September 17, 2022 . The initial idea was to attempt Pioneer Trifecta under 6 hours, but I was also mentally prepared to back down from any effort for safety concerns. There was rain fall that week and I wasn't sure if snow had accumulated in the Pioneer Mountains. When I started at 7:20AM it was very frosty. I ran with a shirt, longe sleeve, gloves, and my trusty Patagonia Houdini. One 500mL water bottle in a an UltraSpire Basham vest, that I would later re-fill in a creek under Cobb Peak. I took 2 Honey Stinger gels and 1 Skratch Labs - Hydration, along the route. La Sportiva shoes that are durable through scree running, but also support safe scrambling.
Running up to Old Hyndman is always a bit disorienting once off trail. GPX on this route is crucial for route finding and safety. There was moisture and frost on much of the scree, which had me a little concerned. Once I summited Old Hydman I was worried about the over shadowed north facing rock being icy. It was, but my shoes seemed to handle this well and all of the technical scrambling was either on the very ridge or south face. The traverse is certainly the slowest part of the Pioneer Trifecta. There might be a quicker way, but honestly it's my favorite section of the Pioneer Trifecta. I will say that if you feel like you need a rope, your off route.
There is certainly a big sense of relief once you get to Cobb. However, anything can happen between Cobb and Hyndman. Back in July 22', I attempted the Pioneer Trifecta and accidentally took the wrong chute down from Cobb. Moving confidently I found myself cliffed out and needing to do series of dangerous scrambles to get out of the situation. Don't do that. Download, use, and check on your GPX to stay on route.
Back to the successful day, I ran down the proper chute and connected with the Hyndman trail. Climbing up Hyndman went ok, although now tired. Since it was Fall, there was no snow chute typically used for glissading down. That obviously saves time if done right. I sat down after Hyndman to take a bunch of rocks out of my shoes, before committing to a fast run back to the trailhead. The Pioneer Trifecta is beyond words. For those attempting the route for the first time, I encourage you to take your time and safely enjoy.
Jakub Galczynski