| Continental Divide Trail Route |
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| Continental Divide Trail   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.72900°N / 105.904°W Route Type: Scramble & Hike Time Required: A long day Difficulty: Class 3
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Oct 27, 2003 / Sep 7, 2006 Object ID: 159198 Hits: 1376 Loading... Page Score: 83.84% - 1 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewPettingell Peak Profile of the North Ridge Route (right side of mountain)
Photo by Ryan ShillingWalking the Continental Divide trail makes for a unique and scenic option for climbing Pettingell. Total round trip mileage is 8.4 miles, all above timberline. Keep in mind you are exposed to the elements the entire length of the route, which hovers between 12,700 and 13,550 feet. Bail options on talus and scree to the west of the Divide are many. Use your informed judgment before executing any bail option, which would eventually intercept the 4WD road on the west side of the Divide. This road can be followed back to the Jones Pass road, which would then be ascended back to your vehicle. Bail options on the east side are not recommended, as they would place you far away from your vehicle. See the figures below for specific information concerning distances and elevation gain.
This is a Class 3 climb with considerable exposure. Refer to this route by SP member Kane for more details and photos.
The best time to execute this route would be summer and fall. The Jones Pass road is not maintained in the winter, making for an unreasonably long approach. In winter conditions, slopes in the Jones Pass area are highly prone to avalanche. If you do attempt this route in winter conditions, take along all appropriate gear, plan on a bivy or camp and use your experienced judgment.
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Getting ThereFrom Interstate 70, take the Exit to the town of Empire on Highway 40. Be sure to observe speed limits in Empire. From the I-70 exit to your exit to the Jones Pass road is 9.2 miles. As you approach the first hairpin turn that starts the climb up Berthoud Pass, look sharp for a left turn and take it. This service road briefly parallels the highway before going left due west up the Henderson Mine road. If you miss this left turn, there is another less safe opportunity for a left turn as you round this bend.
Follow this paved road to the entrance of the Henderson Mine. Go left on a county dirt road that is graciously maintained by the Henderson Mine. This is the Jones Pass road. Proceed past the left turn out for Butler Gulch and follow the road to the top of Jones Pass and park well off the road. 4WD may be needed for traction, depending on conditions.
Route DescriptionFollow the Continental Divide trail due south from the top of Jones Pass. This Class 1 stroll above timberline grants you countless spectacular views along the way. The route undulates up and down for a loss of 977 feet. If you return the same route, double that amount.
At roughly mile 2.8, the trail veers away to the southeast. Leave the trail and continue following the Divide ridge due west toward Pettingell. At approximately mile 3.4, you’ll intercept this route, and soon after, encounter Class 3 terrain. Refer to that route description for details and photos.
Eight tenths of a mile later, which includes some Class 3 scrambling, you’re on top of Mount Pettingell.
Return the same route. Photos pending.
GAIN: 1,078 feet
MILEAGE: 4.18 miles
MILE
2.8 Leave CD trail
3.4 Intercept this route
3.5 Class 3 climbing
4.1 Summit
Distances and gain calculated using TOPO! software.
Essential GearStandard dayhike gear will do. This is a high alpine environment exposed to the elements. Plan and pack provisions accordingly.
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Front Range (CO)
