Grizzly Gulch and Handies Peak – 14,058 ft (4285 m)
Two days before we had climbed to the summit of Mount Elbert, a rewarding Colorado fourteener — mountain peaks over 14,000 feet. After a restful day in Crested Butte, we were eager to hike another 14er.
Our day started at Mocha Moose in Lake City where we discussed hiking trail options with locals over our morning coffee.
“The road’s rough, it’s gonna take you about…uhm…an hour to get there.”
Mocha Moose
Back in the car Gordon expressed his doubt. “It probably won’t take that long, it’s only 20 miles from here.”
Locals: 1 – Gordon: 0. The drive was bumpy and the last four miles to the trailhead were white-knuckle driving. The road went from smooth to rough gravel and narrowed to accommodate only one vehicle, twisting and turning along sheer drop-offs.
We started along Grizzly Gulch trail, the path immediately climbed at a steep incline before gradually meandering through a sub-alpine forest of aspen, fir and spruce.
Above the tree line, we hiked through the open tundra and up the valley following a small stream.
Handies Peak has seen from the trail
Grizzly Gulch, an alpine tundra ecosystem
The abundance of colourful wildflowers and the surrounding mountain views made the hike enjoyable as we gained elevation through a series of switchbacks. The temptation to linger was strong, but we moved on in order to reach the summit before noon. The weather in the mountains can change rapidly and afternoon thundershowers are common.
Alpine wildflowers
Flora of the alpine environment found along the trail
Looking back at Grizzly Gulch
Gordon following the trail through the talus covered slope
Looking back at the crest of the North Ridge and Whitecross Mountain
Nearing the base of the peak, the last 500 ft of the steep loose scree was intimidating. Gordon led the way while Ginette, feeling exposed, considered quitting, “Have I never told you, I’m afraid of heights?”
Gord cheered her on. “Come on my little mountain goat.”
Scrambling up the steep scree pitch
With a little finesse and careful footing, we both managed this scramble route. Ginette had a big sigh of relief as she reached the ridge. Finishing the last 200 feet leading to the summit we both appreciated the breathtaking views.
View of the San Juan Mountains from Handies Peak ridge
Handies Peak offers a stunning 360° degree panorama of the San Juan Mountains.
From the summit looking southwest over upper American Basin and Sloan Lake
The spectacular scenery was alive with colours and leaving was difficult.
Looking south from the summit
Colourful Whitecross Mountain
As we descended and were enjoying the vistas Ginette noticed two elks watching us from above along the ridge.
Mountain elks sad to see us go
Looking down Grizzly Gulch
Ginette says, “this has been my greatest hiking experience yet.”
Celebrating her 50th from the summit of Handies Peak
This might have to do with the fact that she was celebrating her 50th, the summit was ours and the views were spectacular. These elements contributed to a fantastic day in the Rocky Mountains.
White Postcards 
Wow – beautiful pictures … The picture on the steep is quite terrifying, but you guys never fail to impress me!
Lots of love! XO
Thank you Natasha, The loose scree (stones) on that particular part of the trail was more intimidating than the steepness. No worries we are always careful! xox
What a memorable way to celebrate your 50th birthday with panoramic views and the additional bonus of sighting two elks. We used to hike and backpack a lot when we lived in Montana several years ago and there’s a definite feeling of accomplishment when you’ve reached your goal. Gorgeous photos!
Thank you, it’s difficult to take bad pictures in the majestic mountains. I feel younger every time we go out hiking and so it seemed fitting to spend my 50th climbing a challenging peak! With the trail’s name ‘Grizzly Gulch’ – I’m glad it’s elks that we were fortunate to see and not Grizzlies:) – Ginette