To the Top of Chief Mountain... Before 7am
Chief Mountain is a small mountain (11,700ft) on Squaw Pass with full 360 degree views of many 14ers and the city of Denver. On January 11th, a few friends and I decided to make it to the summit by 7am in order to catch the first light of sun from the top of the mountain.
Hiking through the snow on our first attempt to camp in -10 degree weather.
About a week earlier we mistakenly thought it would be a good idea to camp on the mountain. We made it about halfway to the top and set up camp but once the temperature dropped to -10 degrees with 40 mph gusts of wind we decided we would have to try again on a warmer day. Last saturday the temperature was supposed to stay above zero the whole night so we figured this would be warm enough for a successful trip. This time we decided camping wasn't the best idea and instead chose to wake up early. After going to bed at 1:30am got a quick three hours of sleep before waking up at 4:30am. I packed my camera gear, bundled up, then left my house. I met up with Daniel Hassell and EJ Rainville at 5:15 then arrived at the trailhead at around 6:15. We laced up our snowshoes then quickly headed out.
The sky started to get light before we made it above tree line.
The wind had been terrible the night before and blown snow completely covered the trail. Combined with the darkness this made the trail hard to follow. Once we got about half way the sky started to light up. At this point we had to hurry in order to make it to the top before sunrise. After approximately 45 minutes of hiking we made it to the tree line. Most of the snow was blown off the mountain from the wind so we took off our snowshoes and started scrambling straight to the top. We were getting nervous about not making it up to the top in time and knew we had to rush if we wanted to make it.
EJ standing on some rocks one quarter mile from the top.
As we approached the top the sunrise started to hit full stride. The sky began to catch on fire and was filled with yellow and orange clouds. Unfortunately, the wind also began to hit full stride. It became hard to keep my balance while taking pictures because the wind was so strong. We made it to the top at around 7am, just before the sun made it's appearance above the horizon.
Daniel and EJ standing at the summit in front of one of the better sunrises I have seen.
Our time spent at the top was short lived. We quickly moved down the North side of the mountain just below the summit to avoid the wind. Moments later the sun peeked above the horizon. As we sat just below the summit taking photos I wished I could freeze time and make the moment last forever. The sunrise from the top of the mountain was simply amazing.
First rays of light appear on the horizon.
Daniel standing just in front of the sunrise.
While waking up at 4:30am did not seem too appealing at first, I have never regretted waking up early to take photos and this was no exception. This trip turned into one of the best hikes of my life and it was an amazing way to capture some new shots for my portfolio.
Blowing snow just below the summit.
EJ and Daniel on the walk back down.
All photos copyright 2014 by Nick Gilbert.
Thanks for reading!
