7/2/2025 Route: Alpine Tunnel Trailhead Posted On: 7/2/2025, By: JasonKline Info: The peaks are in summer conditions. There's no need to cross snow/ice. My Hyundai Ioniq made it to the Alpine Tunnel Trailhead via 295 from St. Elmo using cautious and slow driving, but I'd very much advise against taking a sedan to the trailhead in the current conditions. There were at least two (probably more) places where it was pretty much impossible to avoid scraping in a sedan. Other people along the route commented that 295 was in much worse condition than in previous years. The additional section of 295 from the Alpine Tunnel Trailhead to Hancock Lake was also in bad shape. One member of our party considered driving to Hancock Lake, but decided not to after initial inspection. Even if one had a vehicle capable of the present conditions, it might be faster to walk that section than to drive. |
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7/2/2023 Route: Chalk Creek Pass Posted On: 7/3/2023, By: emilyexplores Info: Trail to Hancock lake was wet and muddy with a great deal of flowing water on trail. Two large snowfields to cross while making the way up to the pass, then no snow on the ridge to Van Wit. Summer conditions on the entire ridge route. |
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10/16/2019 Route: Via Monumental Peak Posted On: 10/16/2019, By: supranihilest Info: "Van Wit" is the single easiest peak on this ridge. The route from Monumental is both obvious and incredibly short and easy. Simply talus hop along the ridge for 20-30 minutes until you're on top of "Van Wit". "Van Wit"'s east ridge is probably the best descent back to Chalk Creek Pass. |
