4/27/2023 Route: South Ridge Posted On: 4/28/2023, By: Kya Cav Info: Probably not worth the effort to attempt a ski descent. We were able to ski the Yawner Gullies but conditions are thin. Good coverage off the summit for first 100-200 vertical feet. Then very thin snow cover over rock. Old snow in the western gullies provided safer skiing. Easy skinning and good snow cover up the the SE Ridge and approach from West Willow Creek. |
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12/23/2022 Route: SS Point Fest Posted On: 12/28/2022, By: Skimo95 Info: Put in a trench on/around the ridge. Long day around 19.8mi 7,300'. One minor avalanche was seen near the route, along with 8 moose. |
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10/12/2022 Route: South Ridge Posted On: 10/13/2022, By: Mel Kel Info: Some small snow patches starting around 13,200. Very manageable, no consequence; no traction/flotation needed; can avoid if you need. Suitable for trail runners. Mileage from the upper trailhead is closer to RT 13miles, and ~3850' of elevation. Additionally, be aware of the road closure on highway 50 if traveling from Montrose>Gunnison; the road closes almost nightly and added a level of "memorable-ness" to our outing :) |
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10/5/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 10/5/2022, By: jlbennett Info: Snow started on the trail at 12,000, increasing to 4-6 inches at 12,500. With drifts of 8-12 inches as you approach the summit. Not icy yet, micro spikes not needed, but probably best to carry them as people are going straight up at the summit.the snow is not melting, so I expect it to remain. |
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9/23/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 9/24/2022, By: Molasses Info: Any recent snows have all melted. There's no snow or ice on the trail. The Aspens have started turning color... about half way to peak color. And CFI is doing some work on the trail, but it doesn't interfere with hikers using the trail... just let them know you're hiking through. |
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9/8/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 9/9/2022, By: cougar Info: Route is clear and in good shape, although the Stewart Creek trail has some overgrown grassy sections, not as easy to follow in low light. Willows starting to change color. Seemed longer than route description based on my GPS. Road to trailhead is fine, creek crossings not an issue (had AWD), but go slow to avoid bumping on the concrete ribs. I decided to take the turn for Cochetopa Pass on the way out, on NN14 going east, since the sign said 9 miles to the pass (thought it was 9 to hwy 114 vs the 7 miles posted if you turn left on GG15), but is actually much longer, although a good dirt road, so stick with the standard driving approach, don't know if I saved any mileage but didn't seem like it. The mileage signs on the eastbound NN14 are pretty inconsistent and all over the place. |
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9/1/2022 Route: South Ridge Posted On: 9/1/2022, By: mtgoatmike Info: Trail is in great condition. Plenty of flowing creeks along the way. The ridge leading to the summit is deceptive, a few false summits. |
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8/14/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 8/15/2022, By: andy_schlichting Info: One of the easiest, most pleasant hikes I've done. We were going to try the South Ridge after doing Handies, Redcloud and Sunshine the two days before, but after chatting with some folks, this seemed like a better option to get my Crosstrek to the trailhead. They were right about that--the road is very good all the way to the trailhead, even though it's 28 miles of dirt and gravel roads. They're very well maintained with two creek crossings that were no issue at all. The trail is so gentle the whole way, just one section from about 12,300 to 13,000 where you gain elevation quickly. Route finding is no issue at all, although with all the rain, the grasses are quite tall and a bit overgrown. That can make it a bit tough to see where to go in the dark, but there are no other trails, so you'll find it quickly again if you somehow lose the trail. It also parallels the creek up to around 12,300. We did not see any moose on the way up, although saw a few deer in the dark with their yellowish/white eyes staring at us. We tried to keep talking and even played a little bit of music (at another hiker's suggestion) so as not to startle the moose if we did find them in the dark. We did, however, see the moose family on the descent exactly 2.5 miles from the trailhead. There are a bunch of ponds between 2 and 2.5 miles and it seems, based on previous reports here and talking with some people on Redcloud/Sunshines/Handies who had recently done this, that they had all seen them here too. We had no issues, though, as they were on the other side of the creek and walking down to the ponds. This is one of my favorites. It's very remote and doesn't have many people on the trail. Aside from all the beetle kill, it's a gorgeous hike. |
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8/4/2022 Route: South Ridge Posted On: 8/12/2022, By: vgriffith Info: Trail is in excellent condition. Creeks are running wider than usual but still fairly easy to cross without getting wet. The road to the upper trail head has a few deep potholes that need to be navigated properly and in 4WD. Saw lots of deer and pika on the way to the summit but no other human beings until returning to the TH. Hike with 15 y.o. son - his first 14er (or really any long hike) and he loved it. Also noted that Apple Watch said distance was around 12.1; AllTrails has distance at 11.2. |
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8/3/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 8/3/2022, By: ballardwf04 Info: Hiked SL today. At the time of our visit, it was wet and there was no fire ban in place, so we were able to cook a fireside meal which was nice. Left at 430 and saw several moose on trail around 600, summited approximately 900 and down by 1230. Total distance was just over 14mi. Mama and two calves were blocking the trail about 3 miles in, so we had to loop far around to avoid an angry moose mother with a CT thru-hiker we met named Zeus. Something to watch out for in the dawn hours. Otherwise, uneventful hike. Very scenic and uncrowded in the basin. There were also almost exclusively thru-hikers on the trail because of its proximity (.25 miles or so) from the CT/CDT. Definitely worth doing as a scenic and crowd-free 14er. |
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7/23/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 8/11/2022, By: geo_andrews Info: Great hike. Saw some deer and a moose on the south side of the basin about 2 miles into the hike. Started the hike at 6:45 am and got back to the car around 1:30 pm. Wish we would have started around 6:00 am to avoid the afternoon showers on the way down, although it didn't rain much on us at all. Cool thing to note. I climb with my wife and father. It was my father's first 14er at 60 years old and he killed it. First 14er for my wife in 3 years. It was awesome seeing her summit a peak again. |
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7/16/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 7/18/2022, By: okstir91 Info: Excellent hiking conditions. Surprisingly very little wind and very warm, even on the peak. Weather conditions should remain consistent for the next week. |
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7/6/2022 Route: South Ridge Posted On: 7/6/2022, By: kyaera Info: Excellent conditions, slightly muddy due to the recent rains. Creek crossings not a problem. |
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7/3/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 7/4/2022, By: Btuperkwh Info: Wet trail for most of day due to rain. Gets really muddy in the willows where you cross the valley to get to the ridge. Flowers are still in bloom and line the trail. |
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6/17/2022 Route: Northeast Ridge Posted On: 6/18/2022, By: TheSpaceForce Info: 6/17/22: Clear of snow, dry, and very dusty. Now is a great time to hike this trail if you like Colorado flowers. The trail is full of them, especially from 12k to the summit. |
