Mount Sniktau 13,234' and Unnamed 12,585' 05/14/2005

A drive out to CO 91 to take on Jacque Peak did not turn out how I was expecting (access road was closed) so a backup plan was in order. I didn't have any info about the peaks in the area of Loveland Pass, but decided to give at least Sniktau a go. The morning breeze was chilly, but no enough to bring out the balaclava. On the right, the initial trail shows the path up Sniktau's western slopes. The southwest ridge was soon attained, and the remaining traverse to the northeast came into view. Since I hadn't been out in the higher terrain lately, I was rather surprised at the amount of snow everywhere (for May), especially at lower elevations. The false summit was also a surprise since I didn't do my homework on this one. I reached the heavily corniced summit after an hour and contemplated my next objective. Not remembering if "Cupid" is ranked or not, I forewent it. At least hiking Grizzly would involve "Cupid" anyway if I do it in the future. Below Torreys Peak is blanketed in spring snow. I spotted 12,585' and it appeared to be ranked, so I set forth back down to the pass.

The descent was swift and pleasant, and I was making good time to be home before noon with my side excursion up this unknown and seemigly ranked twelver. There were a lot of snowboarders at the pass and their presence here over the course of the spring forged a good trail through the snow partway toward 12,585'. This lark of a hike is featured in the photo on the right. With 600' of elevation gain required, this hike isn't worth a whole lot of explanation. Views of the other surrounding peaks are worth the effort, nevertheless, including this one of Mount Sniktau.