12k' Plus Routes in Rockies

NORTH SAWATCH 12K’ PLUS

It doesn’t get much better than running high in the mountains, particularly if you aren’t threatened by thunderstorms. The routes in this section frequently include long off-trail sections with a substantial amount of time spent above 12000’, so plan your time accordingly.

LA PLATA — HOPE PASS

Next time you are planning to do laps on Hope Pass as training for the LT100, consider this route for a littel variety and more climbing.

THE ROUTE

Starting from the La Plata Gulch Trailhead on Highway 82, follow South Fork Lake Creek road for about a quarter mile, then turn left onto the well marked La Plata Peak Trail. Just after four miles on the trail, you’ll summit La Plata Peak, the fifth highest peak in Colorado.

Follow the south ridge of La Plata for a mile where there is difficult terrain over boulders. Then turning southwest, the trail meets up with the North Fork Clear Creek for 3.7 miles.

The trail joins up on the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) near Winfield and turns northwest for 5.4 miles towards Hope Pass.

Continue on the CDT for 2.6 miles where there is a trail on the left towards Willis Lake for an additional 3 miles out and 3 miles back.

Back on the main trai, itl continues north for 1.8 miles towards Willis Gulch and finishes on Highway 82 just west of Twin Lakes.