27 replies to this topic

[Jeffery]

Will be in RMNP from 7/17-24, and would like to see Andrews Glacier.

I'm just not sure where the best vantage points are for seeing the glacier and maybe walkiing across/on the face of it (doubt that we'd want to walk up it, or walk/slide down it).

My thought is if we could access the bottom of it I'd be happy, but I'm just not sure.

Thoughts/recommendations?

[Igloo Ed]

Jeffery, on 14 July 2011 - 12:56 PM, said:

Will be in RMNP from 7/17-24, and would like to see Andrews Glacier.

I'm just not sure where the best vantage points are for seeing the glacier and maybe walkiing across/on the face of it (doubt that we'd want to walk up it, or walk/slide down it).

My thought is if we could access the bottom of it I'd be happy, but I'm just not sure.

Thoughts/recommendations?

There is a steep section below Andrews Tarn that is steeper than the glacier and it will probably be snow covered when you are here. There might be tracks going up the snow but a slip would not be good.
I haven't been there since the middle of June but seeing the snow conditions then and seeing the snow conditions in other areas of the Park now make me think there is still snow over the trail below the Tarn.

[foxfire]

Jeff! I am not that familiar with that particular area of the park but I and many others on the forums know Ed and we all would say! - -

Ed is Good and Ed is Wise! When it comes to travel in the park his advise is priceless.

So do be carefull on glaciers and snow fields.

Welcome to the forums! - - For Sure!

Fox

Have Fun!

[HighPlainsMedic]

A neat comparison over a series of years. of the snowfield below Andrews Tarn


July 4, 2009


June 14, 2008


April 30, 2011


You can see the transition from little snow.. to what people are calling Snowmageddon lol..anyway, the conditions of the snowfield below the Tarn (presently July 14, 2011) are probably closest to the June 2008 photo, It is steeper than sin, dangerous without the proper equipment.. On the July 4th trek.. i actually lost my footing on the right side of the knob as you look at the picture and almost ended up in the creek..

I've been meaning to do a series like this.. thanks for the incentive. i needed a break from moping around.. :D

Jeffery (AKA HPM)

Edited by HighPlainsMedic, 14 July 2011 - 09:23 PM.

[Igloo Ed]

HighPlainsMedic, on 14 July 2011 - 09:21 PM, said:

A neat comparison over a series of years. of the snowfield below Andrews Tarn
I've been meaning to do a series like this.. thanks for the incentive. i needed a break from moping around.. :D

Jeffery (AKA HPM)

Good idea, I hadn't thought to post a picture. Here's from 6-12-11:

[HighPlainsMedic]

your shot looks more vertical than mine lol..

[renate1]

Cool shots guys. Love the different perspectives.

[DeeCeeM]

Sometimes pictures can answer a question better than all the words in the world. Good going, guys!

[Mr. Jinks]

I was up there on Tuesday and right now I would recommend an ice axe and crampons to reach the tarn.

Edited by Mr. Jinks, 15 July 2011 - 09:27 AM.

[jflo]

August 07'



June 25, 2011 (from The Loch) Andrews to the right...

[Jeffery]

That's kind of a bummer. I was hoping to see it, but if it's gong to take crampons & an ice axe that's not going to happen this trip.

Oh well, time to find more destinations.

[HighPlainsMedic]

Jeffery, on 15 July 2011 - 01:00 PM, said:

That's kind of a bummer. I was hoping to see it, but if it's gong to take crampons & an ice axe that's not going to happen this trip.

Oh well, time to find more destinations.

There is another way to see the Glacier.. you can go up Flattop, head south.. you can choose to go up Hallets and or Otis, and then stand at the top of Andrews.. the glacier itself is not bad, the approach from below is what we are all talking about.. I have gone up Andrews in the late season, it's bootable.. I wouldn't suggest going below the Tarn though.. its a great little trek hit 3 peaks, 4 if you want to go up Taylor.. and then mess around on Andrews, you can go back down Flattop.. it would be a long day if you did 4 peaks though... I don't know your abilities so..

I may head up Flattop this Saturday, (Tomorrow) but its up to the boss.. (my wife :D )

Jeff

[HighPlainsMedic]

jflo, on 15 July 2011 - 08:51 AM, said:

August 07'

Wow.. i haven't seen Andrews so shrunken before. that is a great perspective.

Here's a comparison from 6/5/2011 when Ed and I came down it..

Edited by HighPlainsMedic, 15 July 2011 - 01:10 PM.

[Jeffery]

HighPlainsMedic, on 15 July 2011 - 01:05 PM, said:

There is another way to see the Glacier.. you can go up Flattop, head south.. you can choose to go up Hallets and or Otis, and then stand at the top of Andrews.. the glacier itself is not bad, the approach from below is what we are all talking about.. I have gone up Andrews in the late season, it's bootable.. I wouldn't suggest going below the Tarn though.. its a great little trek hit 3 peaks, 4 if you want to go up Taylor.. and then mess around on Andrews, you can go back down Flattop.. it would be a long day if you did 4 peaks though... I don't know your abilities so..

I may head up Flattop this Saturday, (Tomorrow) but its up to the boss.. (my wife :D )

Jeff

That's good information. It would be fun to stand on the top of Andrews. I've never been on a glacier before, so if I can check that off the list, I'd be thrilled.

I tried to find info on Otis, and don't come up with much in the books I have or the map I have. Is there somewhere I can pick up trail information on it? I suppose that question alone sheds light on my abilities =) I am a novice at this, but in relatively good shape. I'm obviously not capable of anything technical or with anything more than very slight exposure. YaxTrax, poles, gaiters, sure. but Ice Axe or crampons and we're out of my league for now.

I'll put Hallet on the list and once we've done Estes Cone or Twin Sisters perhaps we will have a better feel for how capable we really are.

Another thought I had was trying to get to the pool of jade which should give us access to touch the Tindall glacier if I understand the topo correctly.

In all of it, the thing that is kind of overwhelming is wondering if I'll ever even be able to find the trails or trail heads. I read a lot of "climb X" but haven't the slightest clue on where to even begin for access. Much to learn =) (will be there on Sunday)

Thanks for the input.

-Jeff (one of many here apparently!)

[HighPlainsMedic]

The pool of Jade is probably inaccessable.. the canyon above Emerald may be pretty well packed with snow.. I would defer to someone else who might know more.


as for how to get to Otis.. Well park at Bear Lake Parking lot, head up the Flattop Mtn. Trail.. its a bit over 4.5 miles to the top. steep but not dangerous.. just kinda relentless.. If you can do twin sisters you can do flattop.


When you reach the top, Basicaly turn left,
Flattop is the moutain on the right... Tyndal Glacier is between Flattop and Hallets, DO NOT TRY TO GET OUT ON TYNDAL.. its a great view but.. watch out.. Hallets is in the Middle, Otis is left of Hallets and Andrews is to the Left of Otis.. You don't have to do the peaks if you poop out, you can just motor over to Andrews and backtrack back to Flattop.



Hope the map makes sense

Jeff]

Edited by HighPlainsMedic, 15 July 2011 - 07:38 PM.