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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10/16/2019 Route: Via \"Van Wit\" Posted On: 10/16/2019, By: supranihilest Info: The route from "Van Wit" to Van Wirt Mountain is obvious but is long, contains a lot of elevation loss and regain, and is almost entirely on blocky talus. Descend from "Van Wit" straight down the ridge towards the saddle with Van Wirt. Note this first saddle; if you're parked south of Chalk Creek Pass (i.e. at the Boss Lake Trailhead or Monarch) this is a potential descent route back towards the pass. From here take stock of the route ahead, it's a huge ridge of talus. Ascend the talus. While straightforward this part of the route is long and tedious. Van Wirt's summit will come along the ridge. |
