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| Northeast Ridge   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 37.69920°N / 107.8064°W Route Type: Scramble Time Required: Half a day Difficulty: Third Class
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| Page By: dsnell Created/Edited: Aug 25, 2003 / Aug 25, 2003 Object ID: 158632 Hits: 1719 Loading... Page Score: 86.14% - 2 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach
From Durango, take 550 North toward Coal Bank Pass.
The Northeast Ridge can be accessed from two different places, Coal Bank Pass and Coal Creek, which is a mile or so north of Coal Bank Pass on HWY 550. Both approaches involve less than two miles of hiking one way. The Coal Creek approach is a bit longer, but is not as steep as the Coal Bank Pass approach.
Coal Bank Pass Approach
From the parking lot at Coal Bank Pass, head northwest up toward the plateau visible from the road. In summer, there is a hiker's trail to follow. In winter, the route is usually marked by tracks. Once you access the plateau, begin heading west until you emerge from the trees, and then head toward the Northeast ridge.
Coal Creek Approach
After Coal Bank Pass, 550 veers to the right (northeast) and then turns back left (northwest). After it turns back northwest, 550 encounters another hairpin, as it hits the end of the small valley in which Coal Creek is located. Park at the pullout across from Coal Creek. Head west on a small trail that is on the right (north) side of Coal Creek. Follow Coal Creek to the west until you encounter a confluence of two smaller creeks that flow into Coal Creek. From this area, head southwest out of the creek valley. After a short while, you will emerge from the trees onto the treeless slopes below Engineer. The Northeast Ridge is visible ahead of you.
Route Description
Climb the gentle lower north slopes of Engineer to access the Northeast Ridge. Once you access the ridge, follow it up all the way to the summit, generally staying to the left (east) side of the ridge. You will encounter numerous sections of large, loose blocks, so be careful. With proper routefinding, you should not encounter anything more difficult than third class. If you do, you are probably off route.
Essential Gear
In early season (May & June) there will likely be snow on the route, so an ice axe, and possibly crampons, are advisable. After the snow melts, all you need is a good pair of scrambling shoes and rain gear for the inevitable afternoon thunderstorm.
Miscellaneous Info
If 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
