Northwest Ridge of Middle Truchas Peak from Rio Quemado TH

Route Description

Trailhead: Rio Quemado (~9,700 ft.)
Distance/Elev. Gain(TH-Middle Truchas Peak summit): 8.2 mi/3,400 ft. RT
Distance/Elev. Gain(TH-Medio Truchas Peak summit): 9.0 mi/3,600 ft. RT
Distance/Elev. Gain(TH-South Truchas Peak summit): 10.2 mi/4,200 ft. RT

The Northwest Ridge of Middle Truchas Peak provides the shortest and easiest way to climb Middle/Medio Truchas Peaks and South Truchas Peak. Start from Rio Quemado Trailhead (click here for trail information on the South Truchas Peak page under "Getting There/WESTERN APPROACH") and follow Rio Quemado Trail.

Route Map	NW Ridge Route

After ascending to ~11,300 ft. on Rio Quemado Trail (~0.4 miles past the turn to Quemado Falls), you will come to the clearing with a direct view of the NW ridge of Middle Truchas on the right hand side (image). Leave the trail and hike SW across the marshy meadow to the base of a wide grassy gully providing the access to the NW ridge (image). Ascend the gully to the ridge crest at ~12,200 ft., turn left (SE) and follow the NW ridge to the summit of Middle Truchas Peak.

The access to the NW Ridge	The access gully	The middle section of the access gully

Traverse to Medio and South Truchas

The summit of Medio Truchas is just a short 0.4 mile hike from the summit of Middle Truchas Peak with ~100 ft. of elevation gain. The summit of South Truchas is another 0.6 miles/300 vertical feet away from the top of Medio Truchas.

Traversing from Middle to Medio Truchas Peak	South Truchas Peak from Medio Truchas summit

When to Climb

June through October is considered the best time to climb. Late July-August are the typical monsoon season, with regular afternoon thunderstorms. The access gully usually holds snow well into late spring/early June, so be prepared for a snow climb. Winter ascents are possible, but avalanche conditions could be extreme and the approach is significantly longer.

Images

View Northwest Ridge of Middle Truchas Peak from Rio Quemado TH Image Gallery - 8 Images