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Home for the Holidays...I somehow convinced my father to join me for a
winter hike up Guadalupe Peak. I had climbed North Franklin several times
before at the same time of year, so I knew what to expect in terms of
weather. Getting up at 5:00 a.m., we drove 120 miles to the Nat'l Park and
started hiking at 7:20. The photo on the right shows the view from the
initial stages of the trail. We reached the first set of switchbacks, and
eventually started traversing West around the Eastern subpeaks. At one point,
a sign instructs 'Cliff Riders' to dismount and lead. It wouldn't be Texas if
you couldn't ride your horse to the highest point, now would it?
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Nearing the top of the traverse, the terrain becomes more cliff-like, as seen in the photo
on the left.
Reaching a small ridgecrest, we arrived at the beginning of a long strecth of snow,
which was more than I expected to see. The depth was 2" at most along the trail,
and was of little concern except for a few icy patches. Switching back up through the
trees, we hadn't encountered a hint of wind yet, and fine temperatures prevailed all day.
My dad was a real trooper, steadily pushing on towards the goal. |
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We passed the Guadalupe Campground and had the view shown in the picture
on the right. I hadn't seen as many people on a peak as we did since Mount Whitney in August.
The bridge cut into the cliff faces was a welcome sight, as I knew we didn't have much further
to go. Completing the switchbacks of the East side of Guadalupe Peak proper, we finally met some
of the reputed fierce wind. I estimate it was 15 mph, so we must have been there on a good day.
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