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| Shrine Pass   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.53500°N / 106.259°W Route Type: Hike/Scramble Time Required: Half a day Difficulty: Class 1 (Up to Class 5)
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Dec 17, 2003 / Oct 27, 2005 Object ID: 159622 Hits: 1484 Loading... Page Score: 0% - 0 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach
See the GETTINGTHERE section on the MAIN PAGE.
Route Description
From the parking area at Shrine Pass, follow the wide and well worn trail south. The trail bypasses a seasonal restaurant as it drops down into the clearings studded with the stumps of an old burn. In spring and summer, the wildflower display will be overwhelming.
The trail courses through the basin and gains altitude gradually. As it bends to the southwest and courses through a narrow band of trees, you’ll encounter a snowfield at mile 1.2. In the summer, this spot is a great place for the kids to have some fun. The trail climbs up the slope to the left (south) of this snow field to gain the ridge. In winter, proceed through this brief section with a degree of caution.
At the broad saddle above the snow bank, you can either hike south to Points 11,931 and 11,977 or north to Shrine Mountain at 11,888 feet.
SHRINE MOUNTAIN
Follow the trail along the ridge to the western summit. If you wish to visit the crags, which are the true summit, proceed carefully directly down the loose dirt and tundra slope and climb onto the colorful rocks from the north (left). Watch your step. Exposure in places is sudden and immediate as you climb south along the crag top.
You can re-climb the western summit and retrace your steps, or you can hike south from the rocks and intercept the trail in the vicinity of the snowfield. From there, follow the route back to your vehicle.
POINT 11,931 and 11,977
From the broad saddle, hike south up the wide and gentle ridge to these high points of the area. Be sure to retrace your steps to get back to your car unless you have a map to navigate with.
ROUND TRIP MILEAGE: 4.6 miles
ROUND TRIP MILEAGE FROM REST STOP: 9.2 miles
GAIN (From Shine Pass): 1,143 feet
ROUNDTRIP MILES AND LANDMARKS (Going to Point 11,931 first)
.4 Lose 80 feet, flowers galore!
1.2 Snow bank
1.3 Saddle
1.9 Point 11,931 (Add 1/4 mile round trip for Point 11,977)
2.4 Saddle
2.7 Shine Mountain
2.8 Shrine Mountain Crags
3.1 Saddle
4.2 Regain 80 feet
4.6 Parking
Shrine Mountain Summit Crag Photos
ATTENTION: Ascent of the Shrine Mountain summit pinnacle involves Class 4 and 5 climbing with considerable exposure on loose and crumbly "slick rock." Due to a very short scrambling distance and lack of protection, use of a rope and gear is not practical. Attempt at your own risk. Do not ascend the summit pinnacle unless you are experienced in this type of climbing and exposure.
Essential Gear
Winter: Snow shoes or skis. Ice Axe might come in handy but not required.
Spring: Snow shoes or skis.
Summer & Fall: Hiking boots, daypack with provisions for a short day hike at altitude.
Images
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Gore Range
