Trip Report: Redcloud and Sunshine

Day 2 (July 5th, 2014)
After a wonderful night's sleep in the Element Camper, we were up early (for us) to climb Redcloud and Sunshine. This trail turned out to be more gradual than Handies. After a short but steep hike through the forest, we quickly hit tree line that opened up into a gorgeous valley.

The trail was busy but everyone we passed was very accommodating and made room on the trail. Sometimes it's like a race out there, we get so many people who encourage us along the way- some exclaiming "Y'all are awesome!".

When we reached the top, the red rock on the summit was amazing -- sometimes it looked like we were crossing the moon or mars!

This is an interesting out-n-back route where you go over Redcloud, down the 500' saddle then up to Sunshine, but you need to backtrack and go up and over Redcloud to get back to the trailhead. I love the view of the peaks up the basin. You can see the ant people on the route the whole way up.

Look- a flat section at 14,000 feet!

Crossing the saddle between Redcloud and Sunshine

Most of the trail wasn't too scary- except for the few spots like this!

Ryan runs up the saddle (for about 20 seconds....)

The summit of Sunshine was even more crowded. It seemed like everyone from tent city at Grizzly Gulch was up on the summit. Sometimes it's fun to be in the middle of nowhere, and be mostly alone all day, but still find those other groups that enjoy the mountains as much as you do.

We ran hard downhill as the dark clouds approached and warned a few folks about the changing skies. I think some people behind us got quite wet as we were pelted with hail just as we reached tree cover. Phew! Another close call.

Safely we made it back to the car, but Cody's poor paws were hurting and she was lagging behind. Tomorrow we'd give the booties a try. We packed up our mini-camp and drove behind a line of cars back down the one lane dirt road, just squeezing by a few Jeeps. 

When we made it back to Lake City for some hot food at Country Vittles restaurant, we discovered that Lake City is essentially little Texas. Boots and cowboy hats and Texas stuff on the walls. Many Texas accents in that joint. Very odd little town- but cute and welcoming!

After we finished a yummy lunch, we headed up to our next trailhead to tackle Uncompahgre!

Summary:

Distance: 12.47 miles

Total Time: 4:29:41

Moving Time: 3:58:30 (19:08 min/mile)

Starting Elevation: 10,415 feet

Max Elevation: 14,030 feet

Total Climb: 4,783 feet