The non-standard14er Podcast

Pyramid Peak "Green Gulley Jitters" Episode 5

The Exiled Michigander and CTP join Short Rope for a discussion of an Elk Range 14er that is often characterized as one the most difficult: Pyramid Peak.  We chat about route finding on Pyramid's Northeast Ridge and argue about whether leaving ribbon on difficult sections of a climb is acceptable.  We debate whether camping on Pyramid is a better strategy than doing it all in one day from the car, and we discuss the rotten Elk Range rock and the infamous cliff traverse and green gulley sections on the standard route.  We also try to "re-build" the various sections on Pyramid with other similar features from other 14ers.  The "nah dude" jingle also found its way into this podcast.

Missouri Mountain episode 4

Recorded after soaking in the Cottonwood Hot Springs, Short-Rope and the Exiled Michigander welcome another 14er Finisher to the podcast who we call CTP or Colorado Trail Patrick.  We discuss two non-standard routes on Missouri Mountain: a spring snow climb up the north face of Missouri’s C-Couloir and the West Ridge from Lake Clohesy.  We also chat about the river crossing on the Rockdale trailhead, the steep switch backs on the Missouri Gulch approach, tricks for cooking omelets over a camp fire, slow-energy-release trail food, and the most efficient way to climb Missouri, Belford, Oxford, Columbia and Harvard. We also introduce a new "jingle" when the conversation gets "off route."

Mt. of the Holy Cross "Half Moon Bowling" episode 3

Recorded in a yurt just above Lake City Colorado, The Exiled Michigander joins Short-Rope, JacerJack and TayJack to discuss Halo Ridge and the standard route up Mt. of the Holy Cross.  We discuss why the standard route up the North Ridge doesn't allow views of the famous Cross Couloir and the strange pull that lures hikers to descend the wrong route.  We also discuss the challenge of re-gaining the lost 1,000 feet of elevation over Half-Moon Pass and the need for bug spray and a water filtration system.

Mt. Sneffels episode 2

JacerJack and TayJack join Short-Rope to discuss the south slopes and the southwest ridge route on Mt. Sneffels.  We learn some Ouray history, discuss the best spots to get a post-hike slice of pizza and beer, and discuss a 14er hiker's first introduction to class 3 climbing. We also answer the question "why is it called 'Sneffels'?" 

Maroon Peak episode 1

Short-Rope Stiffler and JacerJack discuss their climb on Maroon Peak, chat about the loose Elk Range rock, debate Instagraming 14ers, compare Maroon to the Wilson Group, and detail how they celebrated a buddy's 14er finisher in Aspen in the first episode of the Non-Standard 14ers Podcast.