Eastern Approach

Overview

This short jaunt offers relatively easy navigation through sometimes dense timber. As the start of this hike is off of an unmarked 4x4 trail to a trail with no name, you can almost be assured ample solitude.

Roundtrip Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Elevation Gain: Net gain of approximately 1,000 feet from the end of the unmarked road
YDS Rating: Class 2

Getting There

While the dirt roads leading toward UN 10,462 are not particularly rocky, the ruts can be deep. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for dry conditions. The dirt roads in this area turn into a sticky quagmire with moisture; if rain is expected or snowmelt is present, 4x4 is a must.

• The turnoff for FS 214 is about ½ mile south on of the turnoff for the Twin Eagles campground and trailhead on Park County 77.


• Head west on FS 214 for 1.3 miles to an unmarked right-hand fork in the road; take this un-marked fork to the right (while FS 214 continues to your left).


• Follow this unmarked road for about another ½ - ¾ mile to the low point where a gulch enters from the left/north; turning right up the gulch, follow another unmarked road. (If the original unmarked road you were on begins climbing and reaches a small saddle at about 9,500, you have gone too far; backtrack down the hill to your northeast and find the gulch.)


• Continue west on this unmarked road as far as your vehicle and driving skills will take you, or until the road ends.

Route Description

• Follow the unnamed branch of FS 114 west and then northwest.


• The road will end at a cul-de-sac where the ascent up the un-named gulch steepens.


• Leave the road behind and ascend the gully heading northwest. Keen off-trail eyes may pick up on an elk trail that ascends the gully toward the saddle.


• The timber on the northwest-facing slopes of the lower summit is very dense. To avoid this, do not top off at the top of the saddle. Instead, stay on the southeast-facing side of the ridge leading from the saddle to the top of the lower, eastern summit.


• Ascend the lower, eastern summit (avoiding rock outcroppings as necessary). From here the views throughout the eastern spectrum are wide-open and delightful. To your west, the true summit is visible.


• Head west off of the lower, eastern summit, descending to the saddle with the true summit.


• Turn west-northwest from the saddle and hike up the slopes of the summit.


• The top is marked by a rock cairn, a ghost pine tree and a summit jar.


• Retrace your steps to the lower, eastern summit and again enjoy the views from the rocky ledges.


• Head northeast back toward the un-named gully (carefully avoiding the dense timber on the northwest side of the ridge).


• Descend the gully (the elk path offers the easiest footing).


• The road will come into view as, eventually, will your vehicle.

Essential Gear

• Trail map (#105 Tarryall Mts., Kenosha Pass would meet most needs)


• Compass


• Sturdy hiking boots


• Long pants to protect legs while bushwacking


• Water and snacks


• A camera to save memories of the views


• First aid kit


• Other standard backcountry essentials

Images

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