7/14/05 – Mount Spalding & Mount Evans – East Ridge, West Ridge

4.9 miles, 1890'


I was dying to get into the high country last week after missing the opportunity the weekend before. I decided to cheat and head up the Evans Road after work on Thursday to climb Mount Spalding by its east ridge, which Roach rates as a classic. I left Summit Lake at 7:00, but when I reached Spalding's summit at 7:30, I knew I hadn't had enough, so I continued the traverse to Evans. It was a delight to repeat this ridge, which I hadn't been on since 2001. I saw a nice sunset, and I got to Evans summit with just a little light remaining. I realized I left my headlamp in the car, so rather than descending its north ridge directly, which would have been more dangerous without any light to work with, I followed along the road, cutting off switchbacks when I could. This added some distance obviously, but it was still peaceful to be hiking alone under the stars and a half-moon, with a lightning show going on over the plains. I got back to my car at 10:00 and started the drive home. Below are some pictures from this quick outing.

Mount Spalding
Mount Evans & Summit Lake
Grays & Torreys lens flare
Rogers Peak & Mount Warren
Evans sunset
Spalding sunset
Grays & Torreys sunset