OverviewThe beautiful and symmetrical Pacific Peak is located in the Tenmile Range, which starts just west of Dillon Reservior. The range’s northern end is Peak 1, west of the town of Frisco, on I-70 and runs south 12 miles to Hoosier Pass. The popular ski town of Breckenridge resides here. Considering the proximity to the metro area (Denver is about 1.5 hrs. away) the Tenmile Range is often overlooked in favor of the fourteeners just south of Hoosier Pass. Don’t be fooled, the Tenmile is a mountaineering Mecca for the casual day-hiker, and access to the high trailheads surrounding these mountains is good. Although plenty of high altitude mining has left an obvious scar, the flip side is all the old roads and climber’s trails left behind for all of us to enjoy.
Pacific Peak and its impressive neighbors Crystal, Atlantic, and Fletcher, are visible to the east from Colorado 91 on your way to Freemont Pass. For the casual mountaineer these peaks offer endless Class 2/2+ hiking and plenty of route variation, in fact, choosing your route is half the fun.
Reported by SP member pphlux:
According to Roach & Roach's online corrections and additions to "Colorado's Thirteeners" (see link below), The lake at 13,420' on the east side of the saddle between Pacific and Atlantic Peaks, is now offically the highest lake in the United States and has been named "Pacific Tarn".
What makes Pacific Peak such an impressive mountain is it's classic pyramid shape and staggering north face. There are a wide variety of routes through many areas yet untried. Five fun and challenging routes are presented in the ROUTES SECTION.
Getting ThereMAYFLOWER GULCH
At 10,980 feet, this trailhead provides access to the west sides of Pacific, Crystal, Atlantic and Drift Peaks. The trailhead is on Colorado 91 and can be approached from either the north or the south.
From the north, go 6.1 mile south on 91 from the junction of Interstate 70 and 91 to a pull-off on the left at Clinton Reservoir. Approaching from the south, go 4.1 miles north on 91 from the summit of Freemont Pass and turn right into the parking area. There is plenty of parking here.
McCULLOUGH GULCH
This approach provides eastern access to Pacific, Atlantic and Fletcher Peaks, as well as popular fourteener Quandary Peak. From Breckenridge, take Highqway 9 south out of town 8 miles south to the signed Blue Lakes turn-out, County Road 850.
From points south and highway 285, take Highway 9 north from Fairplay, through Alma and over Hoosier Pass. Two miles north of the pass, turn left onto the Blue Lakes turn out, County Road 850.
Head west up 850, taking an almost immediate right turn onto McCullough Gulch road, County 851, which leads to the trailhead for the east ridge route up Quandary Peak. Continue beyond the parking for this trailhead to the end of the road and park at the gate. This road forks, which takes you to the "north" trailhead for Pacific Peak's East Ridge route.
SPRUCE CREEK
This approach provides access to Pacific and Crystal Peaks from the east.
From Breckenridge, drive south on Colorado Highway 9 for approximately 2.5 miles. On your left will be a lake (Goose Pasture Tarn on topo maps). Just past the lake is a right turn onto Spruce Creek Drive (County Road 800). This road is marked with a blue, common sized street sign, so watch carefully for it. Take this road through a development. The road is maintained and smooth, but is somewhat winding and goes through a number of intersections. Stay on the road, and if in doubt, check the street signs as you proceed.
The road gets a tad rougher as it passes through a parking area for trailheads. Proceed through this area. The next stretch is covered in loose rock and gets rougher, but high clearance vehicles will do fine. A spur road to the right invites investigation, but it dead ends quickly. Stay to your left. The road drops down into a draw, and in some conditions, this stretch may require 4WD. The last stretch is rougher and 4WD or at least low gear is recommended. Climbing out of the draw, you’ll arrive at a water diversion facility, where you can park, or park just beyond at the trailhead. Distance from Highway 9 to the road’s end is 3 miles.
NOTE: 4WD or high clearance is recommended to get to the end of the road and the Spruce Creek trailhead. Depending on your vehicle’s abilities, you may have to park earlier and walk some of the road.
When To ClimbSUMMER & FALL is the best time to climb this mountain. Snow may be present through July after heavy winters.
SPRING may offer some good snow climbs, particularly mid to late June. An ice axe is a good idea, crampons would be recommended for great amounts of snow still present on slopes.
WINTER mountaineering routes are available. The McCullough Gulch and Spruce Creek approaches would be a long but relatively safe winter route, and probably a good skiing route. A winter camp is likely required. The Mayflower Gulch access is prime avalanche country. Proceed with extreme caution when venturing into this area in winter and take a full compliment of winter gear. Be sure to check on avalanche conditions on all routes before proceeding.
Camping/lodgingIf you are willing to car camp, the roads to Mayflower and McCullough Gulches will serve you well.
Camping in McCullough, Mayflower or Pacific basins, or in the Mohawk Lakes basin (Spruce Creek access) is acceptable. These are high alpine environs exposed to the elements, but are otherwise wonderful places to pack in your camp for some solitude.
Official camp grounds are scarce, but there are plenty of lodging opportunites. Here are some excellent links for lodging.
Frisco
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Resort
Leadville
Mountain ConditionsARAPAHO NATIONAL FOREST
Regional Forecast
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Tenmile Range
