Trip Report
We had plans for a bigger peak, but ran into a road closure, so we pivoted to plan B... Big Witch Peak.
Big Witch Peak is located in the Pioneers above Federal Gulch Campground on the same ridge that contains Grays Peak. The peak is reached by a trail that leaves the campground, then branches off and heads up Timber Draw.
I had assumed this trail up Timber Gulch, because it was in several guide books, would be well worn. However, the trail is full of knee high plants, including stinging nettle. Luckily the nettle wasn't in full-on stinging mode.
The trail switches back and forth up Timber Draw and you spend time on both sides of the draw, sometimes in the trees, sometimes in the open, etc. The scenery is quite nice.
Eventually the trail breaks out onto a ridge and forks off towards the summit. From this point on, the views are exceptional of the high Pioneers, specifically Hyndman, Old Hyndman and Cobb!
The summit provides excellent views of the surrounding terrain. On the way down, Carrie found a huge crystal just laying right next to the trail.
Great day, although a bit warm. Lucky for us we had a creek at the trailhead and a cold beer!
|
|
