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Ajax Peak - 1 member in 2 triplogs has rated this an average 5 ( 1 to 5 best )
2 triplogs
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Sep 22 2021
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 Guides 170
 Routes 148
 Photos 5,914
 Triplogs 2,097

48 male
 Joined Apr 12 2004
 Tucson, AZ
Ajax PeakWest, CO
Ajax Peak
West, CO
Hiking avatar Sep 22 2021
PrestonSands • Triplogs 2,097
Hiking7.30 Miles 2,800 AEG
Hiking7.30 Miles
2,800 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners partners
ryan321
Colorado trip day 6

Afternoon/evening hike with my brother Ryan and his friend Tim. We started from the last switchback on Black Bear Road below the Bridal Veil Falls powerhouse and walked up Black Bear Road. Ingram Falls was a low water crossing, unlike my previous Ajax attempt years ago. From the junction with Black Bear Road above the falls, it was an unrelenting climb up the unmarked spur trail on the grassy south face of Ajax Peak. Pikas greeted us with warning squeaks higher up. The trail took us to the ridge crest at 12,800 feet, where we turned west to follow the crest over to Ajax Peak itself. Fantastic views of endless mountain peaks bathed in amber sunset light all around from our vantage point at the far western edge of Ajax. Telluride was clearly visible 4000 feet below. We started our descent as sunset waned and reached our vehicles after dark. A little tougher negotiating an eroded drop off at the bottom of Black Bear Road in the dark. Tim did ok, but I managed to get the 4Runner up on 3 wheels for a minute. Built a rock ramp and made it down easy. Spent our last night camped outside Dolores. Great hike and worth the effort.
foliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observationfoliage observation
Autumn Foliage Observation Moderate
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"…you never know when a hike might break out" -Jim Gaffigan
 
Aug 13 2016
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 Photos 418
 Triplogs 169

female
 Joined Jul 22 2016
 Sedona, AZ
Ajax PeakWest, CO
Ajax Peak
West, CO
Hiking avatar Aug 13 2016
xthine • Triplogs 169
Hiking9.05 Miles
Hiking9.05 Miles   3 Hrs   56 Mns   2.30 mph
 no routesno photosets
1st trip
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Apparently a bowl of granola clusters is not enough fuel for this hike. :( (hiked Bear Creek Falls the day before)

No other cars at the trailhead at Pandora Mill. We started all the way at the bottom but the true trailhead to Ajax Peak is at the top of Black Bear pass (between the mining cables there is a small cairn on the left side). I think it is just a 2.5 mile hike from the cairn to the top of Ajax Peak. A 4 x4 could make it up to the top of Bridal Veil falls, you could also start there to go up Ajax Peak. Do not miss the swing (duct taped) amongst the mining cables, decided to play safe and not try it.

The hike is pretty easy going up until the top of Bridal Veil falls. We severely underestimated the difficulty of Black Bear Pass. Those switchbacks were no joke with some steepness and slick to them, realized this especially on the way down.

Very little trail traffic going up when we started, saw only 2 other groups of hikers on our way up. Going down was super busy, a line of slowly trickling jeeps going down Black Bear Pass (dusty cookie anyone?).
The views (and evidently the hike going up) are quite breathtaking. Saw a skiddish marmot on the way up.
The path going up Ajax after the official trailhead was well groomed, lined by colorful wildflowers.
As you go higher you could see Silver Lake, Mt. Wilson, El Diente and Wilson Peak (see you in 2017!).
Less strong force of the water fall at Bridal Veil this time of the year, also less water to cross at Ingram Falls (near Black Bear Mill).

The trail is actually more gentle after Black Bear Pass. Switchbacks were well groomed and not rocky.
My partner however ran out of gas about 700 ft from the summit, I decided to turn around with him.
Still an awesome hike!!! Will absolutely make it to the top next year. :y:
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average hiking speed 2.3 mph

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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