Route Climbed: American Basin Date Climbed: 5 October, 2002
Climbed Handies as my first San Juan peak, one snowy and lonely October day, a couple of years ago. Kinda nearly almost met a bear. Trip report is here.
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Ridge Traverse Date Climbed: 5 Jun 2004
Climbed to Grizzly Lake and then on to the ridge up a few moderate snow slopes. From the 13,500' saddle I dropped my pack to run up Pt 13,971 and then continued traversing along the ridge around the basin until I summitted Handies and then Whitecross before returning. Great weather and views from all the summits...much more fun than simply climbing Handies by itself.
Route Climbed: Grouse Gulch Trailhead Date Climbed: July 2001
I really wish I could have seen this climb, but I paced Blake Wood during the 2001 Hard Rock 100 over this peak in the middle of the night. It was about 1:00 a.m. when we got on top and saw a gorgeous crescent moon setting in between the summits of Redcloud and Sunshine. Next time, I'll climb it in the day :)
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: July 10, 1998
Climbed this as part of the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run. This comes at about 35 miles into the race. Some touch and go weather was developing as I topped out. Descended toward Grouse Gulch. Did this peak again in 2000 from American Basin. Outstanding wildflowers and more time to look around when I wasn't in a race.
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: July 8th, 2003
Absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous! This is the most amazing hike I've done yet on a fourteener. Not a cloud in the sky. Warm weather. Unbelievable views in every direction. I had the summit to myself for the entire time I was there (almost 40 minutes). I can't recommend this route enough.
Route Climbed: North Ridge (standard) Date Climbed: September 15, 2003
What a spectacular time to visit Handies! Covered in fresh snow from the previous week's storm, Handies and surroundings were stunning, to say the least. We got to stay on snow for most of the ascent, and then we headed over to neighboring 13er, Whitecross Mountain, for an enjoyable light scramble. A TR is available here.
big_g - Aug 16, 2003 10:11 pm Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2003
Route Climbed: Trail from American Basin
Stormy morning so I waited it out and got a later start: 08:15. Hit the summit 2 hrs and 3 minutes later. Not too shabby. I really liked that upper basin area. it was a scenic surprise. Did not want to linger up there with the clouds building so I hustled back down to the TH and then to Silverton for my reward.
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: August 3, 2003
Handies was the easiest 14er I've done so far, but it was beautiful to hike through the forest near the stream, up to the basin with a cirque all the way around you. The marmots were out and plentiful. If you prefer solitude I definately recommend the eastern/Grizzly Gulch approach. We descended down into American Basin and it was pretty crowded. We didn't see anybody else on the Grizzly Gulch side until we reached the last scramble to the top, then we saw a lone climber down in the basin 2000 ft below.
Route Climbed: East Slopes Date Climbed: July 6, 2003
What a gorgeous hike. Once above treeline, the trail follows a mountain stream, and in the summer there are lots of wildflowers. There were also lots of marmots out. Although it was probably 70 degrees out when I was at 12,500', half an hour later it was snowing on me. Fortunately it cleared up and after waiting out the snow, I made it up to the summit no problem.
Route Climbed: American Basin Date Climbed: June 29, 2002
WOW! American Basin is one of the most scenic places I have had the privilege to visit in Colorado. I went at the right time because the wildflowers were absolutely incredible. They were everywhere and there were numerous varieties and colors. There were some waterfalls in the area and the scraggy mountains in the backdrop (one of them is a century peak) made for a very enjoyable hike. I was just snapping away with the camera.
As for the hike up to the peak it was pretty easy, but the last 500 feet to the summit I would say was the hardest. Nothing really difficult but a good climbers trail. The top of Handies in my opinion has the best views of the San Juan’s. Its right in the middle of the range and you can see everything. I sat at the top for and hour and fifteen minutes and headed back down with a nice lady I met at the summit. She wasn’t intending on doing the summit but here dog took off and she followed him all the way to the summit.
All I can say about Handies is WOW. It probably isn’t as scenic when the wildflowers die out for the year thou.
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: September 2001
A wonderful mountain. My first 14er in the San Juans on my first trip to the San Juans. We summited right after 9-11. The CMC (or someone) had planted an American flag at the top. A memorable ascent.
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: July 1, 2002
After driving from Washington (essentially sea level) to Colorado the day before and camping at the trailhead, I was afraid of altitude issues on the first day out. But we both did fine. The area has been extremely dry, so the wildflowers were disappointingly at a minimum. Also, with all the fires, probably predominantly the big Arizona one, the air was very hazy and the views were limited. Nice mountain though, and a very enjoyable day.
Route Climbed: American Basin Date Climbed: August 5, 1994
My son, Patrick, and I planned on doing Redcloud and Sunshine but when we woke up at the trailhead there were lots of people getting ready to climb. We decided to move up the road to American Basin and climb Handies to avoid the crowd. The climb went well except when we got to the summit, there were all those same people. They had used the Grizzly Gulch route. Guess I should have talked to someone before changing my mind. This has got to be the best viewing summit around.
Route Climbed: Grouse - American Basin Date Climbed: July 13 2001
Climbed 4 times during Hardrock 100 1998-2001 from Grouse - American Basin and Rocky Gulch - south ridge, also Grizzly Gulch while training in 1996, 1997.
The Lower Marmot - Aug 8, 2004 8:45 pm
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: August 5, 2004Excellent climb, it rained the whole time, but there was no thunder. I could almost see my outstretched hand from the summit!
Ratballs - Jun 23, 2004 7:10 pm
Route Climbed: American Basin Date Climbed: 5 October, 2002Climbed Handies as my first San Juan peak, one snowy and lonely October day, a couple of years ago. Kinda nearly almost met a bear. Trip report is here.
mountainmota - Jun 15, 2004 7:29 pm
Route Climbed: American Basin Date Climbed: July 2002Easy 14er!
bc44caesar - Jun 9, 2004 5:46 pm
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Ridge Traverse Date Climbed: 5 Jun 2004Climbed to Grizzly Lake and then on to the ridge up a few moderate snow slopes. From the 13,500' saddle I dropped my pack to run up Pt 13,971 and then continued traversing along the ridge around the basin until I summitted Handies and then Whitecross before returning. Great weather and views from all the summits...much more fun than simply climbing Handies by itself.
sbkelley - May 12, 2004 2:59 pm
Route Climbed: Grouse Gulch Trailhead Date Climbed: July 2001I really wish I could have seen this climb, but I paced Blake Wood during the 2001 Hard Rock 100 over this peak in the middle of the night. It was about 1:00 a.m. when we got on top and saw a gorgeous crescent moon setting in between the summits of Redcloud and Sunshine. Next time, I'll climb it in the day :)
Scott M. - Feb 16, 2004 10:33 am
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: July 10, 1998Climbed this as part of the Hardrock 100 Mile Endurance Run. This comes at about 35 miles into the race. Some touch and go weather was developing as I topped out. Descended toward Grouse Gulch. Did this peak again in 2000 from American Basin. Outstanding wildflowers and more time to look around when I wasn't in a race.
jrf - Oct 5, 2003 8:15 pm
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: July 8th, 2003Absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous! This is the most amazing hike I've done yet on a fourteener. Not a cloud in the sky. Warm weather. Unbelievable views in every direction. I had the summit to myself for the entire time I was there (almost 40 minutes). I can't recommend this route enough.
RyanS - Sep 15, 2003 9:50 am
Route Climbed: North Ridge (standard) Date Climbed: September 15, 2003What a spectacular time to visit Handies! Covered in fresh snow from the previous week's storm, Handies and surroundings were stunning, to say the least. We got to stay on snow for most of the ascent, and then we headed over to neighboring 13er, Whitecross Mountain, for an enjoyable light scramble. A TR is available here.
big_g - Aug 16, 2003 10:11 pm Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2003
Route Climbed: Trail from American BasinStormy morning so I waited it out and got a later start: 08:15. Hit the summit 2 hrs and 3 minutes later. Not too shabby. I really liked that upper basin area. it was a scenic surprise. Did not want to linger up there with the clouds building so I hustled back down to the TH and then to Silverton for my reward.
charms - Aug 5, 2003 8:29 pm
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: August 3, 2003Handies was the easiest 14er I've done so far, but it was beautiful to hike through the forest near the stream, up to the basin with a cirque all the way around you. The marmots were out and plentiful. If you prefer solitude I definately recommend the eastern/Grizzly Gulch approach. We descended down into American Basin and it was pretty crowded. We didn't see anybody else on the Grizzly Gulch side until we reached the last scramble to the top, then we saw a lone climber down in the basin 2000 ft below.
mmoerk - Jul 13, 2003 12:21 am
Route Climbed: East Slopes Date Climbed: July 6, 2003What a gorgeous hike. Once above treeline, the trail follows a mountain stream, and in the summer there are lots of wildflowers. There were also lots of marmots out. Although it was probably 70 degrees out when I was at 12,500', half an hour later it was snowing on me. Fortunately it cleared up and after waiting out the snow, I made it up to the summit no problem.
Grant - Jun 11, 2003 8:21 pm
Route Climbed: American Basin Date Climbed: June 29, 2002WOW! American Basin is one of the most scenic places I have had the privilege to visit in Colorado. I went at the right time because the wildflowers were absolutely incredible. They were everywhere and there were numerous varieties and colors. There were some waterfalls in the area and the scraggy mountains in the backdrop (one of them is a century peak) made for a very enjoyable hike. I was just snapping away with the camera.
As for the hike up to the peak it was pretty easy, but the last 500 feet to the summit I would say was the hardest. Nothing really difficult but a good climbers trail. The top of Handies in my opinion has the best views of the San Juan’s. Its right in the middle of the range and you can see everything. I sat at the top for and hour and fifteen minutes and headed back down with a nice lady I met at the summit. She wasn’t intending on doing the summit but here dog took off and she followed him all the way to the summit.
All I can say about Handies is WOW. It probably isn’t as scenic when the wildflowers die out for the year thou.
Kane - May 28, 2003 6:50 pm
Route Climbed: Standard East Slopes Date Climbed: 1996This is as non-technical hike there is. A perfect hike to a wonderful summit. Great views of Half Peak and wildflowers galore.
mtnhiker13 - Dec 27, 2002 8:25 am
Route Climbed: Standard Date Climbed: September 2001A wonderful mountain. My first 14er in the San Juans on my first trip to the San Juans. We summited right after 9-11. The CMC (or someone) had planted an American flag at the top. A memorable ascent.
markmay - Dec 8, 2002 9:42 am
Route Climbed: Up from American Basin and Down Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: June 2002Great hike! I want to do this one in the winter next.
rmjwinters - Oct 6, 2002 1:32 pm
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: August 24 2000I PROPOSED to my wife Melissa on the summit! This was her first 14er and she had battled back from pnemonia to get here. What a day!
mr_g - Aug 26, 2002 5:17 am
Route Climbed: West Slopes Date Climbed: August 24, 2002Nice trail to the top from American Basin that switchbacks up near a lake (Sloan Lake, I think).
We were up in two hours, and spent almost an hour on the summit in perfect weather. For once this year our view were NOT obscured by smoke or haze!
Bob Bolton - Jul 5, 2002 4:22 pm
Route Climbed: Grizzly Gulch Date Climbed: July 1, 2002After driving from Washington (essentially sea level) to Colorado the day before and camping at the trailhead, I was afraid of altitude issues on the first day out. But we both did fine. The area has been extremely dry, so the wildflowers were disappointingly at a minimum. Also, with all the fires, probably predominantly the big Arizona one, the air was very hazy and the views were limited. Nice mountain though, and a very enjoyable day.
wayneaflick - Jun 24, 2002 10:02 pm
Route Climbed: American Basin Date Climbed: August 5, 1994My son, Patrick, and I planned on doing Redcloud and Sunshine but when we woke up at the trailhead there were lots of people getting ready to climb. We decided to move up the road to American Basin and climb Handies to avoid the crowd. The climb went well except when we got to the summit, there were all those same people. They had used the Grizzly Gulch route. Guess I should have talked to someone before changing my mind. This has got to be the best viewing summit around.
Matt Mahoney - May 19, 2002 2:21 pm
Route Climbed: Grouse - American Basin Date Climbed: July 13 2001Climbed 4 times during Hardrock 100 1998-2001 from Grouse - American Basin and Rocky Gulch - south ridge, also Grizzly Gulch while training in 1996, 1997.