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Do you enjoy an adventurous challenge? Let me pose the question another way. Do you need an adventurous challenge!? I am inclined to assume that most of us do. Accept this particular challenge and I promise you it will be a trip you never forget. I predict that if 30 people go on this trip, 20 will one day make a very similar trip because of the fun and adventure involved. I also predict that one person at one point in their life will move to a mountainous region of the country, all based upon the experience they have on this trip. So what is it you ask? An adventure seeking, challenge hunting, intensity hungry group of CGers will take a guided trip to climb to the top of one of Colorado’s tallest and most impressive mountains.
If you are unaware, Colorado has 56 mountains that are 14,000 feet or taller. Crestone Needle is one of these 14ers and it is very highly regarded as an impressive mountain, both in its appearance as well as its challenging ascent. So who is ready to gain some altitude!!
Very simplistic description of this trip:
We (CGers) take vans to CO for a four day climbing trip. We backpack in and camp out in the primitive wilderness. Ideally, all hike/climb to the tiptop of a tall mountain. We feel immortal as a result. We tell cool stories about our climb on the 14 hour drive back home, eager to share pics and tall tales of our adventure.
Slightly more detailed description of this trip for those still interested - see below: |
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Wednesday August 18th: Leave Dallas at a yet to be determined location in one or two passenger vans at 9 pm. Drive all night and arrive at the trailhead around 11 am Thursday morning the 19th.
Thursday August 19th: Begin, with our gear on our back, a 3-5 hour hike to base camp. Arrive at base camp around 3pm. Set up base camp and enjoy the rest of the day by relaxing, fishing, taking day hikes, eating dinner, etc.
Friday August 20th: This entire day is devoted to more rest and relaxation. Take day hikes, pictures, fish, get some sun, swim if you’re crazy and don’t mind 40 degree water, etc.
Saturday August 21st: Wake up at 4:30 am for a 5 am departure from base camp to the summit of Crestone Needle. Estimated time to arrive at peak is between 8 and 9 am. Take pics and head back down to base camp. Relax and rest. Pack up base camp around 4 pm and hike back to the vans. Leave the trailhead in vans around 7pm. Drive home!
Sunday August 22nd: Arrive in Dallas around 11 am. Have the rest of the day to clean up, unpack, and relax while you realize you need a vacation from your 4-day adventure. |
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So what do I need? Everything but food is provided. We provide your transportation, gas, as well as any rentable gear that you do not have (see gear list below).
What does is cost? $140 per person or $200 per couple. (pays for vans, gas, gear, etc) due by the deadline of July 16th.
Is this a workout at all? Ummmmm, yes. Think marathon in the mountains. Slow and steady is the name of the game. You're heart rate will be through the roof. Not because your in ‘bad’ shape, but because your climbing at the same altitude that planes fly!
What is the deadline to sign up? July 16th
Are there any cabins to rent? HA!!!!! No.
Are there any restrooms to use? I’m going to need some clarification on restroom. If you are referring to a beckoning pad of peet moss lying atop fertile soil and immediately adjacent to a tall handsome looking spruce tree, then absolutely, restrooms are everywhere. If, however, you are referring to an American standard with endless rolls of toilet paper, soundproof marble dividing walls, and a flat screen tv so that even during one of natures most vile acts, you can keep up with celebrity gossip on TMZ, then I say to you, ‘Continue dreaming’! or simply, ‘No’! Use the trees. We will go over it in very generic terms with no detail added in our meeting. See below.
Are we going to have meetings leading up to the trip? I’m clueless and don’t know the first thing about ‘camping’. What a superior question! Yes we will definitely have 2 meetings scheduled and plenty of support via phone calls, email, and at camp so that you are well prepared and confident in your abilities during this trip.
Is this trip safe? It is no riskier than the gamble we take daily speeding on the highway in one ton worth of metal, negotiating our way amongst other large, fast, vehicles of could be shrapnel. That being said, if heights are a big fear of yours, you could either look at this as a great way to conquer your fear or as a trip better suited for someone else. So long as everyone is safe, smart, careful, and aware, there is not one good reason that anyone should get hurt or worse on this adventure.
Who are the guides? We will have 4 experienced climbers who have climbed an accumulative total of 30 14ers to ensure that the trip is run efficiently and safely.
I don’t want to go on a van but would rather drive myself, is that cool? I knew you would ask that! While it is not cool, we can’t exactly tell you,’ No’. We would honestly prefer to limit this though as it will only cause complications on our long drive to CO. The trailhead is not an easy place to get to, as it is out in the middle of nowhere and you cannot count on having service to pull up a map on your phone. The more vehicles we have in the caravan, the longer the trip will take and more problems that can arrive. Between having to fill up for gas at different times or stop to use the restroom at varying times, or passengers in a car getting too tired to drive, you can see how this becomes problematic. It will be important to stay together as a caravan in this trip and the more vehicles we have will surely increase the amount of time considerably it takes to get out there.
Other questions? Email Mason@campgladiator.com |
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Things to know: You will be carrying everything you take on your back up to base camp. Keep this in mind. It all needs to fit in your backpack and you need to be able to carry it for a 3-4 hour hike as you ascend 3-4000 feet of elevation. Average pack weight should be between 25 and 35 lbs. Scrutinize everything you put in your pack!!!! Even the smallest things will add up and make you miserable on the trail if you pack too much. Take what is necessary with a few perks (ipod and maybe a good small paperback book). To illustrate this point, hardcore backpacking enthusiasts weigh things in terms of ounces, not pounds. They take super ultra light gear. They cut the handles off toothbrushes and plastic forks to save an ounce here and there. I can’t stress this enough. Go light and you will be happy! My first trip to CO (which is very similar to this one) I carried 60 lbs and it nearly killed me!! I carry 30 max and prefer to carry around 26 or so.
Altitude:I hope you are one of the lucky ones who do not feel the effects of altitude. Most will in fact, however, feel some type of altitude sickness. It’s completely normal and varies in intensities and the manner in which it manifests itself. Headaches, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of energy are some less severe forms. This sounds bad I know, but please don’t let this keep you from going. The problem is that we live at around 500 ft of elevation in Dallas. We then ask our bodies to drive to 8000 ft and then hike to 12,000 ft within about 16 hours with not a lot of good sleep. The result is that our bodies react in manner that is less than ideal and we suffer slightly temporarily. We take the extra day of relaxation to help our bodies acclimate. The more we sleep at high altitudes, the more our bodies adjust. Expect to feel somewhat lousy the first day, better the next morning, and much better by lunch on Friday! Bring whatever you take for headaches though. You will want it.
Shoes: Don’t feel the need to bring or buy hiking boots. That being said, if you have them and want to bring them, so be it. In my experience, they are extremely heavy and for the most part unnecessary on trips like this. I used to hike in them and have since made the change to trail runners, which are not much more than running shoes with a more aggressive tread.
I need gear??? Where should I go?
REI.com (4515 LBJ Fwy, Dallas, TX 75244)
Mountain hideout (lovers and tollway)
www.Campmor.com
www.backcountry.com
www.sierratradingpost.com
There is a greater than zero percent chance that I left off close to a hundred things of importance. This page will be updated and all updated information will be added below this paragraph, so it is easy to find. Please feel free to call, email, text, or grab me after camp if you have questions. I have been looking forward to this trip for over a year now. It’s going to be an incredible adventure and I look forward to sharing it with you all.
-Mason Murphy, CG Head Trainer |
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| Mountain Adventure Coordinator |
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- Backpacking tent (these are lighter than car camping tents)
-Backpacking sleeping bag (lighter and mummy style)
-Sleeping pad or mat (don’t be the one not to have this!)
-Backpack (around 3500 sq. ft. is recommended)
-Head lamp
-Hydration system (like in a camel back) or water bottle
-Backpacking stove (tiny and lightweight)
-Canister fuel for stove
-Pot/skillet for cooking food (not grandmas 10lb iron skillet. Light weight and small.
***NOTE**** Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad/mat, and stove can be provided for you if you don’t have it.
Clothes: (temps can be hot in the day, cold at night)
-Hiking pants and shorts. Both are good. Convertible pants, while basically nerdy looking in shorts mode, are highly efficient and recommended.
-Wicking t shirts
-Fleece shirt or fleece jacket
-Rain shell or soft shell for wind/rain protection-Gloves (not a huge concern this time of year honestly)
-Trail running shoes or hiking boots if you must
***NOTE***Layering is best. Cotton is bad, hiking boots are overrated!
Misc:
-I pod
-Toilet paper
-Gallon size plastic bags (a few come in handy)
-Hygiene stuff (keep to the basics)
-Camera-Pocket knife (small)
-Compass
-Whistle (a must have) |
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