Overview
Fletcher Mountain from the southwest Photo by SP member MtnWoman Fletcher Mountain is only 49 feet short of being a "fourteener", at 13,951 feet high. Yet this often overlooked mountain commands an impressive view for such little effort, and offers a good chance at solitude so rare for such a high summit in Colorado. It's amazing that those 49 little feet mean the differerence between crowds of people and nobody! The approach to the mountain from Blue Lakes usually takes you through a stunning display of wildflowers and streams in the enchanted upper basin in the warmer seasons, which offers reasonably safe access in winter if climbers can get by the avalanche prone south slopes of Quandary Peak safely. Fletcher is the hub between three spectacular peaks in Colorado's Ten Mile Range: Drift Peak, Atlantic Peak, and the popular fourteener, Quandary Peak. Highest 13er in the area, Fletcher boasts impressive views of Quandary Peak, the Tenmile Range, Mosquito Range, Sawatch Range, Gore Range and the Holy Cross Wilderness to the west.
From the usual approach at Blue Lakes, Fletcher is an enjoyable 4-mile round trip, with over 2000 feet of climbing and a good deal of solid class 2 boulder-hopping. For the more experienced, linking a climb of Fletcher's southeast slopes with Quandary Peak's West Ridge route is a recommended variation in Roach's 14'er book.
Getting ThereFrom Denver, follow Interstate 70 west and take Highway 9 south from Frisco. From US-285 and points south, follow Highway 9 north over Hoosier Pass (plowed). Turn west onto Summit County 850, following signs directing you to "Blue Lakes". The turnoff is approximately 8 miles south of the city of Breckenridge and approximately 2 miles north of Hoosier Pass. Drive along 850 for a couple miles until it dead-ends below the Blue Lake dam. Park next to the 50 other cars that are sure to be there if you start your climb late on a summer morning. See the description for the standard route in the ROUTES section on this page.
Route OverviewSOUTHEAST RIDGE (Standard) Class 2
A nice hike, great for getting in shape, with some optional scrambling and rock hopping. Star by Blue Lakes Reservoir. 4.3 miles roundtrip, 2,196 feet gain.
NORTHEAST SLOPES via McCULLOUGH GULCH Class 2
Social trails at the start, blaze your own route to gain the southeast ridge. 7 miles round trip, 4,000 feet gain.
BLACK & TAN Class 4
Technical snow route. Rope & Rack recommended, ice axe, helmet and & crampons required. Mileage and gain not yet posted.
For details, click the links to these route descriptions in the upper left hand column of this page.Red TapeFletcher Mountain is in an unprotected area. Colorado Highway 9 is open all year round. If you still have questions, contact the Clear Creek Ranger District of Arapaho National Forest:
ARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST
101 Chicago Creek Road
Post Office Box 3307
Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Phone (303) 567-3000
TTY: (303) 567-3009
Fax: (303) 498-3021
When To ClimbUsually this peak is climbed in the summer, though it is also a popular backcountry skiing area. From highway 9, the Blue Lakes trailhead is only 2 miles, so if the county road is closed, the 4 mile round trip would have to be doubled in the winter to 8 miles. Not a trivial trip, but the first half is along the road, and thus an obvious path.
The road runs along the base of the steep south face of Quandary. Consult appropriate authorities for avalanche conditions before proceeding with a winter outing.
See the Avalanche Log below.
CampingThe trailhead area is surrounded by private property, but backcountry camping is likely permitted. Expect high alpine conditions. Contact Clear Creek Ranger District of Arapaho National Forest ("Red Tape" section above) for permit information, if any.
Mountain ConditionsContact Clear Creek Ranger District of Arapaho National Forest ("Red Tape" section above) for mountain conditions.
Regional Forecast
GOES Western US Satellite Image
Avalanche Conditions
TopoZone map
Avalanche LogNOVEMBER 18-2002
Two climbers on the south face of Quandary Peak triggered an avalanche near the top of the mountain. Both were lucky and survived, but it is estimated one climber was carried down the mountain 1800 feet, sustaining serious injuries (Denver Post, 11-18-02). If you are approaching Fletcher Mountain via the Blue Lakes road for a winter ascent, please check on conditions before proceeding, and take required gear! See the "Mountain Conditions" section for information.
The Original Holy CrossThomas J. Farnham visited Colorado in 1839, and while passing through the Blue River Valley, a casual glimpse up McCullough Gulch revealed a revelation. Farnham spotted a cross in one of the gendarmes north of Fletcher on the now well known and notorious north ridge. Viewed as the sun rose, Farnham's vision was almost that of a religious experience:
"Here was a cross of living rock...the symbol of redeeming love, engraven by God's own hand on the brow of his everlasting mountains. The trappers have reverently named this peak the Mountain of the Holy Cross."
Photos by Jim Haley and Aaron Johnson
The cross of stone is a prominent feature from upper McCullough Gulch (see photos below), just north of Quandary Peak. Of course, the distinction of the "Mount of the Holy Cross" would ultimately and justifiably go to the popular fourteener that now bears this legendary name.
External Links Images
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Tenmile Range
