Overview
Visible from the Purgatory Ski Area on a nice day or from spots on HWY 550 when driving north, Grizzly Peak is another beautiful San Juan summit. At 13,738, Grizzly Peak is high enough to provide great views of the southern San Juans. The 14er's Wilson Peak and Mt. Wilson can been seen to the northwest and the summits surrounding Ice Lakes Basin to the north. Each of which are impressive views. This Grizzly Peak, one of four in Colorado, is rarely climbed. To get to the trailhead, it is 15 miles of 4x4 road which deters many climbers. Due to the lack of traffic, this is a great area to see wildlife. I have seen many elk, deer, black bears, marmots...and so on. The climbing is not that difficult. In best conditions, it is an easy to moderate snow climb up a short couloir and then a rocky hike to the summit. A fun day in a scenic location!
Getting There
From the Purgatory Ski Area (about 25 miles north of Durango), follow the Hermosa Park Road up and taking the right fork at miles 3.4 and 3.8. At the second right fork, you will see a sign for Forest Road 579. Stay on and follow 579 until you get to mile 15.5. There is a small parking area where the road ends, and this is the trailhead. The road starts off as a very good dirt road, however, it gets increasingly worse as you go. With several large rocks and stream crossings that would be a problem for a passenger car.
Red Tape
No permits required now, but check with the San Juan National Forest (970-247-4874 or www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan) for more information. The road from Purgatory Ski Area is closed until usually the first part of June. Check with the Forest Service for exact date.
When To Climb
Early summer is the best. The snow in the couloir is still in good climbing shape and the days are sunny and long. Later in the summer, the good snow climb turns to an unpleasant slope of loose rock.
Camping & Lodging
The Purgatory Campground, still shown on some maps, is no longer. Now being developed into townhomes. So don't plan on camping there. You could find some spots along the road once you get back about 5 miles. There is also developed camping south on HWY 550 at Haviland Lake or north on HWY 550 at Molas Lake.
Lodging is also located at the Purgatory Ski Area (aka Durango Mountain Resort). Check www.durangomountainresort.com for information on a wide variety of lodging options.
External LinksImages
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San Juan Range
