On paper today was the perfect day to hike the Longs peak trail and maybe even attempt the summit. Forecast was for hot, clear weather, i.e. no afternoon T-storms. So I hit the trail early, wearing shorts and a T-shirt as the temps were already warm.
All was great until about 12,000', a mile from the Boulder Field. The light breeze turned into a fierce, cold wind. Normally hiking uphill keeps me plenty warm, but I needed to throw on a long sleeve shirt. By the time I reached the Boulder Field at 12,700' the wind was howling and bitter cold. Hikers were pulling on fleece jackets or even down sweaters. So instead of climbing to the Keyhole I decided to head back down. Hence I was "weathered off" Longs.
At this point I was planning to take a side trail below 12,000 to extend my hike. But the stoopid wind chased me downhill! There were gusts of over 30 mph even when I got below treeline. Of course as I descended the air grew warmer, so about half way down I was able to ditch the long sleeve shirt.
Not sure if the wind continued or died down, but I didn't feel like trying another hike. While this hike was shorter than planned I still got in 12 miles and 3200' elevation gain. And it was one of my fastest ascents. Just 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach the far end of the Boulder Field, and I passed thirty hikers on the way. Woof!
All was great until about 12,000', a mile from the Boulder Field. The light breeze turned into a fierce, cold wind. Normally hiking uphill keeps me plenty warm, but I needed to throw on a long sleeve shirt. By the time I reached the Boulder Field at 12,700' the wind was howling and bitter cold. Hikers were pulling on fleece jackets or even down sweaters. So instead of climbing to the Keyhole I decided to head back down. Hence I was "weathered off" Longs.
At this point I was planning to take a side trail below 12,000 to extend my hike. But the stoopid wind chased me downhill! There were gusts of over 30 mph even when I got below treeline. Of course as I descended the air grew warmer, so about half way down I was able to ditch the long sleeve shirt.
Not sure if the wind continued or died down, but I didn't feel like trying another hike. While this hike was shorter than planned I still got in 12 miles and 3200' elevation gain. And it was one of my fastest ascents. Just 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach the far end of the Boulder Field, and I passed thirty hikers on the way. Woof!
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