Maroon Bells: Day 3
Maroon Bells: Day 3
7/20/2022
Bumpy Ground Camp - Dem Views Camp
Miles hiked: 7.7 mi
Elevation gained: 2,467 ft (11,700 - 12,428 - 10,777 - 12,460 - 11,491)
Animals seen: marmots, mosquitoes
Elevation chart created on AllTrails.com
That was probably the best night’s sleep on trail to date. Woke up to Jake asking if anyone wants coffee, he was likely up for hours already. Apparently our chairs took a wind ride down the slope and he had to retrieve them. We munched on brekkie (blueberry almond, instant coffee, carnation) while having an argument discussion about the oatmeal’s blandness.
Jake made friends with a visitor
The trek up to Trail Rider pass wasn’t too bad. You could see Snowmass Lake in the distance below. The weather at the top was questionable so the guys rushed us through pictures and down the other side quickly. I had to chow down on victory nut butter (vanilla almond) while hiking, rather difficult at times. We had our first dalliance with snowpack covering the trail. It was pretty easy going and made for something different than the usual switchbacks.
Our group pic turned out blurry so you just get me munchkin’ on celebratory nut butter.
Looking back at the the trail
Navigating the snowpack.
Target Adam and myself looking all majestic
There had been an avalanche at some point in the past because suddenly the trail disappeared under a sketchy talus field with cairns guiding the way. I would have been fine without the added challenge.
We decided on a pack off break at Snowmass Lake. It was gorgeous and the bugs were mediocre in their attack so we were able to rest up a bit. Cliff bar and electrolyte mix. On our way back to the trail, we met a guy who had summited Snowmass that morning and showed us his pictures.
Snowmass Lake
The next few miles were relatively flat and made for easy cruising. The wooded area has us reminiscing of the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota. We hit a large meadow surrounded by mountains. We kept an eye out for moose while the trail skirted along the meadow.
Keeping an eye our for moose.
The largest, deepest wet water crossing to date crossed the trail. The guys were able to ninja over some logs and sketchy rocks and stayed mostly dry. Knowing my balance skills or lack there of, I didn’t even try. Off came the boots and socks and on went the sandals. The pack went back on, hip belt unbuckled, boots strung around the top, hiking poles out. The current was moderate and the water came up midway between the knees and thighs. It was uneventful, but I wouldn’t want the water any higher. The guys debated camping options while I exchanged footwear. And up we went.
And up we go
The climb continued and we watched the stream get further and further below us. We stopped at the first campsite to allow Target Adam to make a nature call. A few minutes later he returned after losing a battle with his shovel and bleeding. Some Jesus spit (that sh*t heals everything) and bandaids later, he was making attempt number two (see what I did there?).
A group of four guys came up the trail and chatted with Jake and I for a bit before continuing on. They had the same plan of camping before the pass. Target Adam had a bit different run in with the group of four….I still laugh while remembering his tale.
Up, up, up we went. Some steep switchbacks brought us up to a ridgeline walk with a little water crossing the trail.
And more up to go
More debate was had about camping on this side of the pass or heading over the pass today. We passed the group of four parked at a campsite overlooking the meadow below just under a stream. We paused to discuss our options again as it was early afternoon and the pass a few miles ahead.
I was sweaty, hungry and very, very tired from the climb. There were also bugs again. I was clearly in prime discussion mode. I was exhausted and didn’t think I had another pass in me. While too early to camp, we were pushing against possible afternoon storms on the exposed pass. Going over the pass meant an unknown mileage to a decent campsite. However, could I properly vocalize these concerns? Any guesses? Well, the guys aren’t fluent in salty bitch and failed to grasp my snarking comments.
My vote to camp this side of the pass was outvoted.
The trail burst into a picturesque landscape with the high alpine meadow just below the pass. The climb became more gradual and the switchbacks up the pass were long and meandering. The guys cruised up while I mentally attempted to convince my legs and lungs that we weren’t actually climbing a mountain. I’m a bad liar.
Approaching the pass
I finally made it to the top and parked myself to have some victory fruit bars (strawberry-banana). The clouds were looking a bit suspicious and the time at the top was rushed.
Target Adam excited to reach the pass
Buckskin Pass view of one side
Buckskin Pass view of other side
The guys started down the trail and I heaved Yoda back on. I came up to the start of the descent and found a large snowpack blocking my way. I backtracked and found a side trail. After a few yards the side trail became less obvious and very steep. Backtracked back to the snowpack and saw footprints. Once on the snowpack I realized how tall it was and saw a slide mark down to the trail. Debating my options in my head, coupled with my fear of extreme heights had me frozen in spot. The weather was questionable and I needed to be off this pass soon. I would have to slide, so slide I attempted. And then I kept sliding, or rather falling? It was hard to say, but in that moment I had the very real fear that I was going to keep going down the side of the pass and was facing very serious injury, if not worse. It was in slow motion and very rapid all at once. One moment I was falling and just saw the very far away valley below and the next moment I was sprawled on the scree filled side of the pass with a hiking pole handle shoved painfully in my side and my right hand caught under my back.
The snowpack that almost killed me, don’t let the look deceive you. There is a steep drop on the other side.
All trails have ugly tears. This was the ugly tears time. I was bruised, scraped up, and very, very scared and shaken. I lay there for a moment trying to catch my breath and took mental inventory of myself. Nothing seemed broken or severely injured except my right hand which hurt like hell. I slowly stood and tested the hand. The thumb was scraped up and screaming bloody murder but I could move it. I slowly began descending down the pass with shaky steps.
I caught up with the guys and we continued down to the valley in search of a campsite.
Wildflowers galore
How can you tell a Minnesotan in a crowd? They will stop for every. single. waterfall.
The first campsite we came to had a couple enjoying their honeymoon but offered to share the large site with us. Once the tent was set up I crawled in and released the kraken of emotions that had been building since the experience. I had been and still was terrified. We all know the risks involved in backcountry hiking and climbing mountains, but never before had I experienced such a risky accident. It was overwhelming. My confidence and enjoyment was thoroughly shaken.
Once I calmed down, I joined the guys for mountain margs (double for me) and dinner (tomato basil pasta). We talked about the day and how it went. I apologized for being a salty bitch, Jake apologized for pushing hard and fast. Adam apologized because he wanted to join in and not feel left out. We had our tradition of discussing the highs of the trip. Adam was happy to experience and learn from the bear encounter. Jake enjoyed the feeling of accomplishment on completing each pass. I liked the new challenge of the water crossings. We’re also determined that our next annual backpacking trip would not include mountains. We were ready for a less challenging trip. SHT, looking at you.
View from camp
The day had been long and exhausting. I crawled back into the tent as the light faded and mosquitoes came out. I was looking forward to an easy day tomorrow and getting off this mountainside.
See all Maroon Bells posts
Our heroes find themselves in the final stretch of the campaign and contemplating on the journey.