I have been having an amazing time in Manitou Springs! Lots of adventures here and there. A little last minute shopping for food items for the climb. Here is a breakdown of the plan.
I plan to go to bed at 6:00 PM local time on Tuesday (09/05/2023) because I need to wake up at 2:15 AM on Wednesday (09/06/2023). I will get ready, prep everything, have a breakfast that is a mix of high protein and some carbs. I will load up the pack into the car and drive out to the parking lot at the base of the Barr Trail. I plan to arrive at the parking lot by 3:40 AM.
The plan is then to start the climb at the base of the Barr Trail at 4:00 AM and then to Barr Camp that is half way up the mountain by no later than 4:00 PM. There I will setup “camp” and my sleeping bag and overnight.
Here is the path and accent profile for Day 1
This is an elevation gain of about 3,500 ft in 6.3 miles.
I then plan to wake up at Barr Camp at 3:30 AM and again being my climb for the summit at 4:00 AM on Thursday (09/07/2023).
Here is the path and accent profile for Day 2
Day 2 is harder, not just because there is less oxygen and I will be tired from the previous day, but there is no more clear trail or trees after 12,000 ft. It all becomes rocks and boulders. Also it is harder because now there is an elevation gain of about 3,900 ft (400 ft more vertical) in just 5.3 miles (1 mile less than day 1), making this a steeper accent.
I have booked the Cog Railway to take me back down from the summit. That is the LAST TRAIN OF THE DAY! I must make it to the summit by 4:00 PM or I have to turn around and hike back down the mountain and it will be dark. So I will have to gauge my progress and know if I am on track to not miss the train as I am climbing on Day 2.
That is all, I will keep everyone posted of my progress. I plan to just rest and get some work done tomorrow (Tuesday 09/05/2023) the day before the climb.
Here is all the gear I am taking laid out. I have verified everything against my checklist (my OCD and organization should come as a surprise to no one).
