Overview
Flat topped Grizzly Peak takes center stage in this view from Sniktau Ridge.
Digital photo composite by Aaron Johnson. Click on the image for more information.
Grizzly Peak is a challenge for the casual hiker. The mountain is seen by the millions that drive through Colorado every year, as they pause for photo-ops in their travels at Loveland Pass. But the mountain itself sees few climbers, particularly when compared to its lofty neighbor to the east, Torreys Peak. The standard route starts as a simple Class 1 walk on a gentle ridge that ascends the standard route to Mount Sniktau. Most folks only venture up the ridge a short distance. Beyond, a long contour across tundra, an optional Class 3 scramble and a steep climb of Grizzly await the intrepid climber.
Optional route possibilities include a scramble along Lewanee Ridge over considerably difficult terrain (Class 4 or 5) from the southwest, up Chihuahua Gulch from the south, or Grizzly Gulch from the northeast. Route submissions from these locales are highly encouraged!
Climbing Grizzly Peak from Loveland Pass is an acclimatizer for strong parties. It is not recommended for beginning hikers, which should focus their attention on nearby Mount Sniktau first. The hike and climb are all above timberline for the entire 5.4 miles. Steep Class 2 climbing on loose terrain should be expected.
An ascent from Chihuahua Gulch is a good one for beginners. A nice hike through the beautiful drainage is followed by steep tundra to the saddle and fun Class 2 on a narrow ridge to the summit. A side trip to Chihuahua Lake makes a remote and wonderful side trip.
Extreme ski enthusiasts might consider the steep ascent of the Sh*t For Brains route, followed by an expert only ski descent down the same named couloir on the west side of Lewanee Ridge.
Getting ThereLOVELAND PASS (Standard Route)Drive west on Interstate 70. As you approach the Eisenhower Tunnel, take the exit for Loveland Pass. The exit channels you under the highway. Go right and take Highway 6 past the Loveland Ski Area and follow the road to the top of Loveland Pass and park.
If coming from the west, take I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel. Just beyond the tunnel, take the Loveland Pass exit, make a hard right, passing the Loveland Ski Area entrance and go to the top of Loveland Pass and park. You can also take Highway 6 from Dillon through Keystone resort to the top of Loveland Pass.
CHIHUAHUA GULCH & EAST RIDGE ROUTE
Take the Loveland Pass exit just east of Eisenhower Tunnel on Interstate 70. Drive over Loveland Pass to the Keystone Resort area, taking a left into the River Run Resort. This is the first left turn option after the Arapaho Basin ski area.
If coming from the west, from I-70, take Highway 6 through Dillon to Keystone, due east toward Loveland Pass. At Keystone, make a right to enter River Run Resort.
Take an immediate left onto the Montezuma Road, bypassing the Montezuma Free Parking area on your right. Turn right at the stop sign, continuing up the Montezuma Road, which is paved.
Be on the lookout for a left turn to Peru Creek which is located on a curve. A large parking area is available here, but proceed on up the road which is easily done with a passenger car. A bridge crossing over Peru Creek puts you on the north side of the stream. Keep a sharp eye out for a small sign that says "Lewanee Creek Trail," and drive beyond it about a half mile to the turn off for Chihuahua Gulch. A sign notes the road has been adopted by the Oswhego Jeep Club.
Park your passenger car here on the south side of the road. You may proceed due north with your 4WD up the road to shorten your hiking distance. A turn out on your right amidst some trees is a good place to park (or camp), as the road gets very rough beyond. Jeeps can easily navigate the road to its terminus.
For an idea of weather conditions, 9News has a webcam set up near the Eisenhower tunnel, not far from Loveland Pass and Grizzly Peak.
Red TapeBe advised the area is popular and parking will be limited. You can count on the forest service making a fortune off of this area with the Fee Program.
Arapaho National Forest
When To ClimbDo not ascend the mountain in any type of questionable weather. In summer, thunder storms are a constant concern. Start early and be off the mountain by noon. In winter, do not ascend in storms or situations of limited visibility. Do not ascend if high winds are present. Stay on the ridge top in the winter and avoid the extensive avalanche terrain on the slopes around it.
CampingCamping may be possible in the basins north and south of Loveland Pass, but it is not recommended due to heavy use and traffic from other activities. The highway is right there and silence is not a possibility. In the summer, Pass Lake is popular picnic and rest spot for tourists. Expect crowded conditions. Water sources may be limited in the basins.
Recommended back country camping possibilities with good water sources are in Chihuahua and Grizzly Gulches.
For campgrounds with amenities: Colorado Campgrounds
Mountain ConditionsIn spring, summer and fall, the surrounding area is a gorgeous canopy of alpine tundra. Heavy traffic near Loveland Pass has trampled the tundra beyond hope. The higher you go, the less impact the tundra displays. Please stay on the traveled areas or trails to minimize the impact of foot traffic in this beautiful area. If snow is present, use it to walk on whenever possible, if it can be done safely. Grizzly Peak itself is a rocky, scrambling affair with areas of loose talus. This is steep Class 2 climbing with varying degrees of exposure for beginning climbers.
In winter, expect plenty of snow. If snow is thin, please stay in heavily traveled areas to minimize impact on the tundra. Lots of snow and wind results in considerably large cornices lining the ridges. Stay off of these dramatic snow walls, as they tend to break away from the mountain periodically. Slopes will be loaded and should be considered unstable and avalanche prone well into spring, and possibly longer depending on conditions. Do not execute the standard Loveland Pass route described herein in such conditions as it traverses hazardous avalanche terrain. STAY ON THE RIDGE TOP.
The locale is notorious for high winds, particularly in spring and summer. Ascend the mountain another day if wind speeds are high.
The area is popular with winter enthusiasts, so arrive early at Loveland Pass to get a good parking spot. Once up and away from the pass, the crowds die off quickly. You may share the ridge or the summit with a few folks in other seasons, but you’ll likely have the mountain to yourself in winter.
Chihuahua Gulch is a great winter outing destination in itself, although snow accumilations are likely heavy. The drainage is broad and avalanche danger is minimal. Near the Torreys-Grizzly saddle, avalanche danger would be a concern.
Avalanche Conditions
Loveland Pass Area Forecast
GOES Western US Satellite Image
See the above webcam link in the GETTING THERE section.
External Links Images
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Front Range (CO)
