hikemaster's Photobucket 7-04 Mount Audubon and Paiute Peak album media

Hikemaster Matthew takes a photo from above Blue Lake. The sharp ridgeline extending off of Pawnee Mountain appears in the distance.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:52:45 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew takes a photo from above Blue Lake. The sharp ridgeline extending off of Pawnee Mountain appears in the distance. - IMG_0822.jpg

Blue Lake is one of Hikemaster Scott's favorites in IPW. Don't confuse it with Blue Lake in Glacier Gorge of RMNP, an arguably similar quality destination. But this "Blue" is certainly more winter-like!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:52:40 MDT

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Blue Lake is one of Hikemaster Scott's favorites in IPW. Don't confuse it with Blue Lake in Glacier Gorge of RMNP, an arguably similar quality destination. But this "Blue" is certainly more winter-like! - IMG_0823.jpg

Hikemasters Matthew and Scott had to walk down a little bit of soft, easy snow above Blue Lake. What a gorgeous spot! No other people had been seen so far this day....unspoiled is the word! Do you see the waterfall pouring into the end of Blue?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:52:37 MDT

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Hikemasters Matthew and Scott had to walk down a little bit of soft, easy snow above Blue Lake. What a gorgeous spot! No other people had been seen so far this day....unspoiled is the word! Do you see the waterfall pouring into the end of Blue? - IMG_0824.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew has hiked along Blue Lake 4 times in the past 7 days! He was admittedly getting tired of it....but it was worth it to get Audubon and Paiute. Hikemaster Scott could never tire of this pristine lake...it's one of the best!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:52:35 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew has hiked along Blue Lake 4 times in the past 7 days! He was admittedly getting tired of it....but it was worth it to get Audubon and Paiute. Hikemaster Scott could never tire of this pristine lake...it's one of the best! - IMG_0828.jpg

A world of white: snow and ice. They meet water and rock here at Blue Lake in IPW, 3 miles from the trailhead that will complete the hikermasters' 9-10 mile loop.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:51:45 MDT

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A world of white: snow and ice. They meet water and rock here at Blue Lake in IPW, 3 miles from the trailhead that will complete the hikermasters' 9-10 mile loop. - IMG_0830.jpg

Half-frozen lakes are especially good at holding reflections, since the ice combats windy ripples. Here, Toll Mountain reflects grandly in Blue Lake.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:51:43 MDT

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Half-frozen lakes are especially good at holding reflections, since the ice combats windy ripples. Here, Toll Mountain reflects grandly in Blue Lake. - IMG_0832.jpg

Toll Mountain (left) and Paiute Peak (right) form the backdrop to the west of Blue Lake. The ridge between these 2 summits is 4th class at least....you don't hear about a lot of folks doing that craziness!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:50:11 MDT

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Toll Mountain (left) and Paiute Peak (right) form the backdrop to the west of Blue Lake. The ridge between these 2 summits is 4th class at least....you don't hear about a lot of folks doing that craziness! - IMG_0834.jpg

Hikemaster Scott has been to this lake many times, but each time it just seems stunning! The partial thaw up here draws him in each early July!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:49:09 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott has been to this lake many times, but each time it just seems stunning! The partial thaw up here draws him in each early July! - IMG_0833.jpg

Hikemaster Scott at Blue Lake, with two of his favorite peaks, Toll and Paiute, behind. What a great way to escape the crowds on the 4th of July! He knocked off yet another 13-er (Paiute) this day!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:45:09 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott at Blue Lake, with two of his favorite peaks, Toll and Paiute, behind. What a great way to escape the crowds on the 4th of July! He knocked off yet another 13-er (Paiute) this day! - IMG_0836.jpg

Hikemaster Scott loves IPW's 2nd highest lake: Upper Blue Lake. The lake is still 95% frozen. Scott finds partially or mostly frozen lakes to be especially gorgeous! It's still winter here! Blue Lake is in the basin over the ridge behind this lake.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:43:59 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott loves IPW's 2nd highest lake: Upper Blue Lake. The lake is still 95% frozen. Scott finds partially or mostly frozen lakes to be especially gorgeous! It's still winter here! Blue Lake is in the basin over the ridge behind this lake. - IMG_0807.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew uses an ice axe, but it wasn't necessary at all. He and Hikemaster Scott contemplated sliding down to Upper Blue from here, but voted it down for fear of ending up in the lake itself!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:43:56 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew uses an ice axe, but it wasn't necessary at all. He and Hikemaster Scott contemplated sliding down to Upper Blue from here, but voted it down for fear of ending up in the lake itself! - IMG_0809.jpg

Pawnee Mountain (left) and Toll Mountain (center) form the backdrop to Upper Blue Lake in this view to the southwest.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:43:54 MDT

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Pawnee Mountain (left) and Toll Mountain (center) form the backdrop to Upper Blue Lake in this view to the southwest. - IMG_0810.jpg

Hikemaster Scott at Upper Blue Lake high in IPW. Upper Blue sits on a shelf above Blue Lake on the side of Paiute Peak (not pictured). Toll Mountain is impressive isn't it...as is the potential snowsliding here!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:43:51 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott at Upper Blue Lake high in IPW. Upper Blue sits on a shelf above Blue Lake on the side of Paiute Peak (not pictured). Toll Mountain is impressive isn't it...as is the potential snowsliding here! - IMG_0812.jpg

Large cracks and grooves in the ice on Upper Blue Lake. A few more warm days should go a long way towards thawing this gorgeous lake.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:43:49 MDT

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Large cracks and grooves in the ice on Upper Blue Lake. A few more warm days should go a long way towards thawing this gorgeous lake. - IMG_0813.jpg

Pawnee and Toll Mountains behind Upper Blue Lake. Now this was worth the work and concentration needed for the descent of Paiute. The Mt. Audubon trail would have been much more dull!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:39:33 MDT

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Pawnee and Toll Mountains behind Upper Blue Lake. Now this was worth the work and concentration needed for the descent of Paiute. The Mt. Audubon trail would have been much more dull! - IMG_0814.jpg

The eastern shore of Upper Blue Lake is thawing near the outlet stream.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:39:28 MDT

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The eastern shore of Upper Blue Lake is thawing near the outlet stream. - IMG_0815.jpg

Impressive view of Paiute Peak to the northwest. It's 13,088 ft, and sure looks a long way back up there! What a fun way to come down!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:39:26 MDT

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Impressive view of Paiute Peak to the northwest. It's 13,088 ft, and sure looks a long way back up there! What a fun way to come down! - IMG_0816.jpg

Below Upper Blue Lake, vegetation begins to re-enter the picture. The added color enhances the view of Pawnee and Toll Mountains to the west. Near the photo's center is one of the best parts of the snow-slide down Toll!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:39:23 MDT

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Below Upper Blue Lake, vegetation begins to re-enter the picture. The added color enhances the view of Pawnee and Toll Mountains to the west. Near the photo's center is one of the best parts of the snow-slide down Toll! - IMG_0818.jpg

Looking down on Blue Lake along the stream cascading down from Upper Blue Lake above. Blue still has plenty of ice and snow on it as well. This lake is amazing in early summer! It's IPW's 7th highest lake.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:39:21 MDT

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Looking down on Blue Lake along the stream cascading down from Upper Blue Lake above. Blue still has plenty of ice and snow on it as well. This lake is amazing in early summer! It's IPW's 7th highest lake. - IMG_0819.jpg

Getting closer and closer to Upper Blue Lake. It's one of the few high lakes of IPW that Hikemaster Scott had not previously visited. Ranked lake list (top 7) for IPW: Dorothy, Upper Blue, Bob, Betty, King, Island, Blue.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:38:19 MDT

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Getting closer and closer to Upper Blue Lake. It's one of the few high lakes of IPW that Hikemaster Scott had not previously visited. Ranked lake list (top 7) for IPW: Dorothy, Upper Blue, Bob, Betty, King, Island, Blue. - IMG_0802.jpg

Plenty of snow-sliding potential is usually found off Toll Mountain in early July. Hikemaster Scott has spent much time here in early July, including 2 of the past 3 July 4th's. He'd take this over fireworks anyday thank you very much!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:38:16 MDT

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Plenty of snow-sliding potential is usually found off Toll Mountain in early July. Hikemaster Scott has spent much time here in early July, including 2 of the past 3 July 4th's. He'd take this over fireworks anyday thank you very much! - IMG_0805.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew along the north side of Paiute Peak. The hikemasters have descended (slowly) all this way, sticking mainly to the non-snowy areas. It was Hikemaster Scott's favorite part of the hike. IPW never disappoints!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:38:08 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew along the north side of Paiute Peak. The hikemasters have descended (slowly) all this way, sticking mainly to the non-snowy areas. It was Hikemaster Scott's favorite part of the hike. IPW never disappoints! - IMG_0806.jpg

There it is! Mount Audubon (13,209 ft) is almost entirely visible for the first time! It was amazing to watch the clouds evaporate at last, openning grand views of where Hikemasters Scott and Matthew had been.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:37:00 MDT

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There it is! Mount Audubon (13,209 ft) is almost entirely visible for the first time! It was amazing to watch the clouds evaporate at last, openning grand views of where Hikemasters Scott and Matthew had been. - AudubonandPaiute064.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew feels like he's on an airplane looking down through all these clouds. It was eerie but wonderful to be up here alone.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:57 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew feels like he's on an airplane looking down through all these clouds. It was eerie but wonderful to be up here alone. - AudubonandPaiute066.jpg

Rugged valley below Mount Audubon to the north. This view was entirely hidden on the ridgeline traverse from Audubon to Paiute an hour earlier! Conditions seem to be improving! Anyone know the name of that lake?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:54 MDT

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Rugged valley below Mount Audubon to the north. This view was entirely hidden on the ridgeline traverse from Audubon to Paiute an hour earlier! Conditions seem to be improving! Anyone know the name of that lake? - AudubonandPaiute067.jpg

With improved visibility, Hikemasters Matthew and Scott contemplate descending to Upper Blue and Blue Lakes, two of IPW's 7 highest lakes. It won't be easy. Can the snow be avoided?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:50 MDT

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With improved visibility, Hikemasters Matthew and Scott contemplate descending to Upper Blue and Blue Lakes, two of IPW's 7 highest lakes. It won't be easy. Can the snow be avoided? - AudubonandPaiute070.jpg

Eastward shot of Mount Audubon from just below the ridge with Paiute Peak. Hikemaster Matthew greatly enjoyed this hike.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:47 MDT

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Eastward shot of Mount Audubon from just below the ridge with Paiute Peak. Hikemaster Matthew greatly enjoyed this hike. - AudubonandPaiute074.jpg

Oh my! After hours of being lost in the fog, Mount Toll (12,979 ft) finally appears to the south! What an incredible peak! Hikemaster Scott has climbed it 4 times (twice each in 2007 and in 2008)

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:45 MDT

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Oh my! After hours of being lost in the fog, Mount Toll (12,979 ft) finally appears to the south! What an incredible peak! Hikemaster Scott has climbed it 4 times (twice each in 2007 and in 2008) - AudubonandPaiute075.jpg

No other way? The steep slabs of rock on the south side of Paiute Peak make the snow the best route. Hikemaster Scott had no trouble descending it and takes this photo looking back up at Hikemaster Matthew.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:41 MDT

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No other way? The steep slabs of rock on the south side of Paiute Peak make the snow the best route. Hikemaster Scott had no trouble descending it and takes this photo looking back up at Hikemaster Matthew. - AudubonandPaiute079.jpg

OK, even more peaks are coming into view to the south. Pawnee Mountain (12,950 ft) is the rounded summit to the left of Mount Toll (12,979 ft). This is awesome scenery in IPW.....so how's Matthew doing on the snow? Go on to see...

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:38 MDT

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OK, even more peaks are coming into view to the south. Pawnee Mountain (12,950 ft) is the rounded summit to the left of Mount Toll (12,979 ft). This is awesome scenery in IPW.....so how's Matthew doing on the snow? Go on to see... - AudubonandPaiute080.jpg

Now that's a switch! Hikemaster Matthew is usually the most comfortable one on the snow, but he had a little issue here. The snow was fairly soft, but it was quite steep. Hikemaster Scott: "It wasn't so bad!"

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:35 MDT

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Now that's a switch! Hikemaster Matthew is usually the most comfortable one on the snow, but he had a little issue here. The snow was fairly soft, but it was quite steep. Hikemaster Scott: "It wasn't so bad!" - AudubonandPaiute082.jpg

Hikemaster Scott loved the Audubon-Paiute loop hike. Looks like he's committed now...ain't going back up to the ridge from here !

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:32 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott loved the Audubon-Paiute loop hike. Looks like he's committed now...ain't going back up to the ridge from here ! - AudubonandPaiute087.jpg

Hikemaster Scott in front of Pawnee (left) and Toll (right) mountains. The Pawnee-Toll loop hike was hosted by the YMCA 2 days earlier, but Scott skipped it this time. It's one of his favs, but he's done it 4 times in 2 years.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:28 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott in front of Pawnee (left) and Toll (right) mountains. The Pawnee-Toll loop hike was hosted by the YMCA 2 days earlier, but Scott skipped it this time. It's one of his favs, but he's done it 4 times in 2 years. - AudubonandPaiute088.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew contemplates sliding on the snow here. But it is quite steep and ends in boulders, so neither hikemaster was in favor of this route! The hikers stuck to the grass and rocks instead!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:36:25 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew contemplates sliding on the snow here. But it is quite steep and ends in boulders, so neither hikemaster was in favor of this route! The hikers stuck to the grass and rocks instead! - AudubonandPaiute090.jpg

Hikemaster Scott cannot really recall a similar experience of clouds on another peak he's climbed. With the clouds like this, there's some real potential for incredible scenery and cloud patterns...if they'd just break up a bit more!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:55 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott cannot really recall a similar experience of clouds on another peak he's climbed. With the clouds like this, there's some real potential for incredible scenery and cloud patterns...if they'd just break up a bit more! - AudubonandPaiute041.jpg

Getting better? It sure seemed that way for a while...but would it last? This westward view is about as good as it's going to get from atop Paiute Peak this day.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:53 MDT

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Getting better? It sure seemed that way for a while...but would it last? This westward view is about as good as it's going to get from atop Paiute Peak this day. - AudubonandPaiute043.jpg

Hikemaster Scott is well prepared for the cold, and kept warm despite appearances here atop Paiute Peak. In some ways, the hike was very pleasant, but he'll have to climb it again on a clearer day. It's not so hard to get here...

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:49 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott is well prepared for the cold, and kept warm despite appearances here atop Paiute Peak. In some ways, the hike was very pleasant, but he'll have to climb it again on a clearer day. It's not so hard to get here... - AudubonandPaiute047.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew atop Paiute Peak. Both Audubon and Paiute are new to Matthew, who 2 days earlier summitted Pawnee and Toll as well. He's on a roll in IPW!!!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:47 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew atop Paiute Peak. Both Audubon and Paiute are new to Matthew, who 2 days earlier summitted Pawnee and Toll as well. He's on a roll in IPW!!! - AudubonandPaiute048.jpg

The hikemasters had hoped to make a more interesting loop by descending to Upper Blue Lake and Blue Lake instead of going back over Audubon. But is the visibility good enough? Can you see Upper Blue Lake?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:45 MDT

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The hikemasters had hoped to make a more interesting loop by descending to Upper Blue Lake and Blue Lake instead of going back over Audubon. But is the visibility good enough? Can you see Upper Blue Lake? - AudubonandPaiute050.jpg

Visibility in the valley improves slightly. Now Upper Blue Lake (lower center) and Blue Lake (upper center) should be clearer. They are IPW's 2nd and 7th highest lakes, resp. Snow/ice around them adds to the challenge of spotting them.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:43 MDT

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Visibility in the valley improves slightly. Now Upper Blue Lake (lower center) and Blue Lake (upper center) should be clearer. They are IPW's 2nd and 7th highest lakes, resp. Snow/ice around them adds to the challenge of spotting them. - AudubonandPaiute052.jpg

Clouds lifting? The view back towards Mt. Audubon reveals the ridge across which the hikemasters had come. Must they go back that way?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:41 MDT

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Clouds lifting? The view back towards Mt. Audubon reveals the ridge across which the hikemasters had come. Must they go back that way? - AudubonandPaiute053.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew leads the way back along the ridge towards Mount Audubon. To this point, he and Hikemaster Scott are not committed to a particular descent route. Let's see if the clouds continue to lift as we move along.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:38 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew leads the way back along the ridge towards Mount Audubon. To this point, he and Hikemaster Scott are not committed to a particular descent route. Let's see if the clouds continue to lift as we move along. - AudubonandPaiute056.jpg

Now you should be able to see Upper Blue Lake and Blue Lake further beyond in the distant valley. Hikemaster Scott greatly enjoyed this hike, especially the part that is upcoming...keep going!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:34:36 MDT

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Now you should be able to see Upper Blue Lake and Blue Lake further beyond in the distant valley. Hikemaster Scott greatly enjoyed this hike, especially the part that is upcoming...keep going! - AudubonandPaiute057.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew atop Mount Audubon, 13,209 ft. (6th highest in IPW). There's a nice wind shelter up there....but no views today! Hikemaster Scott's previous visit was crystal clear and perfect by comparison.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:27 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew atop Mount Audubon, 13,209 ft. (6th highest in IPW). There's a nice wind shelter up there....but no views today! Hikemaster Scott's previous visit was crystal clear and perfect by comparison. - AudubonandPaiute031.jpg

With the help of Hikemaster Scott's GPS, the hikers decided to pursue Paiute Peak (13,088 ft) anyway, since they were feeling very fresh. Hikemaster Scott stops for a photo on the ridge from Audubon to Paiute, which has a net elevation loss.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:25 MDT

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With the help of Hikemaster Scott's GPS, the hikers decided to pursue Paiute Peak (13,088 ft) anyway, since they were feeling very fresh. Hikemaster Scott stops for a photo on the ridge from Audubon to Paiute, which has a net elevation loss. - AudubonandPaiute033.jpg

The ridge gets a little narrower at this stretch, but it is completely safe and straightforward. Hikemasters Scott and Matthew had preferred to descend to Blue Lake rather than retracing steps back up Audubon, but the fog could make that unsafe.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:23 MDT

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The ridge gets a little narrower at this stretch, but it is completely safe and straightforward. Hikemasters Scott and Matthew had preferred to descend to Blue Lake rather than retracing steps back up Audubon, but the fog could make that unsafe. - AudubonandPaiute034.jpg

If you look very closely, you can see Blue Lake just barely visible through the fog in the valley below. Descending to it would make a nice loop out of the hike, but the terrain down to the lake is hostile and requires better visibility than this!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:19 MDT

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If you look very closely, you can see Blue Lake just barely visible through the fog in the valley below. Descending to it would make a nice loop out of the hike, but the terrain down to the lake is hostile and requires better visibility than this! - AudubonandPaiute035.jpg

Mount Paiute (13,088 ft) is a "double-peak". Here, Hikemaster Scott takes a picture from the east summit (which contains the register) towards the west. So much fog today! It really spoiled some of the views.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:17 MDT

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Mount Paiute (13,088 ft) is a "double-peak". Here, Hikemaster Scott takes a picture from the east summit (which contains the register) towards the west. So much fog today! It really spoiled some of the views. - AudubonandPaiute036.jpg

Hikemaster Scott atop Paiute Peak, hoping the sun can burn off the fog. It's the last of 7 IPW summits in the Brainard Lake area he needed to climb. From south to north: Navajo, Apache, Shoshoni, Pawnee, Toll, Paiute, Audubon.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:15 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott atop Paiute Peak, hoping the sun can burn off the fog. It's the last of 7 IPW summits in the Brainard Lake area he needed to climb. From south to north: Navajo, Apache, Shoshoni, Pawnee, Toll, Paiute, Audubon. - AudubonandPaiute036a.jpg

Hikemaster Scott is rather chilly atop Paiute Peak, although the winds were less strong than he expected. He keeps looking to some patches of blue to the west, hoping for the clouds to break!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:13 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott is rather chilly atop Paiute Peak, although the winds were less strong than he expected. He keeps looking to some patches of blue to the west, hoping for the clouds to break! - AudubonandPaiute036b.jpg

Hikemaster Scott went across to the "west peak" on Paiute. It's a very short distance, but he is barely visible through extremely thick fog.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:33:11 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott went across to the "west peak" on Paiute. It's a very short distance, but he is barely visible through extremely thick fog. - AudubonandPaiute036c.jpg

The trail to Mount Audubon presses on across the tundra. A layer of clouds seem to hug the high peaks, but sure don't seem to be very thick. Can the sun burn them off?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:31:58 MDT

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The trail to Mount Audubon presses on across the tundra. A layer of clouds seem to hug the high peaks, but sure don't seem to be very thick. Can the sun burn them off? - AudubonandPaiute019.jpg

Hikemaster Scott stops for a photo along the Mount Audubon trail. Audubon is directly in the photo's center, but unfortunately it is covered with some fog and low clouds this morning. Still, blue skies would seem likely in the long right....right?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:31:56 MDT

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Hikemaster Scott stops for a photo along the Mount Audubon trail. Audubon is directly in the photo's center, but unfortunately it is covered with some fog and low clouds this morning. Still, blue skies would seem likely in the long right....right? - AudubonandPaiute022.jpg

Climbing higher and higher, Hikemasters Scott and Matthew seem headed straight for the clouds surrounding Mt. Audubon.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:31:52 MDT

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Climbing higher and higher, Hikemasters Scott and Matthew seem headed straight for the clouds surrounding Mt. Audubon. - AudubonandPaiute026.jpg

Gotta enjoy the view while it's there...the "cloud ceiling" is getting closer and closer as altitude is gained. The view to the southeast is one of the last to be had for awhile!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:31:49 MDT

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Gotta enjoy the view while it's there...the "cloud ceiling" is getting closer and closer as altitude is gained. The view to the southeast is one of the last to be had for awhile! - AudubonandPaiute028.jpg

Here we go again...the "weather gods" saw that Hikemasters Scott and Matthew were headed out together again, so gotta bring in the clouds, fog, and cold! Time for more clothes...and a GPS to find the Audubon summit!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:31:47 MDT

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Here we go again...the "weather gods" saw that Hikemasters Scott and Matthew were headed out together again, so gotta bring in the clouds, fog, and cold! Time for more clothes...and a GPS to find the Audubon summit! - AudubonandPaiute029.jpg

Hikemaster Matthew photographs the sunrise from the east side of Mount Audubon. It's his first visit to the peak. Last time he hiked with Hikemaster Scott, they ended up in clouds and fog atop Flattop. Would today be a similar story?

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:30:43 MDT

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Hikemaster Matthew photographs the sunrise from the east side of Mount Audubon. It's his first visit to the peak. Last time he hiked with Hikemaster Scott, they ended up in clouds and fog atop Flattop. Would today be a similar story? - AudubonandPaiute011.jpg

You can see all the way out to the plains from here --- simply magnificent!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:30:40 MDT

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You can see all the way out to the plains from here --- simply magnificent! - AudubonandPaiute014.jpg

Old Man and the Mountain tundra flowers grow in the foreground. This view from the east side of Mount Audubon is concerning....low clouds are whisping near the mountaintops at high speed....a sure sign of strong wind!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:30:33 MDT

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Old Man and the Mountain tundra flowers grow in the foreground. This view from the east side of Mount Audubon is concerning....low clouds are whisping near the mountaintops at high speed....a sure sign of strong wind! - AudubonandPaiute016.jpg

Trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (IPW) begin at high altitude, including the Mt. Audubon hike. Only the first mile, seen here, are protected by fragrant-smelling conifer trees.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:29:45 MDT

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Trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness (IPW) begin at high altitude, including the Mt. Audubon hike. Only the first mile, seen here, are protected by fragrant-smelling conifer trees. - AudubonandPaiute001.jpg

Low clouds and fog hug the high peaks of IPW in this view to the southwest from the Mt. Audubon trail. The trail was almost entirely snowfree, but patches like those shown here are still common in this area.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:29:41 MDT

hikemaster posted a photo

Low clouds and fog hug the high peaks of IPW in this view to the southwest from the Mt. Audubon trail. The trail was almost entirely snowfree, but patches like those shown here are still common in this area. - AudubonandPaiute004.jpg

Hikemaster Scott hikes Mount Audubon (13,209 ft) for his second time (first time: June 24, 2008). Previous visit had much more snow. It is one of the easiest 13-ers in RMNP or IPW, consisting of only 4 miles on trail almost exclusively.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:24:58 MDT

hikemaster posted a photo

Hikemaster Scott hikes Mount Audubon (13,209 ft) for his second time (first time: June 24, 2008). Previous visit had much more snow. It is one of the easiest 13-ers in RMNP or IPW, consisting of only 4 miles on trail almost exclusively. - AudubonandPaiute006.jpg

Gorgeous sunrise to the east as Hikemasters Scott and Matthew quickly gain the tundra.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:24:54 MDT

hikemaster posted a photo

Gorgeous sunrise to the east as Hikemasters Scott and Matthew quickly gain the tundra. - AudubonandPaiute009.jpg

Mount Toll rises sharply to the south from the (very steep!) side of Paiute Peak. Don't worry, the hikemasters didn't have to take one step on this snowfield!

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:20:53 MDT

hikemaster posted a photo

Mount Toll rises sharply to the south from the (very steep!) side of Paiute Peak. Don't worry, the hikemasters didn't have to take one step on this snowfield! - AudubonandPaiute095.jpg

Unavoidable! This stretch of snow is rather short and less steep than it appears. After a spill a while ago, however, Hikemaster Matthew is being especially careful here.

hikemaster — Sun, 5 Jul 2009 13:20:51 MDT

hikemaster posted a photo

Unavoidable! This stretch of snow is rather short and less steep than it appears. After a spill a while ago, however, Hikemaster Matthew is being especially careful here. - AudubonandPaiute097.jpg