7/28/07 – Ruby Mountain – North Ridge

4.2 miles, 1700'


Erin and I needed a short outing Saturday morning so that we could attend a birthday party that evening. We selected Lenawee Mountain, which features a trail to treeline and a fun scramble between its two summits. However, as we drove along I-70, Erin expressed to me that she was feeling lousy. So lousy that she pulled over and had me take over the driving. Any of you who've hiked with us know just how rarely I sit behind the wheel as we head to the mountains! I drove us up and over Loveland Pass and had a little trouble finding our turnoff. I saw no direct access to the Montezuma Road from westbound US-6, and had to make a U-turn. After turning onto Peru Creek Road, we made the call that we shouldn't attempt the scramble up Lenawee while Erin was feeling so bad. Ruby Mountain was our backup, and it provided a short, easy climb, just what Erin needed.

It was fun to return to Horseshoe Basin, the site of my first hike up a 14er. Six years ago, I had no idea I was about to find a new passion as I huffed and puffed up Grays' south slopes and struggled to follow Erin along the traverse to Torreys and back. The weather was unsettled this morning, with humidity rising from the valley and swirling around, but it never turned threatening. Erin kept a slow but steady pace as we hiked up the 4WD road. She confided in me that if only she could puke she just might feel better. The road led us past a beaver pond and then contoured around a small rise, delivering us to a small lake high in Falls Gulch. From there, we ascended a scree gully to the Grays/Ruby saddle. That south ridge of Grays looks like it could be a fun route. I wonder how it goes? We arrived at Ruby's northern summit, one of the most charitable false summits in history. The traverse to the true summit and back took just a few minutes. Once we returned to the saddle, the scree skiing was in prime condition, and we got back to the lake in short order. The hike out along the road was a perfect flower hike. Who knew that Falls Gulch would be such a choice locale for viewing wildflowers? We stopped to smell the blossoms while Jeeps bounced up and down the road, and I learned that larkspur has a distinctive and enticing scent. Given the circumstances, I couldn't have asked for a more delightful morning. Here's to Ruby Mountain, one of the kindest and most gentle of the 13ers!

Ruby Mountain reflection
clouds parting for another view
Grays Peak's south ridge
scree gully up to the saddle
vibrant rock at the saddle
Lenawee Mountain
Grays Peak and Ruby's summit ridge
Indian paintbrush bouquet
Ruby and friends
Ruby red paintbrush
Ruby Mountain