RMNP 2012 Overview

Pennala Rocky Mountain National Park Vacation 

2012 Overview

                        Click on posts to the right for detail and pics of each hike >>>>>>>>>>

Our favorite hikes were Flattop-Hallett-Andrews, Longs, Chasm Lake, Skypond, and Mt. Ida

Sunrise on Chasm Trail

Packs at Ypsilon Lake

Glass Lake

Chasm lake at the foot of the diamond of Longs Peak

 Skypond

14 Days

90 Miles

25,900 feet of elevation gain

A few tears

A few blisters

A few arguments

A Whole LOT of FUN!!!

Descending Andrews Glacier

Skypond

Transitioning from the Trough to the Ledges 

V-slot on Ledges of Longs Peak

Keyhole on Longs

Longs Peak from the boulder field

View from Mt. Ida

Gear

Gear  

Here are pics of some of the gear we used to play in the mountains.  Also brought along was hats, gloves, sunglasses, chap stick, fire starter, and food.  In addition, we had toilet paper, sunscreen, bug repellent, and a compass.

Pack

Lights

Gps with trail maps and topo

Body warmer, first aid kit, ace wrap, rain poncho, survival bivy bag, topo map

Water filter

Poles and spikes for snow and glacier travel

Water bottles and bladders

Walkie Talkies - 21 mile range (line of sight)

Beaver Ponds from Cub Lake TH

August 15 - 2 miles - Beaver Ponds from Cub Lake Trailhead

We roll into town, check into the cabin and decide to stretch our legs on the flat cub lake trail for a few miles.

Your typical tourist group!

Twin Sisters

August 16 - 6.8 miles - Climb Twin Sisters Peaks - 11,428 ft  - 2400 ft gain

Laura, Melissa, and Dad go for the first peak.   This is a relatively easy climb, with good views of estes park and longs peak on a clear day.  Today was hazy so the views were not so good.

Dad and Melissa at the trailhead,... Longs Peak in the background

Dad and Laura getting ready to tackle the Twins!

Nearing the top.....

The weird one!!!

Just a couple of easy moves and the summit is ours....

On the top

Longs Peak as viewed from summit of Twin Sisters

Summit register - You sign your name and so on

Trail blocker on way down

We asked nicely and he/she moved on..........

Gem Lake

Aug17 - Gem Lake - 3.4 miles - 8,820 ft - 1186 ft gain

Dad, Melissa, Laura, Trent, Miranda, Maria, Sarah, and Alena make the inaugural trip to Gem Lake.  With only 1000 feet of elevation gain, it seamed simple, but this hike was actually pretty strenuous.  Great views of town and nearby peaks along the way.

Up go the troops

Alena pauses for a breather

Gem Lake - small but pretty

Trent half way up the cliffs

Another shot

Another group photo, Gem Lake

Dad cools off Sarah with 22 ounces of mountain lake water!

Chasm Lake

August 18 am - Chasm Lake - 8.4 miles - 2,964 feet elevation gain

This hike was one of the prettiest.  Dad, Melissa, Laura, and Miranda left in the night so we could see the sunrise over Twin Sisters and the Alpine Glow on Longs Peak.  Chasm Lake sits at the base of the diamond of Longs Peak.  Very Majestic and well worth the distance and elevation to visit.

Sun peaks over Twin Sisters

Sun continues it's own ascent

Even higher in the morning sky

Longs Peak Alpine glow.... Loft couloir, ships prow, diamond, columbine falls, notch, all in pic

Columbine falls

Dad, Laura, Miranda at the lake

Melissa, Laura, Miranda at the lake

Ship's Prow

Dad, Laura, Melissa

Alberta Falls

August 18 pm - Alberta Falls - 1.5 miles - 400 feet elevation gain

This is one of the most visited spots in the park.  A short hike that doesn't climb that high.  

Getting Ready

Travis and Mom on their way

Kevin leads the way

Break time

Brianna, Laura, Miranda (Beans, Louie, Mansy)

Travis tries to lead and almost falls down!!

Chet says "This iswhat it's all about"  

Alberta Falls

Trent, Laura, Miranda, Maria, Brianna, Alena, Kevin, Shannon

Shannon, Brianna, Laura, Melissa, Leanne

Brianna, Leanne, Laura, Maria, Melissa, Alena, Miranda, Shannon, Mom, Sarah