Daunted by the summer crowds hiking the Colorado 14ers? The spring 2025 backcountry ski on Shavano was a heap of fun. So, let's ski another Colorado 14er!

The trailhead is at 10,850', and our total elevation gain would be 3,450'. Approximately 7 miles round-trip. 

Participants should have alpine touring (AT) skis, telemark skis, or a splitboard. Other equipment requirements include: skins, shovel, avalance beacon, probe, and a backpack able to carry your skis (as the first part of the approach is likely to be free of snow).

This is the sixth annual spring climb to iconic Cabezon Peak.

Cabezon Peak towers 2000 feet above the Rio Puerco Valley. This volcanic plug is the remnant of the core of a volcano - like Shiprock. Appearing impregnable, Cabezon can nonetheless be ascended by the intrepid mountaineer who follows the hidden route that wends its way through a crack in the peak's defenses. Said mountaineer must be able to execute a couple of low fourth class maneuvers in pursuit of the summit and its spectacular views.

This is a multi-day backpack (Friday through Monday, with a likely departure on Thursday night after work, depending on destination) to northern NM/southern CO. The exact location will be determined once we know what snow conditions will be like.  We may set up a car shuttle. Options include the South San Juans, Weminuche Wilderness, or Chama area. We will return by midday/early afternoon on Monday.

Physically fit beginner backpackers are welcome to join. I'll be happy to advise on gear. We will have a 1-2 Zoom meetings before our departure to hash out details.