"Phoenix"
Stats
Distance: 9.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 4225'
Date: 6/23/2007
"Phoenix Peak"
I camped at Phoenix Park Friday night. I started hiking at 7:43 am, 5 minutes after my desired start time. Crossing East Willow Creek was difficult to do keeping my feet dry. The trail was a little difficult to follow in sections. The hoodoos on the south slopes route were a highlight. I got to the summit of "Phoenix Peak" at 10:03 am. I could see Uncompahgre in the distance.
View Northwest from "Phoenix Peak"
La Garita Peak
I ran the ridge southeast to La Garita Peak avoiding gains by contouring to the west side of the ridge. This was the only section I walked on snow. There were good views of La Garita Peak from the ridge.
La Garita Peak from its northwest ridge
I got to the summit at 11:05 am where I saw good views of Machin Lake and "Phoenix Peak".
"Phoenix Peak" from La Garita Peak
I descended back towards treeline avoiding swampy sections. There were a lot of elk in this area. I got back to trailhead at 12:28 pm.