Bear's Ears National Monument

The Bears Ears

Along Highway 95, west of Blanding, Utah, I pull my teal '92 Ford Explorer with Kansas plates onto a rocky side road and head north. Going nowhere in particular, I look for a nice spot to cook dinner and pass out.  The road I'm following leads me upwards, and a pair of solitary buttes is perfectly framed by my badly cracked windshield. A whole new zone to explore. Bumping my way up towards these obvious forested landmarks, I'm still processing having just hiked and swam my through the incredible sandstone narrows of the Black Hole- totally consumed by what else might be hiding in this labyrinth of canyons. As a 19-year-old newcomer to the Four Corners region, I was in awe of a landscape I never even knew existed until months before.

Back in my dorm room, I poured over a map of the area. The forested buttes were clearly labeled, "Bears Ears." Over 15 years have passed since then.  I pride myself in having spent countless days exploring canyons and ruins, climbing perfect cracks, taking friends to my favorite spots, that I know it, just a little bit.  I've always referred to this area as the "the closest awesome desert to Durango". Now, it's known as Bears Ears National Monument. Federally Protected, Bears Ears encompasses 1.9 million acres of incomparable high desert terrain . Along with our current administration, comes a proposal to drastically reduce the Monument in size, exposing sensitive areas to natural resource extraction, among various other damaging activities.

May 26th is the end of the public comment period. If you love Bears Ears, National Monuments, and the Antiquities Act, please voice your opinion here:

https://www.accessfund.org/take-action/campaigns/tell-secretary-zinke-not-to-rescind-or-reduce-bears-ears-national-monument

---

Map courtesy of Grand Canyon Trust.  Learn more at: http://www.grandcanyontrust.org/bears-ears-cultural-landscape

An impressive display of pictographs near the San Juan River. This panel, as well as countless others in the area, represent a small fraction of the archeological resources protected in Bears Ears National Monument.  

Some of the darkest night skies in the country can be observed from Bears Ears. 

Free flowing water is found in many canyons within the Monument, supporting biologically diverse ecosystems that often thrive through the driest months of the year.

The landscape that defines Bears Ears is unique to the world.

Learn more about Bears ears at:

http://bearsears.patagonia.com/

 

words & Photos by StevE eginoire

  www.stepheneginoire.com

 

Skiing Highlights from the Pine Needle Team

Pine Needle Mountaineering

This winter has been awesome! Camaraderie among Pine Needle employees is but one of the many characteristics we take pride in.

Here are a few skiing highlights from the 2016/17 season

Sunrise on the approach to Engineer Mountain.

Cold, dry, and perfect. Sultan, North Star.

A sunrise on Molas Pass is always magical.

Wide open turns after scratching down the Elevator Shaft.

Textbook snow climbing conditions on Pigeon Peak.

Pondering The Sultan's North Star path. 

Couloir hunting.

Opening turns of a 3-mile 6,000 foot descent from the summit of Pigeon Peak.

Corn hunting near Graysill Mountain.

Ripping the Fourth of July apron on North Twilight.

Starting 'em off young.

Hope you wore your sunscreen boys.

The path to glory sometimes involves a creek crossing.

Exploring new terrain in the Weminuche Wilderness.

Cruxing out on Engineer!!

Don't fall, I guess.

Lynx sighting!

At the entrance to the extra long, extra slender Dead Squirrel Couloir.

Deep powder on Parrot Peak.

Backcountry Maintenance and Repair Kit

Repair Guide

The ability to fix and maintain your ski equipment in the backcountry will save you time, hassle, and personal anguish. At under one pound, the suggested list above will enable you to improvise in most repair situations and help get you off the mountain in one piece.

Depending on the length and commitment level of your ski tour, you may want to add or subtract from the items listed above. 

Maintenance

1. Glide Wax:  A quick fix for a faster glide, and will help prevent snow from freezing to the base of your skis.

2. Plastic Scraper: Scrape sticky snow & ice from the base and top-sheets of your skis. 

3. Skin Wax: Apply liberally to maintain your climbing skin's hydrophobic properties and prevent them from glopping up with snow.

Repair

4. Rubber Ski Straps: The longer the better. You can secure a rescue sled, a broken boot cuff, or splint an injured extremity. The options are endless. 

5. Quick Curing Glue: If you’re binding strips off of your ski, a strong, fast-curing glue or epoxy will help to secure binding screws to the ski-- hopefully long enough for a successful retreat.

6. Bailing Wire: Offers endless options for boot & binding repair.

7. Cloth Tape: Another go-to repair/first aid item that is multi-functional. 

8. 5mm Cord:  Cord is always useful and can supplement the use of ski straps, bailing wire or rigging scenarios.

9. Lighter: Mold pesky boot plastic or build a fire.

10. Zip-Ties: Feather-weight and useful in almost any repair scenario.

11. Binding Screws & Bits: A few binding screws and bits to will allow you to adjust or re-mount a binding that has stripped off the ski. 

12. Break-Down Screw Driver: I prefer this driver over a "binding buddy". Binding screws are easier to access with a with a longer tool and will perform better if you really need some wrenching power.

13. Hose Clamps: Use to secure a pole splint to a broken ski pole. 

14. Multi-Tool with Pliers: Useful in almost all repair situations

15. Pole Splint: When secured with hose clamps, an old section of ski pole cut lengthwise will splint a broken ski pole.

 

Reference Guide to Swix Glide Wax

How to Wax Nordic Skis

Wax & Iron your cross country and skate skis like a pro. Check out this quick video to achieve a high performance glide.

WONDERING WHICH WAX TO USE?

Here is Pine Needle’s quick reference guide to Swix Glide Wax. Based on local snow conditions, we recommend using violet wax (CH7). If you are skiing at lower elevations on a sunny day, you might even consider waxing up with red (CH8).

Backcountry Skiing Essentials

How to Stay Warm this Fall

Fall is Here

Campfires, wood-burning stoves, and cozy clothes are mandatory. We're stocked with our latest Fall arrivals, so whether you're picking apples or tying in at The Creek, stop on by and check us out- We'll have something warm to compliment your next outdoor experience.

---

Women's

---

Bivy Hooded Down Vest from Patagonia

Defy capricious conditions with the Bivy Hooded Down Vest, a versatile workhorse for trail slogs or raised-bed harvesting. Wind- and water-resistant, it’s made of sturdy, pliable nylon canvas with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish on the shoulders. Insulated with 100% recycled down reclaimed from used down products, the vest has wide baffle construction and plush inside trim for toasty warmth. Its insulated hood adjusts with contrast drawcords that look like climbing ropes, and the center-front zipper tucks under a wide metal snap placket. Details include contrasting western-style yoke shoulders, side-entry handwarmer pockets and secure inner chest pocket with fun inside print. Slight drop-tail hem.

Fjord Flannel From Patagonia

View fullsize

Quintessentially versatile and seriously soft, you’ll want this 100% organic cotton flannel shirt with you on all occasions. The Fjord has classic flannel-shirt styling with a buttoned placket, cuffs and flapped chest pockets. The relaxed fit is hip length, with a straight hem and side slits. Featured in beautiful plaids and blanket stripes, this cozy piece can be paired with jeans and skirts or, après-hot tub, thrown over a wet bikini.

Mova Straight Pant from Kuhl

View fullsize

The KÜHL MØVA STRAIGHT™ pant features KONTOUR™ fabric, a soft and durable stretch nylon made to look like woven fabric for texture and appeal. KONTOUR™ fabric holds its shape for a flattering, feminine fit.

A contoured waistband and KühlKURVE™ fit make the MØVA STRAIGHT extremely comfortable. The internal draw cord provides a custom fit, and the faux fly makes for easy on/off. 5-pocket jean styling adds flair.

The MØVA STRAIGHT is fitted through the hips and upper thigh and looser through the knee and lower leg.

Osito Pullover from The North Face

View fullsize

Pull on this ultra-soft, low-maintenance hooded layer for lightweight, comfortable warmth on cool days.

Crossing Cord Pant from Prana

View fullsize

The Prana Crossing Cord pant in certain to be a wardrobe staple. Classic jean styling, with straight legs and five pockets, is given a mindful modern update with organic cotton. This soft, dry corduroy pant’s 98.5% organic cotton is enhanced with a hint of stretch for a comfortable fit.

---

View fullsize

                                                                                                                                Photo by Stephen Eginoire

---

Men's

---

Better Sweater from Patagonia

View fullsize

An easy-wearing, bulk-free jacket that thrives as urban outerwear or layered in the backcountry under a shell. Made of a knitted, heathered polyester fleece dyed with a low-impact process that significantly reduces the use of dyestuffs, energy and water compared to conventional dyeing methods. Fair Trade Certified™ sewing.

Venga Pants from Patagonia

View fullsize

Try hard but move easy in our Venga Rock Pants—that’s what they’re made for. The lightweight organic cotton/spandex blend breathes, moves and stays comfortable with every drop knee and high step, while technical patterning includes a crotch gusset and articulated legs. The waist has belt loops, a separating zip fly and our innovative OppoSet™ adjustable closure for an on-the-go customized fit. With two drop-in hand pockets, two rear pockets that double as a reinforced seat for durability and a discreet right-thigh patch pocket.

Downtown Flannel from Mountain Khakis

View fullsize

You can take the guy out of the mountains, but you can't take the mountains out of the guy. This button-down helps you pass the muster when that special occasion calls. Limited-edition colors. Imported. 100% cotton. Relaxed Fit.

Brion Pants from Prana

View fullsize

THE BRION'S LOOK MAY BE LEAN, BUT IT PACKS A SERIOUS PUNCH WHEN IT COMES TO RUGGED DURABILITY. THIS ALL-PURPOSE PANT FEATURES THE SAME BENEFITS AS OUR BEST SELLING STRETCH ZION PANT, BUT WITH A SLIM FIT AND SLIGHTLY TAPERED LEGS. WATER AND ABRASION RESISTANT, AND STYLED WITH 5 POCKETS AND A FIXED WAIST, THERE'S NO TELLING WHERE THIS PANT IS GOING TO TAKE YOU.

Mid 250 Hoody from Smartwool

View fullsize

Cover more ground with the Mid 250 Hoody. We've added fresh style to our classic baselayer for ultimate warmth in cold weather situations. Merino helps regulate body temperature and manage moisture, and its no-stink properties mean you can head straight from the hill to happy hour.

Layering up for Fall

Fall is Here

Layering up for action in funky shoulder season conditions can leave you over heated or chilled to the bone. Nothing is worse than sweat-soaked garments when the sun ain't shining.

Below are a few ideal fall layers to consider when planning your next outdoor mission. We've got many more options and brands in stock as well, so stop by and have a look!

View fullsize

                                                                                                                                    Photo by Stephen Eginoire

---

Men's

---

Nano Air Hoody from Patagonia

View fullsize

The Nano-Air® Hoody sets a new standard for technical insulation, merging the comfort and breathability of open fleece with the protection and warmth of a puffy. Its supremely stretchy and breathable fabric package combines a plain-weave liner, warm-when-wet FullRange™ insulation and a lightweight yet durable, weather-shedding 100% nylon ripstop shell with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish. The hoody has an incredibly soft, supple feel and full mechanical stretch that allow for a close, athletic fit over baselayers and an uninhibited range of motion.

Vertex Pants from Rab

View fullsize

Whilst the Vertex Pants can be worn as general outdoor trousers, climbing specific features such as a hem drawcord for reducing volume around your feet, and stretch fit articulated knees for freedom of movement, make the Vertex Pants ideal for use as a light-weight climbing pant.

R1 Fleece Hoody from Patagonia

View fullsize

Its high/low grid interior (Polartec® Power Grid™ polyester) is key to the hoody’s versatility, and the highly refined fabric—the lightest and most breathable iteration ever—remains exclusive to Patagonia. It stretches, traps heat and compresses to practically nothing, with the pared-down but versatile features climbers and backcountry skiers need: a snug-fitting balaclava-style hood, a minimalist deep-venting front zipper with a soft zipper garage that keeps your chin comfy, and a Variable Conditions Cuff with discreet on-seam thumb holes and a spiral-stitch construction so you can push up the sleeves with no ensuing forearm pump.

Ventus Jacket from Rab

View fullsize

Offering high levels of sun and weather protection, the Ventus Jacket is a perfect layer for climbing or walking in the mountains. Now featuring Polygiene® STAY FRESHodour control treatment, the Ventus Jacket can now comfortably be worn for multi-day trips. Features include an under-helmet hood, thumb loops and Lycra® bound cuffs.

---

Women's

---

Narin Vest from Ark'teryx

View fullsize

An easy choice for crisp days, the Narin is a down vest with minimalist design, clean lines and a relaxed urban aesthetic. Warm 750 fill power goose down in the body and Coreloft® synthetic insulation in the shoulders provide lightweight insulation with minimal bulk. A simple low profile hood adds protection from unexpected cold.

Oasis leggings from Icebreaker

View fullsize

For comfort in any climate, and for any sport, Women's Oasis Leggings are built from our ultra soft, breathable 200gm merino jersey fabric. They provide warmth on cold morning workouts or high mountain hikes, breathe well enough to never get too hot. 

Adze Hybrid Hoody from Patagonia

View fullsize

Our soft-shell Adze Hybrid Hoody resists moisture, breathes freely and keeps the heat. Its main body is composed of a 3-layer Polartec® Windbloc® stretch-woven polyester soft-shell fabric that repels wind and sheds snow, while the bonded fleece grid interior wicks moisture and adds light insulation. The hoody’s low-bulk construction also uses unlined, stretchy, double-weave soft-shell fabric in the side panels, cuffs and along the underside of the arms to minimize bulk while enhancing breathability and mobility.

Motivation Leggings from The North Face

View fullsize

Stay active in cold conditions with these compressive midweight leggings that are crafted with four-way stretch and lightweight panels wrapped around the legs for streamlined coverage during aerobic activity.

---

How to Build a Trad Rack

Climbing Essentials

1. Ultralight Camalots

2. Camalot X4

3. Metolius TCU

4. Black Diamond Neutrino

5. Mammut Contact Sling

6. Gallery

Fall season is here, and that means great conditions for desert rock climbing. At Pine Needle, you'll find everything you including Black Diamond Ultralight Cams, EuroTape, Carabiners, Metolius Chalk, Slings, and much more. Stop on by for sales and to supplement your rack before your next mission.

NEW!  Ultralight Camalots from Black Diamond.

On fast-and-light missions and smash-and-grab ascents when weight really matters, the Black Diamond Camalot Ultralight presents a 25% weight savings over the Camalot. With sculpted lobes that account for a portion of the weight savings, the Camalot Ultralight features a dyneema cord in place of a cable with all of the same strength you rely on. A double-axle design allows for the widest placement range possible for each cam device, and color coding makes for easy identification when quick pro is paramount. When light is right, the Camalot Ultralight is essential.

Camalot X4 from Black Diamond.

Combining unparalleled expansion range with single-stem flexibility and a narrow head width, the Black Diamond Camalot X4 represents the missing link in our gold-standard Camalot family. The smallest three sizes of the X4 feature our Stacked Axle Technology, which uses a unique machined axle to give more expansion range per size than any small four-cam unit on the market. In fact, the six sizes of the Camalot X4 cover the same range as eight sizes of comparable units. The X4's embedded cam springs allow for an ultra-narrow head width that fits in those tight spots other cams won't. Thanks to super-durable aluminum protection beads, the X4's cable withstands repeated abrasion without compromising flexibility. We also added a hot-forged trigger bar and symmetric swage to improve handling and eliminate buckling.

Metolius TCU.

Metolius' Ultralight TCUs have set the standard for three-cam units for years thanks to their narrow head width, durability, and light weight. Direct Axle Technology™ (DAT™) makes Ultralight TCUs the lightest cams in the world! DAT allows for more placement options in shallow, narrow, or bottoming placements, and makes tricky placements easier due to better cam lobe visibility, especially in the small sizes. Each TCU is hand built, inspected, and individually tested in Bend, Oregon.

Black Diamond Neutrino carabiner.

Thirty-six grams of wiregate perfection, the nimble Black Diamond Neutrino carabiner is the ideal solution when all-purpose fast, light and strong is right.

Mammut 8mm contact sling.

For years the unbeatable Mammut® Contact Sling has proven itself as a universal and super-light webbing sling on the mountains and cliffs over the world. Very strong webbing combined with the unique Contact stitching technique ensures optimum handling, even in the seam area of this high-end sling.

Gallery

Hallucinogen Wall. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colo.

Desert Shield. Zion Canyon, Utah.

Missed a few spots...

Abracadaver. Cochise Stronghold, Arizona.

Rock Lobster. Indian Creek, Utah.

---

---

---

History of Pine Needle Mountaineering

Celebrating 40 Years at Pine Needle

Pine Needle Mountaineering is celebrating 40 years serving southwest Colorado this month.

Since 1976, we've been outfitting our local community with the necessary essentials to explore this amazing region.

From first-generation backcountry ski touring bindings, to the first spring-loaded camming device that revolutionized rock climbing, Pine Needle has been there every step of the way.

And my, how the times have changed!

Ray Jardine's "Friend" the camming device that revolutionized rock climbing. Photo courtesy Wild Country.

Purgtory in the 70's

1984 Patagonia catalog.

Ramer model R ski touring binding 1978. Photo courtesy Wildsnow.com

1976 Rossignol Freestyle Skis

We've worked with brands like Black Diamond, Patagonia, The North Face, and Royal Robbins since they were budding companies founded by core enthusiasts. We've helped contribute to their success as leading vendors in the outdoor industry by selling their quality equipment to our passionate community here in Durango, Colorado.

And here we are 40 years later.  The brands we love have matured into successful companies, gear is more lightweight than ever, and there's a ski for every type of snow condition. But one thing remains the same- our passion for the outdoors and love for our community.

Thank You!!!

Photo by Stephen Eginoire

---

Backpacking: Rock Lake Loop | by Stephen Eginoire

Planning a backpacking trip to the Durango area this summer? You've chosen well! The San Juan Mountains are roughly the size of the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular 499,771  acre Weminuche Wilderness- Colorado's largest designated wilderness area.

There are countless multi-day tours to choose from in the Weminuche that range from very popular, to areas that see very little human traffic. 

The tour detailed below is a true San Juan wilderness experience. Be ready for a few hours of backcountry driving to access the trailhead. 

---

Rock Lake Loop, via Hunchback Pass

Getting there:

You'll have to find your way to Rio Grande Reservoir Road (FS 520), either by way of Silverton or Creede. From FS 520, locate FS 506, heading south into Bear Creek. Drive FS 506 passing the Beartown site (you may encounter a spot or two of 4WD here) eventually arriving at Kite Lake and the road's end. Walking distance from the car park is the Hunchback Pass trailhead.

The Route:

From the Hunchback Pass TH,  follow the Continental Divide Trail south (813) up and over Hunchback Pass, to Nebo Creek.  Make sure to follow the CDT (813) east, up the Nebo Creek drainage. 

Once you exit the Nebo Creek drainage, continue on the CDT (813) for approximately 7 miles to Twin Lakes. Upon reaching the lakes, the route departs from the CDT (813). Locate Rock Creek trail (655) bearing south towards a high pass. From the top of the pass descend into the Rock Creek drainage, following Rock Creek trial (655) for approximately 5.7 miles until intersecting with Vallecito trail (529) at the bottom of the valley. 

Bear north on the Vallecito trail (529) for appx. 3.1 miles to where the trail intersects the CDT (655) at Nebo Creek, closing the loop. Continue north on the CDT (655) back over Hunchback Pass for 2.5 miles to the cars.

*NOTE* The trail from Hunchback Pass TH to Rock Lake is consistently above 11,500 feet. Take the threat of lighting into careful consideration.

Click here for up-to-date weather forecast.

---

View fullsize

View fullsize

---

View fullsize

Tarns near Mount Nebo.

View fullsize

Fine views of Strom King peak from the CDT.

View fullsize

Tundra and marshlands surrounding West Ute lake.

View fullsize

A view of Twin Lakes.  Note: The CDT (813) branches off to the east at Twin Lakes. Be sure to pick up the Rock Creek Trail (655) continuing south towards Rock Lake.

View fullsize

Looking into the headwaters of Rock Creek, above Twin Lakes.

View fullsize

View fullsize

Rock Lake

View fullsize

Glorious alpine vegetation.

View fullsize

Camp perched above Rock Creek, and not a soul to be seen.

View fullsize

Reflection of Peters Peak (13,122') in Rock Lake.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Lounge time.