Summer is never long enough. It’s a rule. After being in school for the past nine months, I’m squeezing every second out of Colorado’s long summer days, ‘cuz I know they won’t last. But climbing at The Park or Mt. Evans definitely demands a certain fitness—and not the kind you get from grad school in Boston. The whole sea-level thing is good for sushi and not much else.

Adapting to Park season is tricky. First there’s the hike. And just like you gotta be in shape to drink sans hangover, most people gotta dial the hike before sending their projects. So, after a week of heading up every day, my sea-lungs have adapted and it’s time to pick a project…

Here’s a sampling of some Park photos from the past week. Enjoy!

A couple days ago, Chad and I left Boulder at 5 pm, hiked up to Chaos Canyon just in time for him to climb the Skyscraper. Halfway up the problem, sideways freezing rain cut down the canyon and slathered the Skyscraper with ice.

This Spring, Colorado has been unusually wet and cold, and the Park is still packed with snow. Most of the problems are completely covered but some, like the Skyscraper, are a little safer than usual, with deathly landings cushioned by about 6 feet of snow.

I recommend leaving dry clothes and warm socks in the car to avoid a soggy, cold drive back to Boulder.

Chad Greedy tops out the Skyscraper in wintry conditions, Chaos Canyon, Colorado.

The Potato Chip boulder buried in snow, lower Chaos Canyon, Colorado.

Hiking down from Chaos Canyon, Colorado.

Chad Greedy hikes down from Chaos Canyon, Colorado.

Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

Waterfall on the hike up to Chaos Canyon, Colorado.

The parking lot in RMNP, Colorado.

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