now 17, was named a Colorado Young Climber of the Year last winter by the Colorado Mountain Club, it came as an exciting surprise. Sure, he had climbed all of the state’s 14ers by the age of twelve, and he has climbed competitively. But he’s “just out there doing his thing, doing Colorado,” Pat says.
Max Manson in the early goings of Thunderdome (5.12). Photo by Kassondra Cloos
“He’s multi-dimensional in his love of the outdoors. It’s not just rock climbing. It’s all of it.” That seems to be a big part of what a lot of Colorado teens and young adults have going for them. Growing up here, especially in the Boulder area, which is chock-full of current and former professional athletes and world-class coaches, makes athletics an easy sell for kids. It’s even easier when one or both of your parents have spent time as professional athletes themselves. Just look at Brooke Raboutou, for example, who also earned the CMC recognition of Young Climber of the Year in 2017. Now 17, she’s the daughter of world champion rock climbers Robyn Erbesfield-Raboutou and Didier Raboutou. They had Brooke in climbing shoes almost as soon as she could walk, and she began shattering records in elementary school. At the age of eleven, she became the
youngest person in the world to send a 5.14b, Welcome to Tijuana, in Spain. Most teens—and probably most adults, too—would likely crack under the kind of pressure Brooke is often under. She’s constantly in demand, whether for practice, videos, interviews, sponsor obligations, schoolwork, competitions, or traveling. She’s often so busy that she and her mother/coach communicate via a message board at home. “She seems to perform really well under that pressure,” Erbesfield-Raboutou says. “I’m so impressed, honestly, every day, with how she maintains so much composure.” Brooke broke several world records even before her 5.14b ascent at age eleven. When asked what she’s most proud of, Brooke says it’s her send of Cost Fan Tutte in Rodellar, Spain, an 8C+/5.14c route. “Not only was this climb one of my harder sends, taking me a few days to complete,” she says, “but it was and is one of my all-time favorite climbs.” That is, after all, why she keeps climbing—because she loves it. On the toughest days, she reminds herself of this and climbs something fun that makes her feel strong and happy. “It’s rare that I find a time that I’m not enjoying climbing,” she says. Brooke competes in both youth and adult competitions, which puts her in a fairly unique situation: She’s young enough to climb with teens, but good enough to climb with adults. She approaches the two types of competition quite differently. “Since I have competed in youth for a while now, I have felt what it’s like to stand on the podium and so it does build a little more pressure for me when competing because I know I am capable of being one of the best,” she says. “As a young/new adult World Cup climber, I feel like I have less pressure from myself and others to perform as well, making it easier to relax. In all competitions I climb in, I try to keep the same mindset and goals: to be happy and climb with confidence.” That confidence is a major contributor to Brooke’s success, says Erbesfield-Raboutou. She also coaches Boulderite Margo Hayes, 20, who shot into the spotlight last year when she became the first woman to climb a 5.15a, La Rambla, in Siurana, Spain. Colorado Mountain Club named her a Young Climber of the Year in 2016, before she became a national climbing celebrity. Hayes is incredibly humble, especially for someone who has achieved so much at such a young age. She stands out for more than her talent, says Chris Sylvia, sports marketing manager at The North Face. “There are many traits that I could mention such as determination, creativity, and being bold, but the one that stands out the most is that she is genuine,” Sylvia says. “Margo’s passion for the sport truly represents the best of what we look for in our athlete team, Trail & Timberline
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which is someone that can be a role model on and off the rock.” It’s impossible to miss her drive, optimism, and the intense pressure she puts on herself in Break On Through, a short film about Hayes’s incredible ascent of La Rambla showcased in Reel Rock 12. The day she sent La Rambla, she fell time and time again and her hands were cut, scraped, and bloody. But still, she went for it one final time. That’s when she made it. She burst into tears as she reached the top. An Instagram photo of her laughing with tears in her eyes, hugging her arms with chalky hands, went viral. “Even if it’s hard, sometimes you get this surge of energy, this magic,” Hayes says in the film. “You feel unstoppable.” Hayes started climbing around the age of ten, after she spent a few years as a gymnast. Even then, she was her own biggest critic: She told Shape that at age eleven, she returned to gymnastics after an injury and felt two metatarsals break again in her foot during class. Rather than tell her coach and risk having to sit out, she went to the bathroom and iced her foot in the toilet, then went back to practice. This is how she seems to approach everything. Both Hayes and Raboutou are USA Climbing athletes (Hayes also recently joined its board of directors) and have Olympic prospects.
Brooke Raboutou was named Colorado Young Climber of the Year by the CMC in 2017. Photo by Justin Roth
The 2020 Games, in Tokyo, will be the first to offer climbing, and athletes will compete in bouldering, sport, and speed competitions. Raboutou had her first evaluation at the Olympic Training Center in April. Hayes couldn’t be reached for this article, but told Outside magazine earlier this year that it would be “a huge honor” to compete in the Olympics. Raboutou’s next goal? She’s training hard at the moment for the World Cup and wants to spend more time climbing outdoors. She plans to do so this summer with a trip to South Africa on the horizon. As for Max Manson, he’s got a lot going for him, too. He’s a 30
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Margo Hayes on the rock. She earned the title of Colorado Young Climber of the Year in 2016. Photo courtesy of Margo Hayes
renaissance teen, to be sure—not only is he an accomplished hiker and climber, he’s into photography and filmmaking, and he builds rockets. Oh, and he’s also on the NCAA track for pole vaulting, which might just be the opposite of climbing. “I’m usually either fighting gravity or taking advantage of it,” he says in his Instagram profile, @adventurestothemax, where he posts videos of himself climbing, pole vaulting, and cliff jumping. Max’s ultimate dream is to be both a professional climber and a professional pole vaulter—with high hopes for the Olympics in the latter. He no longer competes as a climber but coaches at EVO, a climbing gym in Louisville. “I got really into competing, but I found the outdoors a lot more fun,” he says. Since he’s already climbed all of Colorado’s 14ers, he’s looking elsewhere for challenges in the mountains, like summiting a good chunk of Colorado’s 13ers or Centennial peaks, and maybe someday aiming for Everest and Denali. For now, though, his pole vaulting prospects seem to be the strongest. On May 17 this year, Max cleared 17 feet, 3.5 inches, breaking the state meet record his dad held for 32 years. Pat Manson was a longtime professional pole vaulter and says he loves seeing Max and his sister, Mia, a high school sophomore and also a pole vaulting champion, perform better even better than him. So far, Max has surpassed everything his dad accomplished at every age. “Every record gets broken,” Pat Manson said in late April, back when his state meet record still held. “What would be cooler than your own son breaking it?” ▲
The proposed site’s views on a bluebird winter day. Photo by Joe Griffith
Rendezvous Property to Provide New Outdoor Classroom Site for Club By Philip Swiny, Safety & Operations Director
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reating access to the mountains and outdoor landscapes of this amazing state has always been a key piece of who we are. The Colorado Mountain Club strives to create as many opportunities for members to enjoy the great outdoors as possible. As the state population increases and outdoor recreation grows in popularity, the wild places we so cherish are becoming more and more crowded. This presents challenges to the Club, especially when it comes to activities on public lands that require permits. In an effort to reduce these challenges, the CMC has been researching alternative locations to conduct educational courses and activities and has recently found some success. Last year, we began conversations with Rendezvous about the possibility of the CMC establishing a long-term lease on 10 acres of land in the Fraser Valley. This land, a small piece of a much larger plot owned by the management group, is located just ten minutes from the entrance of Winter Park Ski Resort and has year-round vehicle access. Although the discussions with the landowners are ongoing, it seems very likely that the CMC will be able to utilize this property as a permit-free teaching facility, with the possibility of developing a small campus with temporary shelters. The potential for navigation, youth education, overnight camping, and snow science classes at this location are limitless. Although this property doesn’t completely solve the Club’s ac-
cess-related challenges, it is a huge step forward for the CMC’s outdoor education program. We are grateful to this very generous partner and, in the future, hope to create additional partnerships that support our efforts to provide wilderness programming to our members around the state. ▲
Proposed CMC Basecamp Management Site
The proposed location of the CMC Basecamp Site.
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MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY
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I Dreamed a Dream:
“Equal is Greater” for Women in the Mountains
By Maddie Miller 146,478 feet of hiking elevation, 56,981 feet of biking gain. This was my dream: to climb 50 of Colorado’s highest peaks, using only a road bike as transportation and hoping to inspire gender equality in the outdoors and sport.
The Colorado columbine accompanies Maddie, Melissa, and Linden on their ascent of Castle Peak. Photo by Maddie Miller
I have always been a very goal-oriented person. I make New Year’s resolutions, I write down objectives for the month, and occasionally I dream of extremely difficult and strenuous mountain adventures. However, it seems that goal setting is a lost art in my generation. With the instantaneous nature of our society through social media and the Internet, millennials tend to shy away from setting objectives because everything is at the touch of their fingertips. Call me old fashioned, but I believe in the importance of a dream, of a goal, of an ambition. Thus, the dream of “Equal is Greater” was born: Melissa Arnot Reid and I set a huge goal for ourselves with the intention to inspire other women to seek out big objectives in the outdoors. Melissa is a world-renowned climber, exceptional mountain guide, successful business owner (of her own guiding service), and extraordinary mentor. Not only has she summited the world’s highest peak six times, but in 2016 she also became the first American female to summit and successfully descend Everest without oxygen. This particular trip was pivotal for my growth as a young mountain enthusiast, as I realized during the adventure that goals actually shift quite a lot. Although setting big goals was still an important message of the trip, being willing to adapt and adjust those dreams became the real lesson.
Original Goal: To Seek Challenge in the Mountains
As a recent graduate from college, I was looking to expand my horizons. I was amidst thesis writing when I contacted Melissa Arnot about wanting to collaborate on a trip in Colorado. I wanted a goal, a challenge: something I could set my sights on after I entered the adult world. After bouncing ideas off of each other—about doing the 100 Centennials, doing the 54 Fourteeners in record time, and biking the 100 centennials—we settled upon hiking 50 of the Colorado Centennials, biking in between them, and doing the endeavor in 21 days. Insane? I sure didn’t think so at the time. But that is just the thing about me: I am a dreamer.
Goal’s Purpose: To Promote Gender Equality in
Outdoor and Sport With this big goal in the back of my mind, I began training hard. I have significant mountain biking experience, but I had never road biked in my life, meaning I had a lot of groundwork to cover. My training regime was strict and intense, but it gave me a sense of purpose and excitement. I was working as a bartender and as a porter for a mountain guiding company in Ketchum, Idaho, and knowing I had a big trip coming up made me motivated. Additionally, I was planning and re-planning our bike route and climbing route based on peaks that were close together, peaks that were close to roads, and bike routes that had reasonable mileage. We finally came up with a route we were excited about, but something was still missing: what was the purpose of this ambitious trip we were about to embark on? My life’s journey has been proving myself as a young and small female in this industry. Instilling any sort of inspiration or confidence for other women to discover their true power in the outdoors would make any of my adventures worth it. Therefore, we took on this difficult endeavor to inspire more women to pursue mountain adventures, making a smaller gender discrepancy in outdoor and sport and thus creating the hashtag: “Equal is Greater.” I count myself lucky to have found a mentor like Melissa, who has instilled in me a confidence to pursue my wildest dreams in the outdoors. Our trip was to inspire that same sort of confidence in Colorado women.
Adjusted Goal: To Change the Bike Route,
Climbing Any Peaks Along the Way Nothing ever goes according to plan, even when everything seems to fall into place. This particular thought became evident as Melissa and I climbed the first two peaks of the trip. We joined up with the Colorado Mountain Club to do our first two peaks: Bierstadt and Evans. We met up early in the morning, summited Bierstadt at sunrise, crossed the Sawtooth Ridge, and tiptoed our way past the mountain goats to get to Mount Evans. After descending, we slid on our bike shorts, buckled our helmets, packed our saddlebags, and clipped in our pedals. Waving our CMC friends goodbye, we descended 3,000 feet, enjoying the wind and excited about what was ahead. But when we looked down at the GPS after approaching Grant, a tiny town on US Route 285, we realized we were nowhere near where we were supposed to have gone. In fact, if we had taken the route we had planned out on Google Maps, we would have gone on the Colorado Trail, a very technical thru-hiking trail and a trail not passable by road bike. What had I done? The anxiety, the fear, the disappointment, began creeping up on me like an unwanted spider crawling up my skin. I looked at Melissa, undecided whether to break out in hysterical tears or laughter. We chose the latter, breaking out into uncontrollable giggles, finding it hilarious that we not only went the wrong way, but we had based our entire biking route on the Colorado Trail. Not easily discouraged, we adjusted our plan to route everything back on road, attempting to climb what we originally intended.
Readjusted Goal: To Be Realistic About Ability Versus Ambition After feeling good about our new course of action, we set off to Breckenridge. Now that we were sticking to roads, our biking routes became less technical, but a whole lot more time-consuming. From Grant to Breckenridge, we had to bike 51 miles with over 4,600 feet of elevation gain. “Push. Pull. Push. Pull . . .” I chanted over and over in my head as I approached mile 40 and the top of Hoosier Pass. My throbbing legs were making me feel a newfound sense of gratitude for vehicles, engines, and gasoline. The Colorado Department of Transportation must have been laughing at road bikers when they were making roads in Colorado. I felt a sense of cautious relief, as I knew we were about to make our final 10-mile descent into Breckenridge and I hoped those semi-trucks would leave me just a little bit more room. I wanted to create a new bumper sticker slogan: “It’s not Morse code, share the road!” Luckily, we cruised by with no bumps and bruises and used our last dregs of energy to crawl to a Mexican restaurant for lemonade and lots of enchiladas. Indeed, although completely drained and aching with sore muscles, we had made it. My optimistic mind was thrilled. Maybe the goal was still achievable! Maybe hope was not lost! However, when looking at things realistically, we were three peaks behind our targeted goal for Day 2, and Day 3’s selection of Thirteeners was starting Trail & Timberline
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to look unfeasible from a navigational and durational standpoint. How were we going to complete a traverse of Crystal Peak, Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Fletcher Mountain with little navigational assistance apart from topo maps and trip reports? My mind began to race. I felt awful for putting us in this position, and I desperately tried to reflect back on where my thought process in planning had gone awry. Was it blind ambition? Was it ego? What had
[Left] Suited up and ready to ride! Still unaware of the mapping mishap. Photo by CMC [Right Top] Sunrise over the Rockies as the pair embark on the traverse of Sawtooth Ridge. Photo by Maddie Miller [Right Bottom] Melissa and Maddie descending Mount Evans. Photo by Emma Longcope
led me to think that we could climb a rather technical traverse with no rock gear and then finish out a bike ride all the way to Kite Lake Trailhead, a 23-mile ride with 3,800 feet of gain? I was strong, but maybe not superhuman strong. I felt like an imposter in my own skin: the usual humble and self-aware Maddie turned egotistical and overzealous. This humbling realization led to our newest goal: work as hard as we can to our ability. Therefore, we forfeited the plan for the traverse and headed straight for Quandary Peak the next morning, making it a one-peak day and then making our way to the Kite Lake Trailhead. Although not giving up yet, I had to come to terms with my own ability and accepted the goal’s malleable nature.
End Goal: To Have Fun Rolling with the Punches
Although the dream had taken on so many different forms in just less than a week, the final goal became to just enjoy the ride, the most important message of all. We woke up on Day 4 to climb Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, and Bross, a rather smooth ascent. As the sun rose while we descended Democrat, the warmth tickled my wind-bitten face, a feeling I
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cherish every time I get the privilege of watching the sunrise in the mountains. The sun’s rays were just the motivation we needed to make our ridge walk to the other three peaks. After the descent, we enjoyed a Pop-Tart and saddled up our “wild ponies”—the name we had given our unwieldy bikes when they were back-heavy with all of the weight of our saddlebags. As we started discussing our plan of action, we realized that to make our sponsor event in Aspen on Day 7, we needed to just focus on riding. We had 158 miles to cover, 11,262 feet of elevation gain, and just two days to do it. Our days were still extremely ambitious even with the adapted goal. The original goal was to find challenge in the mountains—and our final two days looked to be plenty challenging. Once the pressure of trying to achieve the unfeasible was gone, this new challenge became just a whole lot of fun. We decided to split up the bike ride by staying in Buena Vista at a Best Western. Of course, no rooms were available on the first floor for easy accessibility for our bikes. So, imagine two tiny bodies desperately trying to control two very unwieldy ponies as we attempted to get them up two flights of stairs. We didn’t escape without being covered by enormous amounts of bike grease. But the laughter was endless. Our next day was the notorious ride up Independence Pass, a 12,095-foot pass between Twin Lakes and Aspen. Our route was a 63-mile ride with 3,100 feet of elevation gain—absolutely breathtaking, on a road that meandered its way around the alpine of the Sawatch Range. My eyes were wide with excitement and invigoration. I had lost track of what mile we were on, but I could feel the air getting thinner and thinner with each switchback. My legs began to move slower, my mind feeling weary from the continuous mental battle I was having in my head. “Just one more switchback.” I was counting my breaths by the tens, attempting to take my mind off of the metallic sensation that was building in my lungs. We rounded the last corner, and I could see the buildup of parked cars, and people taking pictures, selfies, and snapchats of their successful arrival to Independence Pass. Suddenly, I stopped feeling the aches, I stopped noticing the thin air, and I stopped counting my breaths, as the adrenaline pumping through my body quickly propelled me to the top and the rush of relief washed itself over me. After this incredibly rewarding ride up Independence Pass, we made it to Aspen! The next morning we had our sights set on climbing Castle Peak. I was
Castle Peak had always been on my Colorado bucket list.
attempting to not let my mind realize how tired I actually was because Castle Peak had always been on my Colorado bucket list. Feeling the aches and pains from Independence Pass just 8 hours earlier, we pedaled our way in the dark at 4:00 a.m. up to the Castle Creek Trailhead, where we met Aspen local Linden Mallory, who joined us on the endeavor. We floated up the mountain, having good conversation and enjoying the crisp Aspen mountain air. My legs were getting used to the pedal, walk, pedal, walk. On our descent, I noticed Colorado’s state flower blooming amidst the endless rock surrounding us. What a warrior this particular Blue Columbine was, growing in such harsh conditions and surviving on its own. If Colorado had taught me anything, it’s to cherish this life we have been given and enjoy the ride. This Blue Columbine, although alone, is continuing to soak in the Colorado sun and thrive. As we approached our bikes and my mind continued to roam about the state flower, I heard an “EEEEK.” I looked over at Melissa’s newly dislocated shoulder and started to panic. “WFR, reduction, backcountry setting, remember?” And before I could even begin to act on my knowledge, Melissa put her own shoulder back in effortlessly. If there is any warrior like the Colorado Blue Columbine, it’s Melissa, doing what she has to do to survive. However, this meant a probable end to the trip, seeing as biking with a dislocated shoulder really is not the recommended protocol for recovery. But we stuck to
our goal, carrying out the media event in Aspen and having a lot of fun. Those Colorado Peaks and mountain passes are not going anywhere. Although the trip was cut short, I was completely and utterly satisfied with my level of fun, challenge, and learning, and that’s all you can really ask for in an adventure. Goals are such an important tool in my life. Although this particular goal changed dramatically over the course of just a week, it was the act of setting a goal that made the trip as fun as it was. Indeed, we did not complete the expedition, but I gained so much more from that experience than I would have if everything had gone perfectly. In the end, the original goal of seeking challenge in the mountains was achieved. The final objective of having fun rolling with the punches was what made the original goal achievable. Even though goals are malleable, the important takeaway is seeing the goal through in any shape it decides to take. Sometimes I find myself forgetting to set intentions or objectives, as life moves at such a fast pace. In the end, I’ve found it’s not always about achieving the dream, it’s about setting a goal, and seeing where it takes you. ▲
Ridge walking up Castle Peak. A brisk but beautiful day to climb a Colorado Fourteener. Photo by Linden Mallory
Maddie Miller is an incredibly driven and passionate individual who has found her life’s purpose in the mountains. Currently working for the Colorado Mountain Club’s membership services department, Miller’s most notable achievement is her record-breaking ascent of all fifty United States highpoints in just 41 days. Trail & Timberline
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GEAR REVIEW
YEP Kids Climbing in Style, Thanks to Five Ten By Jay Cordes, Development Director
CMC Staff celebrate the arrival of the new fleet. Photo by Reed Fischer
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limbers know the confidence that comes with slipping on a new pair of climbing shoes. The snug fit, the sticky rubber, the style points—all allow climbers to top out on their favorite routes and projects. Now, that technology and confidence is available to participants of the Colorado Mountain Club’s Youth Education Program, thanks to
the outdoor brand Five Ten. The CMC recently partnered with Five Ten to build a complete fleet of climbing shoes to be used for our youth climbing programs. The brand donated over 75 pairs of their Rogue Lace shoe to ensure that YEP kids can hone their skills in up-to-date gear. The Five Ten Rogue Lace is a durable shoe
geared towards beginners who are learning to climb, making them a perfect fit for the everyday wear and tear they’ll face during the CMC’s YEP classes. The shoe transitions easily from indoor to outdoor, and will be prominently used in YEP’s camps, classes, and outings for seasons to come. It is not uncommon to walk through the doors of the American Mountaineering Center and be greeted by a full class of students climbing on our in-house wall. Before hitting the wall, the students participate in classes that teach them about the science of climbing and friction. After learning the physics of the sport, they apply their knowledge on the wall. YEP’s previous shoes were outdated and worn. Old gear is now a thing of the past, thanks to Five Ten providing a full fleet of sizes to accommodate students large and small. Needless to say, the youth are hard at work putting the shoes to the test. Previously, YEP had been relying on outdated donated shoes, making the climbing experience a little less than it could be for the students. The new kicks not only allow the program to provide much-needed gear for students, they also allow youth to take their climbing to the next level. Next time you visit the American Mountaineering Center, be sure to compliment the YEP kids on their new shoes—more confidence equals more sending!
Adidas Terrex CC Voyager By Jay Cordes, Development Director
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Jay enjoying the crag in Krabi, Thailand. The adidas Terrex CC Voyager made a great approach shoe for the sandy conditions. Photo by Jay Cordes 38
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hen I booked a two-week trip to Thailand this spring, I knew that I would be covering a lot of ground taking in the sites and experiencing the culture. I also knew that I was in for a 13-hour flight and that I needed a comfortable, durable pair of sneakers to keep me comfy along the way. Having learned from past experience, I know nothing can hamper a trip like walking for miles, standing for hours, and slogging through damp environments in a pair of footwear that is ill fitting and ill equipped for the conditions. In my search for perfect Thailand footwear, I did some research and talked to experts in the field to get an idea of what people turned to first. Enter the adidas Terrex CC Voyager, the
shoe that I wore almost exclusively trekking around Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and even the beaches in southern Thailand. I am sure that most folks are familiar with the “Brand with the Three Stripes,” but recently, adidas has expanded their technical line of footwear for climbing, trail running, and approaches to the crag. The Voyager is everything that I was looking for in a travel shoe. It is lightweight, breathable, and comes with a grippy Stealth rubber outsole, resulting from the recent partnership of adidas with Five Ten.
The Terrex CC Voyager paid off immediately thanks to one of my favorite features, the collapsible, stretchy heel. On the long flight to Asia I was able to easily slip them on and off for quick leg-stretch missions to get the blood flowing. This feature also was excellent when touring temples and other sites that required visitors to remove their shoes. The Terrex CC Voyager also has a drainage system through midsole sidewalls that made the shoes amazing to wear with or without socks. I put the shoes to the test
Adidas Terrex Techrock Gore-Tex Pro Jacket By Brandon Daniell, CMC High Altitude Mountaineering School Instructor
on my first day touring Bangkok, when a monsoon moved into the area. Undeterred by the inclement weather, my travel partner and I set out to take in the sites of the city. The drainage system worked flawlessly—despite the heavy rain my feet never felt soggy, and the shoes dried extremely fast. After that first day I was sold, and consistently reached for the Voyager for the remainder of the trip. The Voyager excelled in all environments, and I look forward to using them during the Colorado summer on more mountain adventures!
season, my initial reaction, which I am now truly embarrassed to admit, was “Doesn’t adidas just make shoes?” What a naive statement. Fully five months after receiving the Terrex Techrock, I now won’t head to the trailhead without the Techrock in my pack. Testing products in HAMS is easy, because our field days are at 12,000 feet on Saturdays in January, February, and March. This usually means we are heading out from the trailhead with the wind blowing a gale and the temperature more suitable for a polar bear than a HAMS student. This year did not disappoint. On one outing, the wind chill when we exited the car was -27° F. FEATURES The designers at adidas Terrex got all the details right on this jacket. The fit is excellent, the hood adjusts over any helmet with ease, the zipper pulls are ideal when wearing gloves, the pockets are generous and easily accessible, and the Gore-Tex Pro fabric is top-notch. The feature I tip my hat to most, however, is the small area of merino wool lining on the inside of the jacket in front of the face. Coupled with the small ventilation holes in the shell that sit right over your mouth when the jacket is fully zipped up, the lining is welcome when you are burrowing into the jacket to escape the elements. Stroke of genius!
CMC Senior Instructor Lindsay Huffman eyes her route in the adidas Terrex Techrock. Photo by Brandon Daniell
HOW WE TESTED When I received the call from the CMC that adidas Terrex was offering the Colorado
Mountain Club’s High Altitude Mountaineering School instructors their Techrock Gore-Tex Pro jacket to use during the 2018
FINAL VERDICT The Techrock jacket from adidas Terrex easily represents what a “best in class” hardshell jacket should be. It was obviously designed by people who know and understand what Mother Nature can throw at you. As for future HAMS classes, the adidas Terrex Techrock has earned its place in the gear list as “best in class.” ▲ Trail & Timberline
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The scene of a Colorado High School Climbing League competition. Photo by Tyler Bevington
Learning to Send: Colorado’s High School Climbers By Reed Fischer, Marketing & Communications Manager
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oloradans have been climbing for centuries. Our state is home to some of the best crags in the world, offering a popular pastime for residents. It’s rare to go for a weekend drive up Boulder Canyon or Clear Creek Canyon without seeing climbers’ cars parked on the shoulder. Weekend getaways for many aren’t relaxing affairs, but trips to Indian Creek to hit the cracks. Despite climbing’s popularity in the state, relatively
few Coloradans pursue the sport to the fullest as kids—opting instead for varsity offerings through their school district. To help bring the sport to Colorado’s youth, high schools have started to recognize the sport and form teams and competitions. Broomfield’s Jefferson Academy has offered climbing for over a decade, bringing the sport to hundreds of Coloradans and helping inspire and educate the next generation’s climbers.
Tyler Bevington took over the Jefferson Academy Climbing Team in 2013 in hopes of exposing his students to the sport. A graduate of CSU in Fort Collins, Bevington’s passion for climbing began on the sandstone of Horsetooth Reservoir. He quickly fell in love with the peace he found through climbing. “There’s no other sport I’d rather be involved in. I wanted to make sure the legacy of the team continued on and continued to grow,” Bevington said. The team, originally founded in 2006, has seen a steady growth in popularity and credibility. Students are now able to earn a varsity letter in climbing, and the team has grown to a record sixty athletes for the 2017–18 school year.
The JA Climbing Team competes at the state level in the American Scholastic Climbing League (ASCL), an independent league which comprises about fifty teams from around Colorado. Teams compete in multiple disciplines throughout the year, culminating in the Junior Varsity and Varsity State Finals. Each region receives an established number of spots for the State Finals, and athletes are selected based on their average scores from the duration of the season. The competition is high and some of the state’s best young climbers are in attendance. One of Jefferson Academy’s female qualifiers, sophomore Iza Nowak, earned runner-up honors at the 2017 State Finals, a memory Bevington said he’ll cherish for a long time.
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At its core, the Jefferson Academy Climbing Team was created to help foster that growth, from first-time climbers to high-caliber young athletes.
“Seeing these kids succeed at the state level, then continue on into the sport after high school, is one of the main reasons I’ve stuck with coaching,” Bevington said, “The student’s growth as a climber and a person from 7th grade to 12th grade is really special to be a part of.” At its core, the Jefferson Academy Climbing Team was created to help foster that growth, from first-time climbers to high-caliber young athletes. As a teacher, a huge part of Bevington’s job is to help students become self-confident young adults. “This team provides an opportunity for kids to really see what they’re capable of. To be a climber, you have to face your fear every day, and be able to overcome it. That’s a powerful thing for many of our kids, and it really helps them mature as individuals,” Bevington said. “Our goal is to help students find a lifelong skill and come to love climbing and the outdoors.” Bevington hopes the growth he’s seen in his own athletes and team will hold true for the rest of the state. Interest continues to grow in the ASCL, and more and more schools are looking to add a climbing program. “Ultimately, our goal is to provide opportunity for all kids to climb, not just Colorado’s kids,” Bevington said. As more kids begin to find the sport of climbing on a local level, they will also be more exposed to the sport on a global level. Youth across the globe will soon have the opportunity to find inspiration in watching the world’s best climbers compete at the highest level. Three climbing disciplines: sport, speed, and bouldering will make their Olympic debuts in the 2020 Summer Games. “That’s a great sign for the future of climbing,” said Bevington, “The fact that climbing’s rise in popularity has been recognized by the Olympics is great. Exposing as many kids to the sport as possible is the best way to build interest in the sport.” With the growth and success of the JA Climbing Team, and climbing’s addition to the Olympics, it may one day be possible for one of Bevington’s athletes to compete in the Games. And even if not, you’re sure to find them sending routes around the state for years to come. ▲ For more information about the Jefferson Academy Climbing Team, or high school climbing in general, contact Tyler Bevington at tbevington@ jajags.com.
Iza Nowak, a sophomore at Jefferson Academy, took 2nd place at this year’s Varsity State Finals. Photo by Tyler Bevington
The JA Climbing Team practices and competes in climbing gyms across the Denver metro area. Photo by Tyler Bevington
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End of the Trail William (Bill) Markley ▶ 1934–2017 William (Bill) Markley, a lifetime member of the CMC, passed away on November 4, 2017. Bill had been a CMC member for 43 years. During those 43 years he gave his heart, endless volunteer time, and energy during the week, evenings, and weekends leading hikes, scouting hikes, teaching schools, and serving on various boards. Bill believed in the Colorado Mountain Club, and always put it first. His failing health over the last two years did not allow him to participate in the vigorous hikes he loved, but he continued to be available to pass on his knowledge and provide support through dollars and volunteering at the American Mountaineering Museum. His love for being outdoors remained strong. Bill originally joined the CMC after a failed attempt at Longs Peak. He completed Basic Mountaineering School not long after and began to tackle 14ers, eventually returning to Longs for a successful summit. Throughout his life, Bill stayed with the Club because it kept him busy and in the outdoors. In all, Bill led over 25 trips, instructed 11 sessions of Wilderness Trekking School, enjoyed nine CMC Adventure Travel trips, and helped create memories for countless CMC members.
Sheryl Randall. Photo by Janet Prehn
William (Bill) Markley
CMC member Susan Krause said, “Bill was one of the kindest men I’ve ever known. To me, he was my coach or captain. He was the first person to befriend me when I moved to Denver in the late ‘90s. He helped me become a hike leader for the CMC. We hiked together often and happily.” Though his presence will be missed, Bill’s legacy will live on through the many CMC members he interacted with.
Sheryl Randall ▶ 1948–2016
Sheryl Randall, a lifetime member of the Denver chapter of the Colorado Mountain Club, reached the end of her trail in March of 2016. A Michigan native, Sheryl moved to Evergreen, Colorado, after graduating from college in the 1970s. Her first career was that of a CPA for Texaco. Finance and investing were among her many interests and she enjoyed sharing her knowledge with friends, who valued her sound financial advice. This interest later evolved into a second career in financial planning.
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Sheryl was a CMC trip leader and held several offices, including chair of the Snowshoe Scheduling Committee and chair of the Conservation Committee. Outspoken, she was vibrant and cheerful and was always good for a spirited conversation on any trip. Her sense of adventure led her to travel to all seven continents in search of the wonders of the world. Sheryl spent her last few years fighting hard against a mysterious, degenerative genetic anomaly. Because doctors could not diagnose her illness, no medical support was available and there was no hope for a cure. A hike was held in Sheryl’s memory in the summer of 2016. Her friends miss her enthusiastic spirit and her hearty laughter ringing out along the trail.
Christina Jude Troxel ▶ 1939–2017
Many members in the CMC may have known Christina Jude Troxel by her darling Swedish accent. At the start of a hike she would ask, “Did you know you are hiking with a Viking?” Her passion for mountain climbing started in Breckenridge in 1977 when she climbed Mount Baldy with a group of young mothers. After savoring the view from the mountaintops in Summit County, she joined the Colorado Mountain Club. In her lifetime, she climbed 156 of the highest 200 peaks in Colorado. She also biked a number of mountain passes, completing two Ride the Rockies bicycle tours. Mountain climbing with the Colorado Mountain Club was where her true passions were realized. She kept adding to her list of skills:
of Christina Jude Troxel by her husband, Tim Troxel, and her three daughters, Charlene Jude Watson, Åsa Jude Vassallo, and Erica Jude Cain. If you visit the AAC Library and happen upon one of her books, we hope you will enjoy the treasures that have been added to Christina’s favorite organization, the Colorado Mountain Club.
Christina Jude Troxel atop one of her many peaks. Photo by Erica Cain
rock climbing, ice climbing, and winter camping. She also taught classes through the CMC, wanting to share her knowledge with others. She was well-known and well-loved by many of the Club’s members. Many of these members joined Christina on some of her biggest adventures. With over ten international summits, as well as a summit of Mount McKinley, and countless other peaks bagged, Christina was undeniably a mountaineer. After hanging up the ice axes and putting away the crampons, Christina turned her attention to the 50 state high points. She reached all the high points in the states west of the Mississippi except for North Dakota and Nebraska. Christina clearly loved to travel. So when she met a man in 2010 who also had a passion for adventure . . . it was a great match! Tim Troxel and Christina lived in the Black Forest and eventually moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. He joined her in her high-point hobby, and they claimed the high points in Texas and Indiana together. They were continually planning and executing trips in their RV or voyages overseas. All in all, she traveled to all seven continents and enjoyed going on adventures to places like the South Pole, Chile, Argentina, the Faro Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, Egypt, and China. Sadly, Christina passed away a few days after an open heart surgery on July 27, 2017. Her enthusiasm and zest for life will be missed by many. The Colorado Mountain Club recently received a substantial collection of mountaineering books which were given in memory
Phyllis Jane Bennewitz ▶ 1933–2018 Phyllis Jane (Pickwick) Bennewitz, a long-time resident of Colorado and member of the Colorado Mountain Club, passed away on March 8, 2018, just shy of her 85th birthday. Phyllis was an avid hiker, skier, and biker. Phyllis was born March 12, 1933. She was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Gerhardt “Gary” Bennewitz, Jr.; her mother, Marion (Jenks) Pickwick; and her father and stepmother, Fred and Georgiana Pickwick, Jr. Phyllis Jane Bennewitz Phyllis is survived by her children, Lynn Arthur, Cindy (Kevin) DeVries, and Scott (Michelle) Bennewitz; grandchildren, Stephanie DeVries, Danielle DeVries, and Makena Bennewitz; sister, Barbara Colacurcio; niece, Judy (George) Skeens; nephew, Douglas Strange; and other loving family and friends. Dottie (Dorothy) Heywood ▶ 1926–2017 Dottie (Dorothy) Heywood, long-time Aspen CMC member, passed away in October 2017. Her husband, Jim, preceded her a few years earlier. Dottie graduated from UC Berkeley and her father taught at Cal Tech. She married Jim who, after service in the Coast Guard, rose at the Ford Motor Company in Detroit to head a major division. They built a Snowmass Dottie (Dorothy) Heywood house in 1976, and eventually made Snowmass their permanent home. Dot loved activities with friends in the Aspen community and the Colorado Mountain Club, was hiking in July, and still hit tennis balls until becoming ill in late August. Her death is mourned by those who loved her spirit. ▲ Trail & Timberline
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YEP Stats & Successes: Spring 2018 2,112 students participated in YEP programming from March–May 2018. 44% of all students served participate in free and reduced lunch programs. 300+ hours of time were donated by YEP volunteers. Many hands make light work. 100% of teachers said YEP did an "excellent" or "good" job at delivering programming.
YEP participants survey a beautiful Colorado landscape. Photo by YEP staff
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Trail & Timberline
2017
CMC BY THE NUMBERS
625 MEMBERS
1717 TRIPS
13
GROUPS STATEWIDE
19K
302 TRIP
PARTICIPANT ACTIVITY DAYS
LEADERS
195
101,222
MILES
TOTAL HUMAN POWERED MILES
THAT IS EQUAL TO THRU HIKING AND SUMMITING THE CO 14ERS 78 TIMES!
13.2KSQFT RESTORED HABITAT
DOWNED
COURSES, CLINICS & SCHOOLS
ADVENTURE TRAVEL
REMOVED 384 TREES
209
16.4K EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS
PARTICIPANTS
19 9
GLOBAL DESTINATIONS
COUNTRIES
7549
COLORADO YOUTH EDUCATED
81
MILES OF TRAIL MAINTAINED
16.2K FB FOLLOWERS
5.5K INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS
3.2K MEETUP MEMBERS
2.4K TWITTER FOLLOWERS
63 PUBLICATIONS GUIDEBOOKS & PACK GUIDES
CMC BY THE NUMBERS 2017 Trail & Timberline
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As a volunteer, member or donor, YOU power the Club & Colorado’s future pioneers!
KEEP YOUR CLUB STRONG Make a tax-deductible gift today! Give today at cmc.org/support Questions about giving? Contact us at give@cmc.org or (303) 996-2752.