Trip Report
Mountaineering – Ruby Gultch Traverse (Engleman 13362 feet, Roberson 13140 feet, Bard 13641 feet, Parnassus 13574 feet, Woods 12940 feet)
This traverse falls on the "very challenging" end of the trip spectrum, in my opinion. It was over 10 miles with more than 5,000 feet of cumulative gain.
Ryan Bauer
- Sat, Sep 16, 2023
- Mountaineering – Ruby Gulch
- Route-Place TBD
- Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Trail conditions were good. There had been some snowfall in the past couple of days but we didn't even need microspikes for it. There is not much of a trail between the Ruby Gultch trailhead and Bard but the route is fairly apparent because you are mainly following the ridgeline from peak to peak.
If you enjoy being well above tree-line for the majority of your hike, this certainly delivers, as you will summit four 13ers and one 12er. The fact that it can be done as a "lollipop"-type loop is also a plus because you won't need to retrace your steps until the last couple of miles.
It was mentally challenging because there were multiple shoulders where you lose hundreds of feet in elevation between peaks, only to have to regain that elevation - and then some, as you head up the next peak!
We finished in about 10 hours for a pace of a little over a mile an hour. We took breaks atop each peak and took shorter breaks in between. We did bring spikes but didn't need them because the snow was only 1-2 inches in certain spots. As fall approaches, this is certain to change with additional snowfall.
Overall, a challenging, beautiful and enjoyable hike for those who enjoy a healthy side of physical suffering outdoors.