June, 2001

Carolyn Kuranz, Mouser Williams

Summary: A long dayhike from the Aspen Ski Basin to Lake Peak (12,???') via Deception Peak (?').

Starting at the Aspen Ski Basin's upper parking lot at aboyt 5:45am, we ascended up to the National Forest boundary fence on the Raven's Ridge saddle between unnamed ?' and unnamed ?'. Following the fence on the outside of the forst, we ascended Raven's Ridge and summited the unnamed ?' and unnamed ?'. With a great view of the Nambe Lake basin, we pushed up out of the trees and onto Deception Peak.

From Deception, it is a short rough ridge across to Lake Peak. The ridge itself is very sharp and class 4 in parts. An easier trail makes its way along the steep eastern slope. Lake Peak offers a great view of Santa Fe Baldy, the Truchas peaks, the Wheeler group, Sandia, and the Jemez.

The trip back down was painful because I was wearing new boots that were eating my toes and heel. Total trip time: 9.5 hours, including 45 minutes on the summit.