Roundtrip Mileage/Elevation Gain -- 5.4 miles/3,000 feet

After a lackluster effort the previous week from the same trailhead at Loveland Pass, I decided that another conditioning climb was in order before my attempt of Mount Elbert on June 23rd (which ended up being delayed until July 14).  I had found myself really struggling the previous week as I climbed the considerably shorter and easier Sniktau Peak, and I realized that I needed the extra conditioning.

After an unsatisfying night of sleep, I arose at about 5:30 a.m. and hit the road just before 6:00 a.m.  I stopped to fuel up the car and I hit a drive-through for some breakfast before hopping on the highway and heading up to Loveland Pass.  I got to the trailhead, geared up and hit the trail at 7:30.  I was surprised to see only one other car at the trailhead when I got there, so I knew that I was getting a headstart and had the chance to have the summit to myself once I got there.

The hike to the summit of Grizzly gains a net of only about 1,500 feet.  However, the trail traverses three different bumps in the ridge (including "Cupid" at 13,117 feet, another ranked 13'er) and I'd guess that a hiker has to pick up an extra 750 feet of elevation ascending those bumps.  The up and down nature of the ridge certainly makes this hike a great one from the standpoint of conditioning.

I started off slowly to keep from wearing myself out too quickly, and I noticed the difference from the previous week.  I easily ascended the first two bumps on the ridge before stopping to shed my jacket and drink some Gatorade.  That break provided me with enough energy to head toward the third bump.

Once on top of the third bump, I got my first really good look at the final climb up to Grizzly's summit.  From my perspective, I could only see the first part of the trail before it seemed to fade into the talus slope.  Additionally, the slope seemed to be very steep.  I was a little concerned, but decided I'd give it a shot and see how far I could make it.  Fortunately, the talus trail is quite easy to follow nearly all of the way to summit and the slope is not nearly as steep as it looks.  After a half-hour of picking my way up the trail, I reached the summit at 10:00 a.m.  I was pleased to have the summit to myself -- something that rarely occurs on these popular and accessible Front Range peaks in the summer.

I spent thirty minutes on the summit eating some lunch and enjoying the views and solitude.  At 10:30, I began the trip back to the car.  On the way back down to the saddle, I ran into a couple of gentlemen who I had encountered the previous week on Sniktau.  We laughed at the coincidence and remarked at how much better the weather was than on the previous Saturday.  After a few minutes of conversation, I continued my trip back to the trailhead, where I arrived at 12:30.

The broken trailhead sign at Loveland Pass.	The first bump on the ridge heading to Grizzly.	Grizzly's summit (left) comes into view.	A great view of the final climb up to Grizzly's summit.	The scree trail on Grizzly is easy to follow.
A look back toward Loveland Pass.	Torreys Peak (left) and Grays Peak (right) from the summit of Grizzly.	Looking back at my footprints through the snow to avoid the Class 3 section on the ridge.	A look at Grizzly from the trailhead at Loveland Pass.