These are the Summit Aprons of gorgeous alpine granite slabs which beckon you forth from the Summit Lake cirque. 5-9 pitch climbs treat you to a backwater but aerobically friendly alpine experience. Each of the three aprons will offer a different experience. Left to right, the 1st Apron will offer the longest climbs with the least sun with a distinctly more challenging bit of climbing including overhanging offwidth 5.7. The 2nd Apron offers brilliant moderate slabs of link-whatever-features-you-wish-climbing with quite adequate protection. The 3rd Apron offers the least steep but the least protected of the bunch. 25-35 minute approaches (timed with a watch) keep the legs fresh and save the alpine wakeup calls. Ambulatory or automobile descents offer variety of experiences. Beware of midday lightning. Enjoy!
Getting There
[I-70] to exit 240 and up the Mt Evans CO Highway 103. Go to Echo Lake. Follow the summit road to about 12,500 to Summit Lake. Park. Take a leisurely alpine walk 25-35 minutes (Addendum: timed with a watch) to the base of your desired apron. Hop aboard. Some early season ascents will require a bit of snow crossing. Ambulatory descents include right of the 3rd Apron or left of the 1st Apron down the hiking trail. Automobile descents require a traverse to the observatory area (L) and a protuberant thumb or a bit tourist schmoozing.
This is a great apron of stellar, alpine granite that allows routes just about anywhere you want. It's a great, bite-sized, alpine romp. 30-35 minute jaunt to the base from Summit Lake. Can be a bit of snow at the base. Expect to pay if you arrive after 7am at the toll booth.This is the yellow line in the beta photo to the right.P1. This line followed a right-angling crack/dihedral at the right end of this face 5.6 s to a big ...[more]
By Leo Paik Administrator From: Westminster, Colorado Aug 15, 2002
Someone asked how tall the [Second Apron] was, so I brought an altimeter along yesterday. By subtraction, this second apron is 530 feet tall.
Also, one of my partners came across an old pin in a thin crack between the right and central lines I described earlier. It is below the left side of the M-shaped overlap about 80 feet up. Seemed the rock was getting smooth in the 5.9 range with diminishing pro options. You may find a white sling hanging on this pin about 40 feet up.
The time difference may depend on which side of the lake you approach from. If you walk to the right around the lake, the approach is longer. Walk left and its shorter.
Hey, I was wondering if anyone had some information on routes existing on the First Apron, and more importantly where can I get more information about all of the routes that exist on Evans? Just curious cause this is kinda my backyard, and I would like to exploit it more. Thanks.
Another option for the descent: stash bikes at the end of the road at the summit before your climb. There is a bike rack, bring a lock. Dress warm, then float back to your car at Summit Lake. Easier on the knees and a lot more fun than walking down talus! Doug Redosh
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