Taylor Peak and Powell Peak via Andrews Glacier in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Hike Taylor Peak and Powell Peak via Andrews Glacier Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Class 3 15.4 miles 5100 gain 9-12 hrs Out + Back Aug 29, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Taylor Peak and Powell Peak via Andrews Glacier GPX Track

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A few days ago, I got rained out attempting this route by ascending from the Flattop Mountain Trail, and bailing via Andrews Glacier. I really wanted to bag Taylor Peak and Powell Peak, and since my attempt was only a few days ago, I knew I could shorten the route by ascending Andrews Glacier rather than doing Flattop Mountain again. So, Austin and I set out on official trails up to Andrews Glacier, starting from the Bear Lake Trailhead. If you arrive early enough, you could start at Glacier Gorge Trailhead, but it was already packed when we got there.

From the base of Andrews Glacier, ascend the south side of the glacier. Though we did not have any ice gear, I would recommend bringing some. We were fortunate that the glacier could be ascended on Class 3 rock in the crevasse where the ice had melted adjacent to the cliff face. Earlier in the year, or dependent on how nature melts the ice, this might not be possible without gear. From the saddle of Otis Peak and Taylor Peak, head toward Taylor Peak on Class 2 boulder hopping, where you can see a gorgeous close-up view of Longs Peak, and the mountains and lakes surrounding this incredible alpine ridgeline. You can also look down and see Sky Pond below in the cirque. From Talyor Peak, continue down to the saddle with Powell Peak. Be sure the weather is still favorable. It's a long trek back from Powell Peak if the weather turns sour, and you are very, very exposed for a long time up here.

Powell Peak is another summit with incredible views, including the cliff face of McHenrys Peak. We went slightly farther south past the summit and got an aerial view of Lake Powell below, really amazing. Return the way you came, or continue through the alpine meadow until you pick up the Flattop Mountain Trail, rather than descending Andrews Glacier.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Taylor Peak
13153 ft
393 rise
2
Powell Peak
13208 ft
368 rise

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Starting off from Bear Lake.
Starting off from Bear Lake.
Passing Alberta Falls.
Passing Alberta Falls.
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The Loch.
The Loch.
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Heading up the Andrews Glacier Trail.
Heading up the Andrews Glacier Trail.
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The pass leading to Andrews Glacier on the right.
The pass leading to Andrews Glacier on the right.
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Looking back along the Andrews Glacier Trail.
Looking back along the Andrews Glacier Trail.
Andrews Glacier ahead. Ascend on the left side.
Andrews Glacier ahead. Ascend on the left side.
Andrews Glacier.
Andrews Glacier.
Looking back toward the lake, where the Andrews Glacier Trail officially ends.
Looking back toward the lake, where the Andrews Glacier Trail officially ends.
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The ice was melted enough that we could squeeze in between the ice and the cliff face. Some Class 3 moves for sure.
The ice was melted enough that we could squeeze in between the ice and the cliff face. Some Class 3 moves for sure.
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The slope's grade got mellow enough that we could walk for a while on the ice.
The slope's grade got mellow enough that we could walk for a while on the ice.
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Looking back down Andrews Glacier from the saddle above. That's Otis Peak in the center. Taylor Peak is behind me.
Looking back down Andrews Glacier from the saddle above. That's Otis Peak in the center. Taylor Peak is behind me.
Looking back toward the saddle we came up from, Andrews Glacier below. Otis Peak on the right, Hallett Peak center.
Looking back toward the saddle we came up from, Andrews Glacier below. Otis Peak on the right, Hallett Peak center.
Heading up to Taylor Peak.
Heading up to Taylor Peak.
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Looking back, almost at the summit of Taylor Peak.
Looking back, almost at the summit of Taylor Peak.
Taylor Peak summit, looking toward Powell Peak (center), Longs Peak in the distance.
Taylor Peak summit, looking toward Powell Peak (center), Longs Peak in the distance.
Close-up of Longs Peak.
Close-up of Longs Peak.
View east looking down at Sky Pond.
View east looking down at Sky Pond.
Continuing along the ridge to Powell Peak.
Continuing along the ridge to Powell Peak.
View southwest, toward Andrews Peak.
View southwest, toward Andrews Peak.
Looking back along the ridge toward Taylor Peak.
Looking back along the ridge toward Taylor Peak.
Continuing along the ridge to Powell Peak.
Continuing along the ridge to Powell Peak.
Looking back along the ridge.
Looking back along the ridge.
Powell Peak ahead.
Powell Peak ahead.
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Taylor Peak summit! Longs Peak in the distance.
Taylor Peak summit! Longs Peak in the distance.
McHenreys Peak center, Longs Peak behind it, center.
McHenreys Peak center, Longs Peak behind it, center.
Close-up of the peaks to the southeast from the summit of Powell Peak.
Close-up of the peaks to the southeast from the summit of Powell Peak.
Lake Powell below, so gorgeous.
Lake Powell below, so gorgeous.
View back along the ridge toward Taylor Peak from Powell Peak summit.
View back along the ridge toward Taylor Peak from Powell Peak summit.
Heading back the way we came, avoiding Taylor Peak's summit.
Heading back the way we came, avoiding Taylor Peak's summit.
Heading back the way we came, Taylor Peak to the right up there somewhere.
Heading back the way we came, Taylor Peak to the right up there somewhere.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!