OTM Beard Campout

What?

The Obnoxious Trail Monkeys have been doing an annual grueling hike and overnight camp in the brutal, deep mountain snow above 9,000'.  Each year we pick a destination based off the beauty and serenity of how such a remote location will look in the winter, along with the difficulty in getting there.  While the temps are cold, the climb is exhausting, and the snow is relentless, the beauty of such remote places needs to be experienced in its icy glory, and since we started this in 2012, it has never been a disappointment.  While a beard is not necessary to join in on the fun, nor is this event exclusive for dudes, three weeks of growth is the standard to get into the spirit of the adventure. 

2018 Date:   February 23-24 - Mount Ellen Peak near Capitol Reef

The final location and route of the Beard Campout may be re-considered the week of the campout based on weather and avalanche conditions,  That being said, we are planning on driving out to the extremely remote Henry mountain range east of Capital Reef national park.  The Henry range was the last range in the lower 48 states to be properly surveyed.

Logistics: 

Camp:

We intend to camp at the "Magic School Bus" located at 9,490'.

From car to camp: 
Distance:  7 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,990'
Elevation gain per mile: 427'

From camp to summit:
Distance:  4 miles
Elevation Gain:  2,037'
Elevation gain per mile:  509'

Gear:  

First, you will need snow shoes.  The ground below 6,500' shouldn't have much, if any, snow.  However, at our intended camp around 9,500' deep higher elevation snow should be expected.  Keeping warm with good base and outer layers is critical, so have a zero degree sleeping bag, insulated boots or shoes, and plenty of toe warmers.

For everything else, we try to keep pack weight to a minimum.  As such, it is best to coordinate who will pack up certain items. Don't expect an overly thought-out list this year.  Plan on taking care of yourself unless you coordinate with someone else on meals or gear.  Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us and camp/hike entirely self supported, but the smart ones will coordinate gear with others. 

Food:

You're on your own for food, with the exception of breakfast.  It is Beard Camp tradition for Steve and Sam to provide a breakfast reward for your climbing efforts and surviving the night.  We are providing bacon, egg, potato, cheese, and ham breakfast burritos.

Mt Ellen Summit:

 

We'll keep this option open as a definite maybe.  With the summit tagged, followed by lunch at camp, we'll then descend.

Previous Beard Campouts:

2017:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVmCPXp90nc
2016:  http://obscuretrailmonkeys.blogspot.com/2016/01/5th-annual-beard-camp.html
2015:  http://obscuretrailmonkeys.blogspot.com/2015/03/4th-annual-beard-camp.html
2014:  http://obscuretrailmonkeys.blogspot.com/2014/03/beard-blizzard.html
2013:  http://obscuretrailmonkeys.blogspot.com/2013/01/beard-campout-2013.html
2012:  http://obscuretrailmonkeys.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html