| Centennial Peak Mountain/Rock |
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| Centennial Peak   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: Colorado, United States, North America County: La Plata, Montezuma Activities: Hiking Season: Summer, Fall Elevation: 13062 ft / 3981 m | Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Aug 17, 2009 / Aug 17, 2009 Object ID: 542081 Hits: 330 Loading... Page Score: 89.25% - 20 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview
Centennial Peak (center) in the La Plata Range |
Centennial Peak rises gracefully near the heart of the La Plata mountain range west of Durango in Southwestern Colorado. The mountain’s summit is an easy hiking destination both for locals and travelers from afar. The view is certainly worth the effort, featuring a “first row seat” at views of rugged Lavender Peak, Hesperus Mountain and other notable summits of the challenging La Plata range. The western view includes the distant Sleeping Ute Mountain, and north and east is the sprawling San Juan, Colorado’s largest mountain range, which the La Platas are part of.
Centennial Peak North Ridge |
The only safe ascent route is via the gentle north ridge. The mountain’s summit is otherwise surrounded by rugged and rotten cliffs. A jagged and precipitous ridge that has likely not been entirely traversed connects the mountain to Lavender Peak. Loose talus is encountered near the top, a characteristic the La Platas have in abundance. Even so, the route is relatively stable as La Plata peaks go, especially when compared to rickety Sharkstooth Peak to the north.
Sharkstooth Pass View |
Although the mountain is a nice attraction, the area in general is a beautiful destination in itself. The wildflower spectacle along the Sharkstooth trail is unparalleled in its overwhelming splendor. If accessed in winter conditions, the area would be spectacular, but this would be a long and extensive endeavor without the aid of snowmobiles.
Centennial Peak Summit View |
Access is from the Sharkstooth Trailhead, which takes a bit of time to reach via county and forest service roads. 4WD is recommended for the final spur road leading to the parking area. Centennial Peak makes for a nice, leisurely day’s outing, and it won’t disappoint those that ramble to its summit perch.Getting ThereIn the town of Mancos, turn right on Colorado 184 (at the stop light) Begin measuring from here and drive .3 mile. From highway 160, it is 9.8 miles to the Transfer Campground entrance.
Turn right on Montezuma County road 42.
At the Transfer Campground sign, stay left for .8 mile.
At next fork, stay right, drive 1.2 miles.
Follow the sign (Sharkstooth/Windy Gap) to the right for 4 miles.
At junction of roads 350 and 351, take 350 for 2.5 miles.
At next fork, stay right. 4WD is recommended beyond this point. It is .9 mile to the Twin Lakes. The road initially heads downhill, climbs a bit and angles eastward. The trailhead parking is .6 mile beyond Twin Lakes.
From Durango, allow about 90 minutes to get to the trailhead, and from Mancos, allow about 50 minutes to reach the trailhead. The roads travelled are county and Forest Service roads, which must be driven slowly and with care. Anticipate wildlife, cattle, washboards and 4WD conditions.Red TapeNo fees or restrictions.
CampingIdeal camping spots can be obtained on the 4WD road near Twin Lakes and the trailhead. National Forest fee camping sites are available along the route from Mancos to the 4WD road. Many impromptu camping sites are also available and are easily accessed from the roads. Images
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