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| North Ridge   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Route Type: Hiking Season: Summer, Fall Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Class 2
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| Page By: mtnhiker13 Created/Edited: Aug 17, 2009 / Aug 17, 2009 Object ID: 542095 Hits: 585 Loading... Page Score: 87.78% - 10 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewOne of my early route description heroes was Durango local Paul Pixler, author of the wonderful book HIKING TRAILS OF SOUTHWEST COLORADO. This book was responsible for getting me into places I regarded as remote, seldom known and quite special. Much time has passed since the initial printing of the book, which reportedly has an updated 2nd printing. Much has changed since my copy was printed, but despite the outdated material, the route descriptions themselves are still very reliable and I continue to refer to this indispensable and hard to find resource today.
Execution of this route was executed with this book as a basic reference. Submission of this route to SP is an affirmation of Paul Pixler’s efforts at making known some of Colorado’s most special and enchanting places. For that, I thank him for the wonderful climbing opportunities his efforts have provided. –AJ
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.Route DescriptionStrike east on the well maintained trail, which will wind its way through the forest and take you through some of the most stunning wildflower displays you will ever see anywhere. You soon break out of the forest, where the trail switchbacks eastward to the Sharkstooth Pass summit, a saddle between Centennial and Sharkstooth Peaks.
Turn south and climb toward a jumble of large talus boulders, staying to the left. A use trail and evidence of wear may be apparent. Follow it, as it will be the most stable area on this tenuous steep slope. Scramble up this rickety mess to more stable and sprawling tundra.
Centennial Peak's Broad North Ridge |
Head south up the gently rising north ridge toward Centennial’s summit dome. The actual summit is not yet visible. Cairns may be encountered, but you’re better off staying near the ridge crest. Steepness increases gradually, giving way to loose talus and strikingly exposed Class 2 climbing conditions. If the exposure is too much, stay just right of the ridge crest.
San Juan Talus is Abundant in the La Platas |
Arrive on the summit and run out of mountain somewhat abruptly. Return the same route.
Nearing the Summit |
Centennial Peak's North Ridge Route |
DISTANCE: 5 miles round trip, Class 2
GAIN: 2,070 feetEssential GearStandard dayhike gear will do.
In winter and early spring, the roads are likely not maintained, but are undoubtedly popular for snow oriented activities. Accessing the area with snowmobiles or skis would be a possibility. Appropriate gear is obviously indicated for cross country skiing or snow shoeing from this trailhead. Images
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