Tincup Pass (12,154′), Sawatch Range

by Dorann Langenkamp | Oct 19, 2019 | Moderate 4x4, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Trip Reports

Tincup Pass (12,154′), Sawatch Range

Tincup Pass gets its name from prospector Jim Taylor, who in 1860 brought his gold strike back to camp in his tin cup. The pass was used to move supplies between St. Elmo and the town of Tin Cup starting in 1881, when a wagon road was built.

The views and hiking opportunities along the road are abundant. There are 13,000′ peaks that can be easily accessed from 267 (Tin Cup Peak, PT 13,050, and Fitzpatrick Peak). In addition, the prominent Continental Divide Trail and Colorado Trail cross Tin Cup Pass Rd (267) about 4 miles from St. Elmo.

The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fifteen 14,000′ peaks, such as Huron Peak, La Plata Peak, Missouri Mountain, Mt Antero, and the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Elbert.

Trail Stats

Tincup Pass

Road: 267
Round trip: 24 miles / 38.6 km (St Elmo to Tin Cup and back)
Elevation: 9,961′ – 12,154′ / 3,036 m – 3,705 m
County: Gunnison
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: San Isabel & Gunnison

Trail Pictures

Paved Highway over Cottonwood Pass 12,126′

Leaving Tin Cup on the way to Cottonwood Pass

Many historic buildings in the town of Tin Cup

Beautiful fall colors in the meadows

View near the Tin Cup cemetery

Historic buildings are used as summer homes

The town of Tin Cup

West of Mirror Lake the road conditions improve

The road consists of large talus along Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake lies on the north side of the pass

The road cleared up quickly and became wider

View of the north side of Tincup Pass

Creeping down the steep section as the ice got worse

Ice becomes an issue coming down the north side of Tincup Pass

The road winding north through the tundra

Looking into the East Willow Creek drainage

View north from Tincup Pass

Tincup Pass 12,154′ – part of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)

Nearing the summit

A light dusting of snow

The shelf road near treeline

Rough road approaching treeline

Avalanche debris from last winter

The road is very rough and rocky on the southeast side

Stay right to start climbing to Tincup Pass

At the next intersection in St Elmo make a left

At the first junction in St Elmo, make a right

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Starting from the south side of the pass at St. Elmo, the 4WD road climbs west toward Tincup Pass following the North Fork of Chalk Creek.

After 4 miles the road climbs to the north toward Tincup Pass.

Another mile in brings you to treeline with a good view of the remainder of the route to the pass. The switchbacks ahead are very narrow.

Once up the ledge road and switchbacks you will be at Tincup Pass, about 6 miles from St. Elmo.

Heading down the north side of the pass, the road is rough for the first mile while it winds through the tundra.

The road gradually widens and becomes more maintained.

After crossing a creek you will drive on a section of road made up of large talus along the edge of Mirror Lake. This section is rough so use caution.

Once past the lake the road becomes passable by passenger vehicles.

Trailhead Directions

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Mt Antero Rd (13,800′) , Sawatch Range

by Dorann Langenkamp | Oct 5, 2019 | 14er's, Difficult 4x4, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Trip Reports

Mt Antero Rd (13,800′) , Sawatch Range

Mt Antero is one of only a handful of 14,000′ peaks that has a road that travels to within a short distance of the summit. The road up the mountain is difficult, rough and rocky, requiring four-wheel drive, eventually topping out at 13,800′. From the end of the road at point 13,800 it’s a 1/2 mile and 470′ scramble to the summit.

In 1881, a Salida man by the name of Nelson Wanemaker discovered gems high on Mt Antero. His discovery was publicized a few years later, and the mountain became a famous collecting area for aquamarine, phenacite, fluorite, topaz, and smoky quartz crystals. It has the highest concentration of these minerals anywhere in the US. With findings far above timberline, this is the highest known gem field in the lower 48.

The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as Huron Peak, La Plata Peak, Missouri Mountain, and the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Elbert.

Trail Stats

Mt Antero

Road: 277, 278, 278A
Round trip: 18.8 miles / 30.3 km (Mt Antero and Mt White)
Elevation: 9,400′ – 13,800′ / 2,865 m – 4,206 m
County: Chaffee
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: San Isabel

Trail Pictures

Mt Antero 14,269′ on the (left), and Mt Princeton 14,197′ (center)

Near the trailhead with Alpine Lake on the right

View across Chalk Creek at an unnamed 12,800′ peak

A grove of Aspen trees ahead

Cronin Peak

Heading back down

At 13,800″ looking at the summit of Mt Antero

View of Cronin Peak from PT 13,800′

View of Mt White

Near the summit of PT 13,800′

The route to PT 13,800′

View of Mt Antero from Mt White – summit on right

4X4 adventure pilot

Near the summit of Mt White looking east. The smoke is from the Decker fire.

Mt Shavano (14,229′) in back and Tabeguache (14,155′) right of center

The summit of Mt White (13,667′) ahead

Steep switchbacks on the west side of the mountain

Near the abrupt rock color transition from white to brown

A striking mineral transition from white to brown ahead

Road 277 winding up the side of Mt Antero

Strong winds today above treeline made it hard to stand up outside

View of Cronin Peak (13,870′) from the west side of Mt Antero

The road climbs quickly once above treeline

Baldwin Gulch Junction – take a left for Mt Antero

RD 277 nearing the trailhead

The beginning of Road 277 in fall colors

The beginning of RD 277 was hit by an avalanche. The road was cleared but is very rough.

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Weather

Route Directions

Turn onto #277 jeep road (Baldwin Gultch) and drive 3 miles to a road junction at 10,850′. Turn left on the #278 road and cross Baldwin Creek.

Continue another mile to tree line as it climb’s Mt Antero’s west slopes. Stay left on 278A at the next 2 junction’s, reaching 13,200′.

From 13,200′ to 13,800′, the road becomes extremely steep with hairpin
switchbacks. You may want to consider parking here as most vehicles
wont make it. Continue up the steep south side to reach the end of the road, Point 13,800′.

Trailhead Directions

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La Plata Peak (14,344′), Sawatch Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jun 23, 2018 | 14er's, Difficult Hikes, Featured, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Trip Reports

La Plata Peak (14,344′), Sawatch Range

La Plata Peak is known for it’s distinctive Ellingwood Ridge, and is one of the highest 14,000′ peaks in Colorado. Traverseing the Southwest Ridge route, with Huron Peak and the Three Apostles providing a backdrop, makes for stunning scenery.

“La Plata” is Spanish for “The Silver”, a reference to the many silver deposits in the area. You can find remnants of old mines along the trail.

The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as Huron Peak, Mt Antero, Missouri Mountain, and the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Elbert.

Trail Stats

La Plata Peak

Trailhead: West Winfield (Southwest Ridge)
Round trip: 8 miles / 12.9 km
Elevation: 10,778′ – 14,344′ / 3,285 m – 4,372 m
County: Chaffee
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: San Isabel

Trail Pictures

Approximately 1,000 feet of talus and boulders to gain the southwest ridge

Pika near the summit

View of Sayres Peak (13,738′)

Gaining the southwest ridge requires climbing up a large boulder and talus field with a steep elevation gain

Near the top of the first ridge overlooking the valley leading to the trailhead

Steep slope leading to the first ridge

La Plata Peak southwest ridge with abandoned mining track. View of Huron Peak and the Three Apostles in the background.

Heading out of the valley

Sunrise in the valley

Morning sunlight on the trek ahead

The trail skirts around some of the boggy areas

The trail winding through the bog

Just above treeline

Heading into an unnamed valley

Trail through the forest

View from the valley floor

View of Huron Peak (center) and the Three Apostles (right)

Gaining the ridge out of the valley

Large boulder and talus field ahead

The view across the ridge

The southwest ridge on La Plata Peak

La Plata Peak summit view

The West Winfield trailhead is easy to miss

Heading back down the trail

20180623_125535-PANO (1)

Looking back at the route up near the summit of La Plata Peak

Ellingwood Ridge (center to right) from the summit of La Plata Peak

Looking back as I climb out of La Plata Peak’s southwest valley

Looking back down the steep ridge

View of the ridge, right of center, with a faint trail. Sayres Peak (13,738′) rises to the right.

View after climbing onto La Plata Peaks southwest ridge. The valley left of center leads back to the trailhead.

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Note: The West Winfield trailhead is small and very hard to reach, even during dry conditions due to the rough 4X4 road.

Once at the trailhead head directly north and cross a small creek and turn west for a bit. Following the steep trail you reach treeline at about 12,000′. Here the elevation levels out and you navigate through a large bog overgrown with willows. Expect to get your boots muddy here. Past the bog, you can see the steep trail which climbs to the ridge. Be careful here because of the loose rock and lack of traction, especially on the way down. Once on the ridge, the trail turns northeast and traverses the cliffs you viewed all morning. The trail steepens considerably again and gains 1,000′ in a very short distance, boulder hopping all the way to the top of the ridge. Once on the ridge, continue climbing over two false summits. The trail joins the Northwest Slopes standard route (#1474) for the last 20 feet to the summit of La Plata Peak.

Trailhead Directions

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Huron Peak (14,006′), Sawatch Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jun 11, 2016 | 14er's, Difficult Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Trip Reports

Huron Peak (14,006′), Sawatch Range

Huron Peak is known as one of the most beautiful hikes in the Sawatch Mountain Range of Colorado. It is the most remote peak in the range, located within the San Isabel Nation Forest, and offers views of wilderness in every direction from it’s small summit.

It’s not entirely clear how the peak got it’s name, but the most likely is that Huron Peak is named after a North American tribe. Huron Peak wasn’t officially recognized as a 14er until 1956, when the U.S.G.S recorded it’s height for the first time.

The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as La Plata Peak, Missouri Mountain, Mt Antero, and the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Elbert.

Trail Stats

Huron Peak

Trailhead: Clear Creek
Round trip: 6.5 miles / 10.5 km
Elevation: 10,560′- 14,006′ / 3,281 m – 4,269 m
County: Chaffee
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Wilderness: Collegiate Peaks
Nat’l Forest: Isabel

Trail Pictures

The trail at 11,700′

Marmot

Trail is on the left

View from the summit

Looking southeast

Summit view

Huron Peak view of the Three Apostles

Summit of Huron Peak

Huron Peak

View back down the Cleer Creek trail

Nearing the summit

Looking back down at the snow filled basin

Huron Peak at sunrise

An exhausting trek across the soft snow

Hikers on Huron Peak’s ridge

Looking across Clear Creek at Virginia Mountain

Deep, soft snow in the basin

Huron Peak in the distance

A curious Gray Jay

Huron Peak trail at sunrise

A Gray Jay

Views everywhere you look

Sunrise with Virginia Peak (13,088′) on the right

Good trail below treeline

Huron Peak from Missouri Mountain

View of the summit area

Enjoying the view

Panorama of the basin area

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the trail-head hike up through the forest for about .5 mile. Cross a small stream and follow the numerous switchbacks on a steep hillside. Near 11,700, there’s an excellent view of The Three Apostles, all 13,000′ mountains. The trail eventually turns east, approaching a high basin northwest of Huron.

Hike out of the basin onto the upper slopes and eventually crest the north ridge. Follow the trail west onto Huron’s northwest face and ascend a steep, rocky pitch before returning (left) to the crest of the north ridge. Once you’re on the north ridge again, hike a short ways to the summit and enjoy the amazing views.

Trailhead Directions

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La Plata Peak (14,344′), Sawatch Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jan 18, 2016 | 14er's, Difficult Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Snowshoeing, Trip Reports

La Plata Peak (14,344′), Sawatch Range

La Plata Peak, in the middle of the Sawatch Range, is known for it’s distinctive Ellingwood Ridge, popular among climbers. The Northwest Ridge trail starts from Highway 82 and follows the northern ridge that divides the La Plata basin from La Plata Gulch. There are several other routes to the summit, such as the Southwest Ridge. “La Plata” is Spanish for “The Silver”, a reference to the many silver deposits in the area.

The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as Huron Peak, Mt Antero, Missouri Mountain, and the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, Mt Elbert.

Trail Stats

La Plata Peak

Trailhead: La Plata Peak (Northwest Ridge)
Round trip: 9.25 miles / 14.9 km
Elevation: 10,000′ – 14,344′ / 3,048 m – 4,372 m
County: Chaffee
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: San Isabel

Trail Pictures

Back at the trailhead

The cold fogging up my lens

Almost back in the protection of the trees

Heading back as the conditions were to windy

Wind and visibility became a real issue

Pelted with ice pellets blown up from the ground

Wind begins to pick up

On the shoulder of Ellingwood Point

On the shoulder of La Plata Peak

Heading higher the wind became a major factor

View back down my tracks

A glimpse of the Sawatch Mountain Range

View into an adjacent valley

View La Plata Peak

Near treeline

Breaking through the forest

Ski trail

View of Sayres (13,748′)

Deep snow and slow going

Bridge crossing before sunrise

GPS Route with Elevation

Know when to turn around. Turned around near 12,000′ due to heavy winds and low visibility, despite what initially appeared to be a picture perfect day.

Video Tour

Trail Directions

From the trailhead hike east into the woods crossing South Fork Lake Creek. Turn right after the bridge and hike a small distance to cross La Plata Gulch on a smaller bridge. Head right and reach a small clearing almost 100 yards after the bridge crossing. In the clearing, there is a smaller trail that heads off to the east – stay right on the main trail. Eventually the trail has log and stone steps making a steep climb through the forest.

Climb briefly to a small, level area above 12,000′ where you will find a large square boulder near the trail. Turn left and climb to the northwest ridge. Next hike to the base of a large buttress and follow the trail as it turns right and climbs around to the west side of the ridge. If you lose the trail, turn left and climb directly up to the top of the ridge. As you near the top ,curve around to the west side, turn left and follow the trail to the summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Missouri Mountain (14,071′), Sawatch Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Aug 9, 2014 | 14er's, Difficult Hikes, Featured, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Trip Reports

Missouri Mountain (14,071′), Sawatch Range

At 14,067 feet, Missouri Mountain is the 36th highest peak in Colorado. It is located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains, and is part of the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. With eight “14ers” (peaks exceeding 14,000′ in elevation), the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness has the highest average elevation of any Wilderness Area outside of Alaska.

The other Collegiate 14ers include Huron Peak (14,006′), Mt. Columbia (14,075′), Mt. Oxford (14,158′), Mt Yale (14,200′), Mt Belford (14,202′), La Plata Peak (14,344′), and Mt Harvard (14,424′).

Trail Stats

Missouri Mountain

Trailhead: Missouri Gulch
Round trip: 10.5 miles / 16.9 km
Elevation: 9,650′- 14,071′ / 2,941 m – 4,289 m
County: Chaffee
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: San Isabel
Nat’l Wilderness: Collegiate Peaks

Trail Pictures

Trail junction in Missouri Gulch

Rainy Mt Belford

Rain over Missouri Mountain

View west from the trail

Mountain goat on the ridge

Looking back down the trail

Huron Peak in the center

Missouri Mountain summit view

From left – Mt Columbia (14,073′) over the ridge, Mt Yale (14,196′) middle front, Mt Princeton (14,197′) further back just left of Mt Yale, Mt Antero in the distance, Mt Shavano and Tabeguache Peak towards the right

From left – Mt Columbia (14,073′) over the ridge, Mt Yale (14,196′) middle front, Mt Princeton (14,197′) further back just left of Mt Yale, Mt Antero in the distance, Mt Shavano and Tabeguache Peak towards the right

Mountain goat

View of Huron Peak from the ridge

Missouri Mountain near the ridge

Mt Belford

Missouri Mountain

After a hard climb into the gulch, easier hiking for a while

Sunrise on Missouri Mountain

The crux of the route near the summit

Wrong turn at the creek lead to a boulderfield…ooops

Early morning on the Missouri Gulch trail

Missouri Gulch

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

The first 3.5 miles is strenuous, with an elevation gain of 3,740 feet. The next 3.3 miles has an elevation loss of 1,670 feet. Follow the Missouri Gulch Trail into upper Missouri Gulch (approx. 2.5 miles). As the trail ascends to 12,600 feet, it turns abruptly east to climb up to Elkhead Pass.

A cairn marks the turn off here for the ascent of Missouri Mountain. Turn west and climb the grassy slopes and a loose talus slope toward the low point on Missouri’s northwest ridge. From the ridge, hike southeast to Missouri’s summit.

Trailhead Directions

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Mt Elbert (14,438′), Sawatch Range

by Mike Langenkamp | Jul 26, 2014 | 14er's, Difficult Hikes, Rocky Mountains, Sawatch Range, Trip Reports

Mt Elbert (14,438′), Sawatch Range

Mt Elbert is the highest peak in the 3,000 mile long Rocky Mountains, a mountain chain which stretches from Canada to Mexico. The peak is situated near the small town and lakes of the same name, Twin Lakes. Despite it’s size. the peak is a Class 1 hike, making it a relatively gentle giant (for a 14er).

The Sawatch Mountain Range is home to fourteen other 14,000′ peaks, such as Huron Peak, La Plata Peak, Missouri Mountain, and Mt Antero.

Trail Stats

Mt Elbert

Trailhead: Black Cloud
Round trip: 11 miles / 17.7 km
Elevation: 9,700′- 14,438′ / 2,957 m – 4,401 m
County: Lake
Agency: U.S. Forest Service
Nat’l Forest: San Isabel

Trail Pictures

A columbine along the trail

Below treeline along the South Elbert trail

Twin Lakes in the distance

Mt Elbert summit area from the South Elbert trail

View of rain moving in along the South Elbert trail

Black clouds building back on the Black Cloud trail

More summit views

Mt Elbert views from the summit

Heading to the top of South Elbert

Mt Elbert ridge with Twin Lakes on the left

Above treeline on the Black Cloud trail

Sunrise along the Black Cloud trail

La Plata Peak from the Black Cloud trail

Black Cloud trail – Rinker Peak (13,789′) in the middle and La Plata Peak (14,360′) on the right

The Blackcloud trail – Rinker Peak (13,789′) in the middle and La Plata Peak (14,360′) on the right

GPS Route with Elevation

Video Tour

Trail Directions

Black Cloud trail is the least traveled but the most beautiful way to summit Mt Elbert. This trail is an alternative route to the more heavily used North and South Mount Elbert Trails for climbing Colorado’s highest peak.

This trail passes through spruce-fir and aspen stands, then through rock beds to ruins of mining operations and cabins. Continuing your hike will bring you to timberline, South Elbert, and eventually Mount Elbert at 14,433 feet in elevation.

Trailhead Directions

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