Mt Massive - Alone and Alive Adventure

Mt Massive - Alone and Alive Adventure

This incredible hike and climb required improvising.  Mt Massive is the 2nd highest peak in Colorado & 3rd highest in the lower 48.

Nobody was on the trail. The mountain and valley belonged to me. The valley is one of the most beautiful in Colorado.  The sound of mountain streams was always present and in every direction, there was a newly discovered treasure.  My five senses were stirred and everything within me got lost in a wonderful daydream. No way could I properly articulate the scenery, sounds, colors, and vast wilderness owned by me today. It was exhilarating and inspiring topped with a dash of "what the heck am I doing here all by my lonesome?" The answer; "it's who I am and will always be."  "The Wild at Heart" guy wanting to be challenged and take risks few would even consider.  The guy choosing to live opposed to being a member of the walking dead.

Back to my story. While ingesting the delicacies surrounding me, the "official" trail to summit Massive was overlooked during one of many "awe" moments. When the trail ended at Half Creek lake, I took a double-take and then gathered myself. I thought, "how did I miss the trail?" Miles behind was the Massive Wilderness Area's chosen trailhead to the top. Now, it was decision time......move forward, stand still, or turn around. Since heading back wasn’t an option, I stepped forward.

The first summit of Massive was visible but no clear trails drew my attention. Regardless, I set out to conquer this bad boy and I'll be darned if missing the main trail was going to stop me from viewing Colorado from 14,421' above sea level. As the incline increased, I targeted a butte that had a ridge leading to another ridge northwest of the Mt Massive summit.  My determination prevailed and focus intensified. Within 15' of reaching the top of the butte, rocks begin to slide with nearly every step.  I grasped the boulder just below my destination and concluded, rock climbing gear and ropes would have come in handy. This “expert" climber was right with God so the journey continued. Finally, stud/stupid reached the ridge.  It was approximately 12-15’ wide with steep drop-offs of 80-100' on both sides. I viewed the summit and kept my eyes peeled.  Logic said to skip the downward view for the time being and I concurred verbally, "look ahead, not down”. I made it to the ridge and the summit was in view and getting closer. I had been hiking since 4:45 and approaching 7 hours of hiking. I whispered, “almost there”.

After 7+ hours of walking, climbing, sliding, gripping, looking, listening, wandering, and photographing, the pinnacle of this awesome mountain had a new visitor. Massive's summit was smaller than expected but nonetheless impressive. This was quite the accomplishment. At first, photos were snapped in all directions then it was time to embrace my surroundings. The Twin Lakes rested to the southeast, Mt Elbert was to my south and the town of Leadville (highest incorporated town in America) to the northeast. The 360-degree view of the Rockies took my breath away. I thanked The Almighty for His gift while storing the experience in my memory box that could be opened at any given time. A calm reverence enveloped me and my spirit acknowledged, "it's just you and God enjoying His masterpiece called the Rocky Mountains." I sat quietly for 45 minutes cherishing the view and talking to God. Then a heavy breeze kicked up and I knew my time to depart was then.


My descent proved to be more challenging than the ascent. With no trail to follow, I chose a slope that appeared to be less steep than some others. As I descended, the rocks began to slide. I created my own switchbacks but I my rear met the ground on numerous occasions. So to go with the flow, I sat on my rear and embraced the slide. My Banana Republic jeans became "Holy" but no injuries occurred. The valley was finally reached and my hand duster worked diligently on my jeans, shirt, and hat. I traveled through lush green, marshy, unspoiled land next to an icy cold creek which probably flowed swiftly during the spring melt. The sun was getting tired as I came within a couple of miles from my starting point. And finally, I spotted the parking lot. The late afternoon beams touching the valley's shadows created a sparkling beauty that needed to be remembered through photography. Unfortunately for the photo album, I was too flipping tired to lift my camera. The last leg of my journey proved to encapsulate what had been an extraordinary day. Time had reinvented the landscape.

What was initially meant to take 7-8 hours ended up being an 12+ off trail adventure. Plus, blazing my own trail bumped the level of difficulty from a 2+ to a 3++. All in all, this day lasted 12 hours but the memories will last a lifetime. 

If prompted, I'd do it again. However, I DO NOT recommend taking unnecessary risks. Unless of course, you have an adventurous spirit and your name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life.  

Adios for now.

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