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| Piney Lake   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.76000°N / 106.34°W Route Type: Scramble Time Required: A long day Difficulty: Class 2
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| Page By: mtnhiker13 Created/Edited: Apr 23, 2003 / Sep 1, 2010 Object ID: 157986 Hits: 7357 Loading... Page Score: 86.94% - 5 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
ApproachFrom the Piney River resort entrance, hike northeast 2 miles along the north side of the lake and Piney River valley on a wide and worn trail. This section was once an old jeep road and does not gain altitude. Mount Powell will be gazing down upon you on the left, and Peak C is on the right. After gradually climbing through the trees on the north side of the river another mile, you arrive at an unmarked fork. A cairn may be present at the north end of a well trodden area that you must be alert for. The river has some rapids nearby, and good camping sites are available.
Route DescriptionThe trail leaves the Piney River drainage and climbs north over mounds of rock and through patches of aspens. Pay attention because the trail will fade and get sketchy in spots. The route winds its way up through the forest, often on steep slopes oozing with muddy springs and lush marshes at just over 3 miles. Route finding skills are handy as you eventually find your way out of the marsh as the route angles northeast. If in doubt, follow the stream.
At about 3.5 miles, clearings will allow you to take bearings before more steep climbing along the stream is encountered. Stream crossings will be numerous and evidence of the trail will be fleeting. Follow the drainage up toward the higher basin along cascading waterfalls and short scrambles (Class 2).
Entering the high basin, follow the returned trail through the tundra. The narrow saddle between the spires of Mount Powell and the scepter of Peak C is your next destination. This saddle is sometimes referred to as Knee Knocker Saddle, likely due to its stunning location below the intimidating Peak C. The trail will once again fade as you attack this steep slope of tundra and loose soil. Climb this 1260 foot pitch directly or by switch-backing, but expect an unrelenting challenge in gaining the saddle.
Cross over the saddle to the east side, bear north on a contouring traverse, dropping about 60 feet beneath the first of many spires that adorn Mount Powell’s rugged south ridge. Traversing a number of snow patches may be required. Arrive on loose and rocky tundra at the base of the final pitch: a broad south slope with many variations. Climb this slope to the summit plateau, seen above from the saddle. Once on the plateau, angle over toward the east side where the summit awaits your arrival.
Return the same route.
ELEVATION START: 9342 feet
AT MILE 2: Start gain
3: Leave Piney River Trail, camping possibilities, steep climbing
3.1: Marshes and bogs
3.5: Steep climbing, waterfalls
3.8: Alpine camping possibilities
4.3: Knee Knocker saddle
4.4: Final pitch
5: Summit of Mount Powell 13,560 feet
DIFFICULTY: Class 2 scramble
DISTANCE: 10 miles round trip
GAIN: 4218 feet
This route page was originally contributed by Aaron Johnson.
Essential GearStandard hiking gear will do in summer and fall. If the winter was heavy, an ice axe may be helpful.
A spring time ascent would require full winter gear, including ice axe and crampons. Earlier spring ascents would also require snow shoes or skis.
Winter ascents (October through mid May) are not recommended due to distance, remote location and immediate avalanche danger. See the Mountain Conditions and When to Climb sections on the main page.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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