Out of the green and forested landscape of the Pacific Northwest rise unmistakable glaciated peaks, forming a ring of ancient volcanoes.  The pounding rain and proximity to the coast, combined with their towering height and prominence creates the perfect environment for heavy snowfall and glaciation.  These volcanoes are a truly special experience because they are the only mountains in the lower 48 that hold true glaciers.  These mountains require a special set of skills and training to be able to climb safely and successfully.   These skills include, but are not limited to:

-          Roped travel

-          Crevasse rescue

-          Navigation

-          Self and team arrest

-          Cramponing

-          Snow camping

This Fall, in a  last minute opportunity, Crested Butte Mountain Guides will guide a trip to the third tallest volcano in Washington, Mt. Baker.  Standing at 10,781 feet and containing ten large glaciers, Mt. Baker provides a wealth of climbing opportunities, whether you are training for larger goals or climbing your first glaciated peak. 

Crested Butte Mountain Guides will also teach glacier travel and alpine climbing clinics because of the unusually “fat” snowpack in the high mountains.  If you have interest in climbing Mt. Baker or just learning some new alpine snow climbing skills, this trip is a must-do.  The alpine skills clinic can be catered to any ability level and specific skills you want to learn, from cramponing to placing snow protection and lead climbing.  

All this to say we are sure your mind is on mountain biking and tanning in the sun, but everyone could use a little mid-summer winter in their lives, and there is no better time to book a trip than now!

Spring Creek Needle 5.6-5.8 Grade III

 The Spring Creek needle is one of my favorite routes to guide rockclimbing guests on.  The setting, climbing, and the scenery make it an unforgettable experience.  Perfect for adventurous beginners or seasoned veteran climbers.

The route starts with a cool log crossing over Spring Creek and continues with a short hike (less than 18 min) you are at the base.  From here we rope up and begin the climb, which is a mix of short and long pitches, face and crack climbing 4-6 pitches later we arrive at a true summit where the views are breathtaking ! A few rappels later you’re back on solid ground for the hike back to the base of the route. 

A truly unforgettable alpine climbing experience in the heart of the Taylor Canyon / Spring Creek Area…… not to be missed!

—Kyle Mattingly (CBMG Guide)

Well folks after a loooooong winter, Summer is finally here and in full swing in the high country of the Elk Mountains. Despite lots of lingering snow up high still, we have been enjoying warm and sunny days guiding rock-climbing in Taylor Canyon & Cement Creek, and cloudy days have been serving up perfect conditions for shady climbing trips to the impressive walls of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park as well.

All the Spring snow and stormy weather has brought one silver lining…WILDFLOWERS !!!! Lots and lots of wildflowers. Although still too snowy up in the high alpine meadows, closer to town on drier ground, the types, colors, and variety of wildflowers is off the charts this year, and as the snow continues to slowly recede with elevation throughout the summer the carpet of colors will continue to come out late into the summer season.

Daily hiking trips, wildflower tours, and backpacking trips have been blessed with great colors, snow on the peaks, water in the rivers and creeks (sometimes alot !) and pictures, stories, and memories to last the remainder of the summer.

And for the third consecutive year in a row we have started our popular Peak Of The Week Summer Hiking Series…… 8 different local peaks, affordable group price, professional guides, every Friday of the summer from July 8th through August 26, 2011.

Early monsoonal weather to the high country this year has slowed down the ability for some climbing of Colorado’s famous high peaks, but our staff of experienced and professional guides has been able to sneak a few ascents in (between thunderstorms) of the local classic ‘Guides Ridge’ climb with some happy and satisfied guests. This is an alpine adventure not to be missed…varying in difficulties and routes appropriate for the whole family or the seasoned alpinist.

The mountain bike trails continue to dry out and open up daily, and we are currently enjoying great tacky riding conditions on the dry trails, with field and fields of green and wildflowers in every direction. And….our Vehicle Supported Mountain Biking Trips are enjoying awesome reviews of great single track riding, great food, exceptional guides, and unparalleled camping spots and vistas…..our next trip departs July 26-29, 2011……look for pics and a write up to follow soon…or better yet, jump in with us, spots are still available !!!

Looking down the road there is still lots of summer left, and lots of time to enjoy any or all of the above activities, but as we all know too well, summer in the high country of Colorado can be fleeting, and will be gone before we know it…..enjoy it while it lasts !!!

-CBMG Staff

Fresh new colors and styles have arrived at our office just in time for summer.  Of course, we’ve still got the classic favorites like hoodies, visors and tees (click here to see ALL our CBMG merchanise), but here are some of the new hat designs we’ve just recieved…

Wheather you’re a CBMG client, a friend (one in same as far as we’re concerned) or just a fan of CBMG in general we love to see folks “flying the CBMG flag” as we like to say!  Hats are $20 and can be shipped to your door for $5, we’ll even throw in some free stickers!

Got a cool picture of yourself sportin’ some CBMG merchandise in an unual location?  Send it to info@crestedbutteguides.com we’ll try to put together a post of all the random places our gear has been.

-The CBMG Staff