Hike: Notch Mountain RT Mileage: 11MI RT Elev. Gain: 2,780FT - summit at 13,100FT Hike Level: Double Black Pace: 1.6 miles per hour. We will have a 30 min lunch break. Date: July 28, 2021 Meeting Time: 7:00AM Hike Start Time: 8:00AM Hike End Time: Approx. 3:30PM
Location:
Rendezvous/parking location: Meadow Mountain Parking Lot
You should join this hike if you are a strong hiker wanting to experience a climb of a 13er with spectacular views at the summit. The hike will proceed at a moderate pace to accommodate slower participants. The trail begins with a thick pine forest and then opens to a meadow to provide a view of Notch Mountain. 2.5 miles into the hike, a vigorous climb begins, including 36 switchbacks. At the top of the summit is a spectacular view of Mount of the Holy Cross. On the summit is a stone hut built in 1924 to shelter Holy Cross pilgrims. Views on the trail or at the summit include the Ten Mile Range, the former mining town of Gilman, the Gore range, the Continental Divide peaks with the 14er peaks of Grays and Torreys, the Mosquito Range, Ski Cooper and the Mount of the Holy Cross.
IMPORTANT: This hike is weather dependent because of the exposure to lightening on the switchback ascents. If the weather is anticipated to be bad, the hike may be modified or cancelled. Once on the trail, if the weather turns stormy, the group may have to turn around before reaching the top. The hike will proceed at a moderate pace to accommodate all participants. The hike itself (not including driving time) will take approximately 7 hours, including 6 hours of hiking and 1 hour of breaks along the way.