OverviewBeing one of Colorado's many known 13ers, Whale Peak is located in Pike National Forest. The summit offers a beautiful view of Colorado’s other mountains including Mt. Evans , Mt. Bierstadt , Mt. Harvard , Mt. Columbia , Mt. Sherman , Mt. Bross , Pacific Peak , Crystal Peak, Quandary Peak , Mount of the Holy Cross , Grays Peak , Torreys Peak , Pettingell Peak , Squaretop , and The Citadel .
The trail starts around 9,934’, and ends at the summit, which is at 13,078’. The trail is, for the most part, clearly marked, and hard to lose. The round trip will be between 6 and 7 miles depending on your selected route.
Getting ThereYou will need an all terrain or high clearance vehicle for this drive. Take a sharp right turn at the sign that says Park 60 West off of 285 (traveling west). This turn will lead you to Webster and Redcone Passes as well. The road has private properties on both sides, so stay on the road! After approximately 1.5 miles, you will enter Pike National Forest. There will be several campgrounds on this road as well. Upon reaching Handcart Campground, there will be a fork in the road (about 4.9 miles). Turn left at this fork, as right will lead to the camping area. You will reach another fork about .1 miles down the road. Turn right at this fork. You will follow this road for approximately 1.3 miles before reaching the parking area on the left side. There is a sign that says “Gibson Lake Trailhead”.
Thank you to SP Member Halike for these additions:
From the Guanella pass turn to Park 60 West = 3.1miles
From turn off of 285 to first fork = 4.9miles
Distance between forks = 0.1 miles (not 0.5)
Distance from last fork to trailhead = 1.3miles.
CampingThere are two camping opportunities along Road 60 West. Due to damage caused by the hayman fires, fire restrictions may be in effect. Check before camping for restriction level.
Here are a few of the available campgrounds along road 60 West:
Handcart Campground - Elev 9,800' - $10 fee - Includes Toilets, Water, Fire Ring
Handcart Campground is located approximately seven miles west of the small town of Grant, Colorado. Take Highway 285 west of Grant until you reach Park County 60. Drive north on 60, which turns into a gravel road about four miles west.
Handcart Campground is located near the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway and the Mount Evans Wilderness. There is fishing in streams and alpine lakes, hiking, horseback riding, biking and four wheel driving within the vicinity of the campground.
This campground consists of ten individual family campsites. The campsites include a table and fire ring. There are three parking areas. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided on site. There are dispersed camping sites nearby. The nearest public telephone is located in the town of Grant. The nearest fire and emergency services are located at Bailey about 17 miles away.
Hall Valley Campground Elev 9,900' - $10 fee - Includes Toilets, Water, Fire ring
Hall Valley Campground consists of nine individual family campsites. The campsites each include a table, fire ring and parking spur. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided at the site. There are dispersed camping sites nearby. The nearest public telephone is located in the town of Grant. The nearest fire and emergency services are located in Bailey about 18 miles away.
Some of the local attractions are the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway and the Mount Evans Wilderness Area. There is fishing in streams and alpine lakes; hiking, equestrian, biking and four wheel drive trails near the campground.
A permit for cutting firewood in this area is also required.
Red TapeThe mountain is in the Pike National Forest. There are no fees to enter the forest, but some fees are required for camping. See camping section above.
Mountain ConditionsVisit HikingColorado for a great photo essay on Whale Peak.
When To ClimbWhale Peak is best accessed late spring through late fall. The road is not maintained and efficient access to the trailhead may not be possible during winter and spring months. Snowmobiles or another means of winter transportation may remedy the situation. Winter travel in the area is not recommended due to immediate avalanche danger above timberline, mainly above Gibson Lake. Should you decide to access the area and are able to do so, bring along appropriate winter gear. Use your informed judgment before proceeding.
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Front Range (CO)
