Mt. Spalding sits just to the north of Mt. Evans. It's southwest side connects to the Sawtooth Ridge between Evans and Bierstadt also. It sits across Summit Lake from Evans and is a popular 13er to climb that can easily be done in an hour or so from Summit Lake. It's more fun to climb Evans and do the 2nd class scramble over to Spalding though. Grays and Torreys are also easily seen from Spalding.

It's accessible from Denver in just over an hour although if you climb from Summit Lake or Evans you have to pay the fee to get on the Mt. Evans Road. You can also access Spalding via second class routes from Guanella Pass and West Chicago Creek as well as a third class scramble across the southern face of Spalding (the Sunrise Couloir).

There's a summit register to sign at the top as well as the great views.

Getting There

From Denver to Summit Lake, the directions are the same as to Mt. Evans. Link to here and view the approach to get that information.

For the other approaches see the Main Page of Evans to see how to get there.

Red Tape

No permits needed although you will pay a fee to drive on the Mt. Evans Road and you must have the pass able to be seen from the dashboard of your car.

When To Climb

Summer for the class 2 scrambles but the Sunrise Couloir is a winter Class 3 route according to Roach's book.

Camping

Camping is allowed on the mountain without fees as long as you are a half mile from any road and at least 200 yards off any trail or from any water source. You can park on the Mt. Evans Road shoulder. I did park on the shoulder and slept in the back of a truck without problems.

For a real campground, you can camp at the Echo Lake Campground at the start of the Mt. Evans Road. Contact them at 877-444-6777.

There are also motels in Idaho Springs, CO for the less adventuresome.

Mountain Conditions

Clear Creek Ranger District
303-567-3000

Local weather conditions and forecast

External Links

Mount Spalding & Gray Wolf Mountain

Images



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