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| Rock Lake   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 37.60700°N / 107.493°W Route Type: Scramble Time Required: Expedition Difficulty: Class 3
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Apr 16, 2003 / Jun 16, 2006 Object ID: 157956 Hits: 1090 Loading... Page Score: 0% - 0 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
ApproachSee the GETTING THERE section on the main page for directions to the Vallecito trailhead.
Hike up the Vallecito Creek trail, which follows the Vallecito River northward into the heart of the San Juans. Possible approaches to the mountain from the west can be executed from a camp at the confluence of Johnson and Vallecito Creeks, 8.45 miles up the trail.
An east approach is best done from Rock Lake. From the Vallecito trailhead, go to the confluence of Vallecito and Rock Creeks, at almost 14 miles. Take the Rock Creek trail southeast to some trees at timberline and set camp at roughly 17.5 miles. A camp at Rock Lake, just above timberline, would be at 18 miles.
Route DescriptionFrom Rock Lake, proceed generally southward on a good trail around the east side of the lake. The trail climbs steadily to gain a pass in less than a mile. The striking Moon Lakes will be visible to the south. Leave the trail and angle southwest into another basin, dropping 400 feet in altitude, staying just below 12,400 feet. Oso’s great mass is to your right and the saddle will be visible. Climb toward this saddle, traversing a loose talus slope as you gain altitude. Steep grass and rock follow, and snow may be present just below the saddle.
From the saddle, proceed north-northwest up the steep, jagged and loose ridge to Oso’s level summit ridge and onward to the top. Expect very loose Class 3 conditions and a degree of exposure between the saddle and the summit ridge.
Return the same route.
From Rock Lake: 2.25 miles, gain of 2140 feet
From Vallecito Trailhead: 40 miles round trip, gain of 5,768 feet
Essential GearFull compliment of backpacking gear required. This is bear country, so take appropriate gear and action. A topo map of the area is crucial, as the Oso Massif is one of the most topographically complex areas in Colorado.
Plan on a minimum of four days to attempt Mount Oso via a shorter approach than described here. For the approach described here, five to six days minimum is recommended.
These times DO NOT include travel time to and from the Durango Area or the Vallecito Creek trailhead.
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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San Juan Range
