Near the heart of Colorado is the Mosquito Range, running north and south between Alma and Leadville. Toward the north end of the range, a climbing objective often overlooked by the mountain climbing community serves as the hub of three connecting ridges. At 13,672 feet, Mount Tweto is an uncelebrated mountain of character, although the mountain is not climbed with any regularity. The east ridge of the mountain, reportedly a sporting Class 2 or 3 scramble, connects to Mount Buckskin. The southwest ridge (Class 2) connects to a plateau before rising up gently to Treasurevault Mountain and Mosquito Peak to the south. The northwest ridge (Class 2) descends quickly and connects via a saddle to towering Mount Arkansas, which stands by itself as one of the range�s monarchs.

Also bound by three unnamed basins, Mount Tweto is located at the headwaters of the north fork of Mosquito Creek, just west of Alma and north of Mosquito Pass, as well as the headwaters of the mighty Arkansas River near Freemont Pass. The mountain is not located in a wilderness area, and the area has been subjected to intense mining activity throughout Colorado�s history. Even so, a joyous remote feeling can be attained by visiting the mountain�s rocky slopes and summit. The rugged northern aspect is full of cliffs and pinnacles, making for stunning photos. The scrambling quality is surprisingly good and the views are much better than expected. The mountain has an unexpected �double� character when visiting the north and south sides, which is a pleasant surprise for folks that love to scramble on Class 2 rock in high places.

The mountain is named after a respected Colorado geologist Ogden Tweto, whose work with the US Geologic Survey is highly regarded. He was primarily responsible for establishing the role of the Geologic Survery in the Department of Interior Wilderness Program, as prescribed by the Wilderness Act of 1964. Ogden Tweto loved the Rockies, and he was a major contributor in researching their resources. In 1979, his detailed geologic map of Colorado was completed, which is regarded as the best map of its kind. Ogden Tweto passed away in 1983, and in 1988, a commemorative plaque was placed on the mountain�s summit now bearing his name. How the name is pronounced is up to you!

The mountain was likely first scaled by miners that came to the area during the late 1800s in the search for gold, silver and other precious metals. The Mosquito Pass area is dotted with old mining ruins that date back to Colorado�s colorful wild west time period. Nearby Mosquito Pass is the nation�s highest continuous jeep road. Once a rugged route over the wilderness of the area, the road is now tame by four-wheeling standards, but is no less spectacular, and even now serves as an excellent access to Mount Tweto and the other high Colorado peaks of the Mosquito Range.

Colorado's Mosquito Range

Left to right: 14er Mount Democrat, Mount Buckskin, Mount Tweto, false summit (to Arkansas) and Mount Arkansas.

Photo by SP member Brad Snider

Getting There

From Fairplay and highway 285, head north on Highway 9 approximately 4.5 miles. If coming from the north on Highway 9, drive south from the little town of Alma for 1 mile. County Road 12 strikes due west toward the Mosquito Range. Signs also indicate this to be the turn-off for Mosquito Pass.
Proceed west on this road and please drive slowly through the tiny hamlet of Park City. 4.5 miles from Highway 9 is a fork. Stay to the right and proceed up the north fork of Mosquito Creek. At about 7.2 miles from Highway 9, the road bends to the west just before crossing Mosquito Creek. A smaller, rougher road continues to the north through the willows. Park here, well out of the way of either road. If you have 4WD, proceed up the sub road a short piece to a small parking area on the right. The road is rougher than the main road, but can still be driven to this point with 2 wheel drive.

Concerning Mosquito Pass: This is not a difficult 4WD road, but 4WD is nonetheless recommended due to changing conditions and an initial creek crossing beyond the start of the climb up Mount Tweto. If you plan on driving the road during your visit to the area, 4WD is recommended.

Route Overview

Ascending to Tweto's Southwest Ridge

SOUTHWEST RIDGE
A simple talus and boulder hop to the summit from the basin harboring the north fork of Mosquito Creek. See this route description for details.

Mount Tweto (left) & East Ridge from Buckskin Summit

EAST RIDGE
A lengthy Class 2 and 3 romp between Mount Tweto and Buckskin Mountain. Some exposure is likely, and should only be attempted in good weather. A shuttle hike from one drainage to the other would make a splendid outing. See the Tweto-Buckskin Traverse route for more information.

Climbing Mount Tweto's Northwest Ridge

Climbing the Northwest Ridge

NORTHWEST RIDGE
A splendid Class 2 (or 3 or 4) ridge scramble to and from Mount Arkansas. This route is a nice option to climbing Mount Arkansas as well as Mount Tweto. Both mountains offer fun scrambling, but re-climbing Tweto�s northwest ridge on your return is a treat and the highlight of the day. Northwest Ridge Route Description.

Red Tape

Mount Tweto is in an unprotected multiuse area. No red tape is involved. Be sure to stay clear of all mining claims and artifacts. Old structures and mining shafts are likely dangerous to enter.

Camping

Camping in the basin is plentiful. Access to the other basins surrounding the mountain may be involved and concern private property owned by the Climax Mine.

Other camping alternatives are nearby Kite Lake (the trailhead for three 14ers, so expect crowds) and the Wheeler Basin area near Montgomery Reservoir. Some folks also camp in the Hoosier Pass vicinity.

Mountain Conditions

Summer and fall are very pleasant in the Mosquito Range. Spring can often seem like winter, and winter conditions can exist in the Mosquitoes at any time of the year, so be prepared depending on the season in which you are visiting.

Expect plenty of loose rock on the mountain, including large ones that move easily. Even so, most of the strata on Mount Tweto is pleasantly solid and a joy to climb on. Staying on the ridge tops assures a good climbing experience, while slopes may be loose and unstable.

NOAA Forecast for Alma

When to Climb and Who Should Climb Mount Tweto

Summer and fall is the best time to climb Mount Tweto or any of its surrounding neighbors. Spring ascents would involve plenty of snow but would be a relatively safe outing. The entire Mosquito Creek basin would be an ideal winter outing area if it can be reached, depending on conditions. It�s easy to keep a safe distance from avalanche prone slopes, and a winter ascent of Mount Tweto via the southwest ridge would be a safe endeavor.

Beginning climbers looking to expand their skills will find Mount Tweto a nice treat, with plenty of safe scrambling opportunities, varying degrees of exposure and steepness. Class 3 and 4 opportunities abound on the mountain�s northwest ridge. Winter enthusiasts will love this area. Skiing and snow shoeing opportunities last well into Spring.

External Links

Ogden Tweto Memorial

Images



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