Grizzly Peak Overview
Floating like a siren sentinel, the great Grizzly Peak lords over the central Sawatch Range
Other than the popular founteeners Grays and Torreys, Grizzly Peak (13,988-ft) is the highest point on the Colorado Continental Divide. Grizzly Peak was once considered a fourteener until more accurate measurements were made. Even so, the mountain has lost none of it allure or loftiness. This mountain carries the distinction of being Colorado's highest thirteener.
Grizzly Peak is appropriately situated in the middle of Colorado's sprawling Sawatch range. This complex range stretches over 100 miles north to south, starting at the north end of the Holy Cross Wilderness and ending at Mount Antora, south of the Marshall Pass area. The Sawatch is home to 15 fourteeners and 14 centennial thirteeners; no other Colorado mountain range contains as many peaks above 13,800 ft.
When hiking this range, there are a few characteristics you can count on: long approaches, plenty of vertical, and plenty of Class 2 hiking. Grizzly Peak has very steep surrounding slopes and ridges that feature some minor rock scrambling. The summit is a dramatic rock perch, a Class 2 scramble, with a sensational view. The mountain offers a number of intriguing route possibilities as well. Depending on your route choices, some navigation around great bands of cliffs may be required. The North Couloir route is an exciting snow climb under optimal conditions.
This page was originally developed and contributed by Aaron Johnson.
Getting ThereMcNasser Gulch trailhead provides access to Grizzly's east side.
East- Go 14.5 mile west on Colorado 82 from the U.S. 24-Colorado 82 junction.
West- Go 9.2 miles east on 82 from the summit of Independance pass.
Turn south onto South Fork Lake Creek Road (FS 391) and measure from this point. Go south for 2.7 miles and bear to the right on FS394 going up McMcNasser Gulch, reaching the trailhead at 3.3 mile. Park here or 4wheel up further 1.2 mile to the locked gate at 11,360.
When To ClimbSummer and fall are the best times to climb Grizzly Peak. Spring and Winter ascents are possible, with the North Couloir route being recommended for such conditions. Access issues and avalanche possibilities rule out the McNasser approach and East Ridge route until late June.
Grizzly Peak's Forecast Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC)
NOAA Forecast for the Sawatch Range
GOES Wstern US Satelite Image
San Isabel National Forest No permits or fees are required to climb or hike.
MAPS San Isabel National Forest
USGS 7.5 minute quadrangle: Winfield
Trails Illustrated #129 Buena Vista/Collegiate Peaks
Leadville Ranger District
2015 North Poplar - Leadville, CO - 80461
Phone (719) 486-0749
Fax (719) 486-0928
CampingCamping in the Twin Lakes area is plentiful. Considering the popularity of the area, assume that an early arrival time to the campgrounds directly off of hwy 82 would be a good idea, especially on the weekends. You can car camp at the Willis Gulch TH. The Parry Peak Campground, a fee area, is another mile or two west on 82.
Another 2 miles west on hwy 82, to the Lake Fork trailhead for the standard approach of La Plata Peak and turn left on FR39. Go about 1 mile south on the semi rough dirt road for camping there as well, no charge.
All of these campgrounds are within 4 miles of the Willis Gulch TH. There are a few places to stay in the tiny town of Twin Lakes such as a bed and breakfast.
The Lost Man campground, another fee area, is over Independence Pass on the south side of Highway 82, which would provide access to a possible (and challenging) west face route of Grizzly Peak.
There are plenty of available campgrounds off of U.S. 24.
Images
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Sawatch Range
