OverviewThese three peaks all rise above 13,700 feet and form one semicircle ridge around Wheeler Lake Basin, also forming a geological triple divide between three major river valleys. However, of the three mountains, Clinton Peak is the only ranked peak, and it is one of Colorado's "Centennial Thirteeners." There is more information about each peak below.
From left to right: Traver Peak, McNamee Peak, Clinton Peak
Getting ThereMontgomery Reservoir Trailhead (10,920 feet)
The standard way of approaching these mountains is from the east via Wheeler Trail, a very rough 4WD road that starts from the Montgomery Reservoir Trailhead. This can be accessed by taking the northern of two turnoffs for Park County 4 off of Colorado 9. According to Gerry Roach's distances, this junction is 1.1 miles south of the summit of Hoosier Pass, and 10.7 miles north of the U.S. 285-Colorado 9 junction in Fairplay. There is a small sign marking the road "Park County 4." It is a dirt road and goes downhill for a while, but the road is plowed to the reservoir through the winter. There is a gate partway back the road along the reservoir, which is most likely closed in winter.
Here is the route description from this trailhead: CT "Clipper"
Clinton Reservoir Trailhead (11,060 feet)
Also accessible in winter, this trailhead is located along Colorado 91 and allows access to Clinton's northwest ridge. This is a slightly shorter climb to get to Clinton Peak's summit, and according to Gerry Roach it will "stimulate your alpine yearnings." However, I am yet to attempt this alternative route.
Fremont Pass Trailhead (11,040 feet)
Located farther south along Colorado 91, this trailhead too is accessible throughout the winter. It gives access to Traver Peak's west side. This is a much shorter climb, but BEWARE, it should only be attempted when snow conditions are good. With good snow, this is a class 2+ scramble up to Traver's summit.
Note: For all you purists out there, you may have noticed that none of these trailheads offer quite 3,000 feet of vertical gain. You will just have to park farther away if you want to achieve that goal.
Clinton Peak- 13,857 feetAt 13,857 feet in elevation, Clinton Peak stands proudly as the state's 80th-highest mountain. Of the "Centennial Thirteeners," Clinton is one of the easiest to summit. According to Gerry Roach, this is the only centennial thirteener in the Tenmile/Mosquito Range that is on the Continental Divide. Clinton Peak also has the distinction of being in both the Tenmile Range and the Mosquito Range.
McNamee Peak- 13,780 feetMcNamee Peak is nothing more than a bump on the ridge between Clinton and Traver Peaks, but it is a bump which happens to be 13,780 feet above sea level. Nothing special, but it is part of the ridge, which must be traversed if you are climbing Clinton and Traver together. McNamee Peak is also on the Continental Divide.
Traver Peak- 13,852 feetTraver Peak does not count as a ranked peak because of the less-than-300 foot rise and fall in its connecting saddle with McNamee and Clinton Peaks. Nevertheless, this peak has some fun routes and offers tremendous views of some of the other Ten Mile/Mosquito mountains. Its summit is 13,852 feet above sea level.
Red TapeNo camping is allowed at the Montgomery Reservoir, but I am not sure about further up the 4WD road.
There are currently no fees for accessing these mountains, and to my knowledge they are all on public ground.
Weather ConditionsFor current weather and 10-day forecast for the Alma area, Click Here.
Note: While this is the nearest town with which to gauge the weather for this mountain, plan on temperatures being cooler than the downtown forecast. Also, don't take warnings or threats of storms lightly. Weather is bound to be worse above timberline; always be prepared!
(Forecast provided by weather.com)
When To ClimbFor optimal weather conditions, climbing and hiking this area is obviously best during the June-September season. However, during that time beware of thunderstorms, and always start early.
Also, because of their accessible trailheads, these peaks can easily be summitted year round, and offer some fun winter climbs. The main thing to be concerned about in winter is avalanche danger, as some of these slopes are quite susceptible.
External Links Images
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Mosquito Range
