Mount Royal : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Overview

While not the largest or most prominent mountain in the Tenmile Range Mount Royal is still an impressive mountain. It sits at the far north end of the Tenmile Range and towers above I-70 on the west side of Frisco, CO. Rising over 1,000 feet above the interstate it is an impressive view seen by anyone passing through the area.

History

Masontown Ruins

The town of Frisco sits at the base of Mount Royal but there used to be another town on the slopes of this steep mountain. Masontown was founded in 1866 by General Buford who built a mill at an old mine site located on Mount Royal's eastern slope. In 1872 the site was enlarged by the owners and eventually encompassed a boardinghouse, a dozen cabins, and many mining and milling facilities. The population gew to a few hundred people and in 1882 the railroad completed a track near the town. This was vital to the company since it allowed them to ship their gold and silver to the Denver Mint. Although the town saw great prosperity in it's early days it eventually died out. In 1912 an avalanche wiped out the mill built by General Buford. Another avalanche in the spring of 1926 destroyed nearly all of the town. The few remaining structures of the town were finally destroyed by a fire in 1968 although all residents were long gone by then.

Mount Royal Summit

Colorado Rank: Unranked
Prominence: 82'
Quadrangle: Frisco

Rank and Prominence information from
Lists of John

Getting There

Take exit #201 off of I-70 into Frisco. From the exit ramp turn right onto Main St. Continue down Main Street to the first stop sign. This is Madison Ave. Just past Madison Ave there is a large parking lot on the left. You will have to cross Main St to get to the bike path and the Mount Royal trailhead.

Route Overview

Mount Royal Routes

Mount Royal is most often climbed via the standard trail from Frisco. However, this could also be the finish (or start) if you are doing the Tenmile Traverse. With the steep cliff faces trad climbing would be possible but there are no established lines.

Mount Royal/Masontown Trail: This trail starts in the town of Frisco and follows the paved bike path to a well marked turn-off. The climb is gradual and easy for the first third where you can see the ruins of Masontown. From this point the climb gets increasingly steep. The steep climb is relentless but eventually you will reach a fork. From here it is an easy climb to the saddle then summit.

Views from the summit: