A Nice 13er Hike Near Loveland Pass, The Eisenhower Tunnel and Interstate 70 - July 25, 2010
Introduction To Mt. Sniktau (Alt. 13,234 Feet)
Mt. Sniktau is a ranked Colorado 13er and stands as a gentle giant
that millions of drivers pass on Interstate 70. This hike is popular for many reasons: Its trailhead is
Loveland Pass,
a paved road on each side that is easy for 2WD vehicles. Also the climb
is comparatively shorter than most 13ers, and the ascent requires only 1,300 vertical feet.
For beginners or those wanting to acclimate to high altitude climbing, Mt. Sniktau is a great choice.
Above is a photo at Loveland Pass at the end of my hike. This is the view of the ridges leading to Mt. Sniktau, located on the left.
Mt. Sniktau as seen from Highway 6 near the Loveland ski area and exit 216 on Interstate 70.
Mt. Sniktau stands prominently to the left as one travels west on Interstate 70 toward Bakerville and the
Continental Divide.
I was on the trail by 7 a.m., when the morning's sunlight had not reached over the ridge.
The brunt of the ascent is east of Loveland Pass to the ridge.
Here is the view of Point 13,152', which blocks the view of Mt. Sniktau.
Mount Sniktau comes into view.
I came upon a large and wonderful patch of snow. I know I look
dorky, but I just had to sit on the snow and
dream of a time soon when Colorado's 6+ months of winter and snowy weather will return. Let it snow!
At the saddle between Point 13,152' and Mt. Sniktau, this was all that remained of my climb.
On The Summit Of Mt. Sniktau
Interstate 70 and the Eisenhower Tunnel are behind me. And yes, I wore my
Yankees shirt today. :)
Facing north.
Facing northeast. Interstate 70 travels east toward Silver Plume,
Georgetown and Idaho Springs.
Looking directly into the sun, my best picture of Torreys Peak. You can also see
Grays Peak sticking its head to the right of Torreys Peak. The open basin
in front is known as Kearney Gulch according to my map.
TOP: The three most immediate peaks in the foreground
are part of the Continental Divide. Grizzly Peak (alt. 13,427') is on the left. Some have climbed
Torreys Peak by starting at Loveland Pass and walking along the ridge. The route goes up and over
Grizzly Peak and eventually ascends to Torreys Peak.
SECOND: Another view of the ridge. Highway 6 and Loveland Pass can be recognized right of center.
The constant noise of traffic on Highway 6 and Interstate 70 downgrades this hike.
However, it was still a very pretty summit.
I zoomed-in on the Eisenhower Tunnel. One might think I snapped this photo while flying in an airplane,
but no, I was merely standing on the mighty Mt. Sniktau! :)
