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This is what it sounds like to hear static electricity at 14,000 feet above sea level. Handies Peak, Colorado - 6/24/2026 ~ 6:00PM
Handies Peak is located 20 miles west of Lake City, Colorado. It is considered to be one of the easiest 14,000 ft (4,267 m) peaks to summit.
I spent the month of June training for a high altitude road race. I hiked to the top of fifteen 14ers in fifteen days. There are over fifty 14ers in Colorado and Handies was #39 for me.
The general rule for summer hikes in this area is to start early and be below treeline (12,000 ft/3,600m) before noon to avoid dangerous weather. This weather travels from the West and you can predict what's to come by watching the clouds forming.
This happened on a Wednesday just as the Utah wildfire smoke was beginning to make its impact. The smoke affected visibility for miles in every direction, but especially towards the West. I summited Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks in the morning and it drizzled light rain on my way down. I got in my truck and took a 2 hour nap. My plan was to hike Handies the following morning but blue skies appeared and I decided to break the down-before-noon rule.
I had many opportunities to turn around but ignored all the warning signs. I was prepared for rain and never once heard any thunder, so I pushed for the summit. Once I reached the top, I took the summit selfie and then experienced something I had never felt before. There was a buzzing in my ears, which I brushed off as wind noise. I had recently purchased an Altra waterproof coat and wore it for the first time, so I thought the noise was from the material rubbing against my down jacket.
Once I realized what was going on, I debated on ditching my hiking pole but realized I could descend a lot faster with it than without it.
I just wanted to post this in response to the news that a hiker died by lightning strike in Utah yesterday. If you hear or feel static electricity, it may already be too late. I was fortunate this time but I will admit that my ego affected my decision making.
#hiking #activity
source
Handies Peak is located 20 miles west of Lake City, Colorado. It is considered to be one of the easiest 14,000 ft (4,267 m) peaks to summit.
I spent the month of June training for a high altitude road race. I hiked to the top of fifteen 14ers in fifteen days. There are over fifty 14ers in Colorado and Handies was #39 for me.
The general rule for summer hikes in this area is to start early and be below treeline (12,000 ft/3,600m) before noon to avoid dangerous weather. This weather travels from the West and you can predict what's to come by watching the clouds forming.
This happened on a Wednesday just as the Utah wildfire smoke was beginning to make its impact. The smoke affected visibility for miles in every direction, but especially towards the West. I summited Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks in the morning and it drizzled light rain on my way down. I got in my truck and took a 2 hour nap. My plan was to hike Handies the following morning but blue skies appeared and I decided to break the down-before-noon rule.
I had many opportunities to turn around but ignored all the warning signs. I was prepared for rain and never once heard any thunder, so I pushed for the summit. Once I reached the top, I took the summit selfie and then experienced something I had never felt before. There was a buzzing in my ears, which I brushed off as wind noise. I had recently purchased an Altra waterproof coat and wore it for the first time, so I thought the noise was from the material rubbing against my down jacket.
Once I realized what was going on, I debated on ditching my hiking pole but realized I could descend a lot faster with it than without it.
I just wanted to post this in response to the news that a hiker died by lightning strike in Utah yesterday. If you hear or feel static electricity, it may already be too late. I was fortunate this time but I will admit that my ego affected my decision making.
#hiking #activity
source