Aspen Expeditions Seven Summits
Aspen Seven Summits - Peak Ascents
Credentials
The Professional Mountain Guides at Aspen Expeditions support the mission of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and have achieved and/or are actively pursuing Certification in a variety of disciplines through the AMGA. Each of our Ski Guides has achieved Certification as a Ski Guide (Level 1) or Ski Mountaineering Guide (Level 2). The AMGA is the only U.S. organization which offers Mountain Guide Certification, and is the only U.S. member of the International Union of High Mountain Guides (UIAGM)/IFMGA.
Aspen Seven Summits
Mount Sopris & Castle Peak - Tour I |
Snowmass Mountain & South Maroon Bells - Tour II
North Maroon Peak & Pyramid Peak - Tour III | Capitol Peak - Tour IV
North Maroon Peak & Pyramid Peak - Tour III | Capitol Peak - Tour IV
The Central Rockies represent the heart of the Colorado's wild and rugged mountains and some of the state's most dramatic fourteen thousand foot peaks. Proudly seated just a few miles south of the Roaring Fork Valley, running east to west are the Aspen Seven Summits - not only a challenging goal for aspiring mountaineers, now a new and premier guided program, created by Aspen Expeditions. These peaks, which include the famous Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak, are some of the most extensively photographed peaks in the United States and signature mountains to Aspen, Colorado.
While all of these ascents are challenging, some are world-class and demanding projects, which might take two or three seasons to complete. Take for example Snowmass Mountain (14,092). This eight-mile hike to get to the base of the climb is followed by an early start the next day, crossing snowfields and broken ledges to reach the summit. Or consider the airy and committing knife-edge ridge of Capitol Peak (14,130 ft.) or a snow and ice climb that leads you onto the saddle between North and South Maroon Bells. Some of the Aspen "Seven" like Mount Sopris (12,998 ft.) and Castle Peak (14,265 ft.) are also excellent ski descents during the springtime.
All of these peaks and some of the routes described are a draw for Colorado and North American climbers, but are also destination climbs for mountaineers around the world.
Tour Number I - Mount Sopris & Castle Peak
| Mount Sopris: | 12,998 feet |
| Castle Peak: | 14,265 feet |
| Trip Length: | 4 days |
| Dates: | June 16 - 21, July 14 - 19, August 11 - 16 |
| 2008 Rate: | TBD based on 4 participants |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate to Athletic |
Your journey into the rarified air will take you the summit of the imposing Mount Sopris, revered by the Ute Indian's as 'Mother Mountain' because of its dueling summits.
You'll also climb Castle Peak, a relatively friendly fourteener, running a spectacular ridge system to Castle's summit
Although the routes are non-technical climbs, they are still challenging ascents, requiring physical fitness and stamina.
Reaching the summits of these peaks will offer you a lifetime memory with some of the finest views in Colorado.
Tour Number II - South Maroon & Snowmass Mountain
| South Maroon Peak: | 14,156 feet |
| Snowamsss Mountain: | 14,092 feet |
| Trip length: | 5 days |
| Dates: | June 22 - 27, July 20 - 25, August 31 - September 5 |
| 2008 Rate: | TBD based on 4 participants |
| Difficulty: | Athletic, Challenging |
Depending on the time of year, South Maroon Peak can provide aspiring mountaineers the opportunity to hone technical snow climbing skills on the classic 'Y' couloir. In addition, Snowmass Mountain has a year-round snowfield which makes for an ideal alpine snow climb or if conditions allow, a ski-mountaineers' chance to ski one of Colorado's fourteeners.
Both peaks will be vigorous yet rewarding, offering incredible mountain experiences that will create a lifetime of memories.
Tour Number III - North Maroon & Pyramid Peak
| North Maroon Peak: | 14,014 feet |
| Pyramid Peak: | 14,018 feet |
| Trip Length: | 4 days |
| Dates: | July 1 - 5, July 29 - August 2, August 12 - 16 |
| 2008 Rate: | TBD based on 3 participants |
| Difficulty Level: | Athletic, Strenuous |
From the summits of either of these centrally located peaks, you'll take in 360-degree views of the Elk range, seeing miles and miles in all directions. Both ascents are world-class and will award mountain adventurers a timeless memory!
Tour Number IV - Capitol Peak
| Capitol Peak: | 14,130 feet |
| Trip Length: | 4 days |
| Dates: | June 16 - 19, July 21 - 24, September 1 - 4 |
| 2008 rates: | TBD based on 3 participants |
| Difficulty Level: | Challenging, Demanding |
You'll camp at Capitol Lake and enjoy first class mountain scenery underneath Capitol's northwest face, saddling up early for your summit day the next morning.
Capitol Peak is the granddaddy of the Aspen Seven Summits. For years, this world-class climb has earned the reputation as perhaps one of the most difficult fourteen thousand peaks in Colorado, largely due to its' exposed 'knife-edge' ridge. With an AMGA trained or certified guides from Aspen Expeditions, you'll be able to enjoy this exciting part of the climb with confidence and safety.
An ascent of Capitol Peak is the pinnacle of Colorado's fourteener climbing. Let Aspen Expeditions take you on an adventure that you'll never forget!
Peak Ascents
One Day - Mt. Sopris, Castle, Maroon Bells and Pyramid Peak
| Description: | The Elk Range of the Rocky Mountains offers some of the best mountaineering, technical climbing, and adventure hiking in the country. Routes range from conditioning "hikes" up Mt. Sopris, or Castle Peak, to technical routes on Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Bells. The Elk Range 14,000' peaks are often regarded as Colorado's most challenging. Aspen Expeditions has guided these peaks safely for over twenty-five years and our knowledge of the mountains will add security and enjoyment to your adventure plans. Whether you're looking to climb all of Colorado's 14,000' peaks or just have a single mountaineering objective in mind, Aspen Expeditions can enhance your experience and help make your dreams a reality. |
| Ideal For: | Any adventure hiker or mountaineer looking towards a lofty goal. No Experience Necessary!! |
| Fitness Level: | Climbing a Colorado 14,000-foot peak requires a moderate to high level of fitness and motivation. |
| Pricing per person: | Mt. Sopris 12,998: TBD Castle Peak 14,265': TBD North Maroon Peak (NE Ridge) 14,014': TBD South Maroon Peak (S Ridge) 14,156': TBD Pyramid Peak 14,018':TBD |
Two Day - Capitol and Snowmass Peak
| Description: | The Elk Range 14,000' peaks are often regarded as Colorado's most challenging. Aspen Expeditions has guided these peaks safely for over twenty-five years and our knowledge of the mountains will add security and enjoyment to your adventure plans. |
| Capitol Peak: | This climb requires two days with one night spent at a wilderness base camp. The following day at pre-dawn we will ascend to the summit of Capitol Peak along the North East route. Offering the unique ability to alpine climb on snow for most of the summer. |
| Snowmass Peak: | This is an ideal setting for the "new-to-snow 14'er climber". Perched above breathtaking Snowmass Lake, this peak experience offers a true backcountry adventure with a remote feel of being far away from civilization. Climbing from the lake, next to a 1,000' waterfall, through a boulderfield, across snowfields and steeper slopes, attaining a rocky ridge and steep ledges to the summit - Snowmass Peak truly offers it all. |
| Ideal For: | Any adventure hiker or mountaineer looking towards a lofty goal. No Experience Necessary!! |
| Fitness Level: | Climbing Capitol Peak/Snowmass Peak requires a moderate to high level of fitness and motivation. Mountaineering experience preferable, but not required. |
| Pricing per person: | Captiol Peak 14,130': TBD Snowmass Peak 14,092': TBD |
Trekking
High Alpine
| Description: | Come explore the Elk Range and get a taste of the high country with a trek led by Aspen Expeditions. Go on a ridgeline trek or cross high mountain passes. Whether you're looking for a high paced fitness trek, or a relaxing scenic stroll through the mountain environment our professional guides can add enjoyment and security. Treks can range from a few hours in length to a multi-day backpacking excursion. Let us help you pick an ideal adventure or come with a specific destination in mind. |
| Ideal For: | Any individual or group looking to spend a spectacular day in the alpine environment. No Experience Necessary!! |
| Fitness Level: | Aspen Expeditions can customize treks to fit the abilities and desires of most groups. |
| Pricing per person: | Full Day: TBD Short Day (4 hours):TBD |
Journey from Aspen to Crested Butte
| Description: | In this exquisite high-alpine
trek, you'll circumnavigate the stunning 14,000-foot Maroon Bells, some
of the most extensively photographed peaks in North America. You'll hike
over four beautiful 12,000-foot passes - traveling past wildflowers, lakes
and streams and through the pristine, high-alpine tundra - each one offering
stunning views of the Colorado Rockies.
Through the course of this wilderness trek you'll also visit the small
mountain town of Crested Butte for one night, enjoying fine food and accommodations
- then return to Aspen where we'll celebrate the completion of this rewarding
mountain trek with a fine dining experience in downtown Aspen! |
| Includes: | Professional AMGA trained or certified mountain guide; one mountain activity (paragliding or fly-fishing); a gondola ride and lunch at the Sundeck Restaurant; one night camping (includes tents and meals); meals in the field; accommodations in Crested Butte; dinner in Crested Butte; one dinner Aspen; Local transportation |
| Trip Length: | 4 days |
| Dates: | June 18 - 22, July 16 - 20, August 13 - 17 |
| 2008 Pricing: | TBD per person based on 4 participants |
| Difficulty Level: | Moderate to athletic 5 - 7 hours of hiking per day |
