OverviewMighty Mount Powell stands at the north end of the Gore Range (the portion above timberline) in north central Colorado. Highest of the serrated and spiny Gores, Mount Powell is an elusive peak. But when you’re on the mountain, it is clear this summit is the throne that rules the area. Reclusive and remote, Mount Powell takes time and determination to climb. The reward is solitude in pristine Colorado, and a spectacular view that only tenacious mountain climbers will see and appreciate.
The mountain and the Gore Range make up most of the Eagles Nest Wilderness, one of Colorado’s oldest wilderness areas. The Gores are seldom climbed or explored compared to other nearby ranges that harbor higher peaks. The Gores attract those seeking solace from crowds and challenging climbs. Unique in their appeal, the Gores are not for everyone. Mount Powell is the highest point in the range and thus attracts the most attention, but seeing more than 3 or 4 other people would constitute a busy day on the mountain.
Mount Powell is also among the easiest climbs in this complex range. Like the San Juans on a smaller scale, the Gores offer plenty of challenging scrambling and technical climbing opportunities. Such opportunities can be found on challenging mountains as Eagles Nest, the Spider and the incredible pinnacle of Peak C. Mount Powell would also offer such routes, likely remote and hard to access, so the pedestrian Class 2 route is presented here.
Mount Powell commemorates the famed explorer Major John Wesley Powell. A one-armed Civil War veteran, Powell is best known for his expeditions throughout the American West, mainly his two explorations via the Colorado River of the Grand Canyon. Powell and Ned Farrell first climbed the mountain in 1868. Powell’s name labels many summits and other landmarks throughout the west, including Lake Powell in Utah. His motivation for climbing was to discover the lay of the Colorado River. He had heard about Bridger's guiding of Lord Gore (for whom the range is named) to this area.
Mount Powell was the first Gore Range peak to appear on SP. Since then, a host of fine pages on other Gore summits have been developed. They are all excellent and highly recommended. Be sure to check them out!
Additional text and information supplied by SP member jimmyjay, who also provided a link to this photo of John Wesley Powell: Powell.
Getting ThereFrom Vail on I-70, take exit 176 and the north frontage road west for 1 mile. Take the Red Sandstone Road (County Road 701) 11 miles to Piney River Ranch and Piney Lake. Shortly after leaving town, the road becomes a maintained dirt road with lots of washboards. It wanders through the forests and countryside before arriving at the Piney River Resort just short of the lake. Parking is provided just before the resort entrance. Access to Mount Powell begins here by walking through the ranch entrance and traversing private land on an access trail (once an old jeep road) to the Eagles Nest Wilderness.
Red TapeThe climb begins by passing through the private property of the Piney River Ranch. Please respect the owner’s rights and stay on the trail through this section.
When To ClimbSummer or fall are the best seasons for climbing Mount Powell.
A spring time attempt is possible with considerable effort and full winter gear, including snow shoes, crampons, ice axe, rope, rack and screws.
An attempt during the October through mid May winter season is not recommended. Avalanche danger would be immediate in the basin approaching the saddle and on the actual final pitch slope of Mount Powell, almost five miles from civilization. The route traverses on or below slopes facing every direction and avalanche conditions would run the gamut from one minute to the next.
CampingGood camp spots are found all along the Piney River in the Eagles Nest Wilderness. On the climb from Piney River, a few spots may be found above the marshes. Fine alpine camping opportunities await the tenacious climber in the high basin below Mount Powell and Peak C.
Mountain ConditionsRegional Weather
GOES Western US Satellite Image
Mount Powell is a remote peak deep in the wilderness. There are no links or mountain cams to get updates from about current conditions. The mountain is in the White River National Forest.
During summer and fall, expect dry conditions except in marsh lands, which the Gores have an abundance of. Winter conditions are severe and extreme with immediate avalanche danger. Lengthy access and remote locations prevent any sustained winter visitation to this secluded wilderness.
The Gore RangeThe Gore Mountains are a unique and spectacular mountain range that gets little attention. However, they have been wonderfully represented by the web's premiere Gore Range specialist, Theron Welch, who has done a superb job of assembling a site devoted to these stunning mountains. I highly recommend you take a long look into an intriguing and wild domain visited and seen by a relative few. --AJ
The Gore Range
Gore Range Photo Gallery by Theron Welch. Excellent!
Awesome select photos of the Gores from Theron Welch's web site:
Peak C & Ripsaw Ridge by Theron Welch.
Mount Powell by Ken Whittenburg.
The Gore Range in winter by Theron Welch
Peak C by Ken Whittenburg.
Peak C by Ken Whittenburg.
East Thorn by Theron Welch.
External Links Images
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Gore Range
