Overview
Ascending the Southwest Ridge Route of Mount Morrison on the "Son of Mount Morrison Marathon"
Digital photo by Aaron Johnson This route was designed as a "sequel" to last year's successful execution of the Mount Morrison Marathon. The route was dubbed "Son of Mount Morrison Marathon" by the IU Trekkers, who pioneered both routes. While both are designed to increase endurance with a variety of climbing skills, the "Son" is not nearly as demanding as the "Marathon" since Mount Morrison is the first objective of the day.
The purpose of this hike is conditioning and exposure to a variety of terrain for beginning climbers. This route works well to increase one’s endurance and tone up muscles for greater challenges later in Colorado’s climbing season.
This route is intended as a shuttle hike, parking cars at one end and hiking to cars at the other end (see shuttle set-up section below). In the event of an illness or injury, there is no place to bail from the route expediently to reach your vehicle, and the summoning of help from other parties would be necessary. Please make certain that everyone in your party is in good shape before executing this hike.
Although mountainous in character, this is essentially a desert hike. Take more water than usual. In the event you run out of water, you can refill somewhere in Red Rocks or Matthew Winters Park, although your diversion to do so may be considerable.
The latter half of the route follows trails, but the first half either follows natural trails or no trail at all. Route finding abilities are recommended. Take a map and compass or GPS device if you are not totally familiar with Mount Morrison's terrain. Conditions on the route will vary considerably. Good hiking boots are highly recommended along with some degree of climbing experience. If folks in your party are inexperienced, an experienced leader is strongly suggested.
Three small mountains are climbed during this route. Although they are small, do not discount their potential to be formidable. All three are considerable challenges in the heat, and the inexperienced can get themselves easily hurt on Mount Morrison.
The route can be executed in either direction, but the description presented here starts with Mount Morrison's Southwest Ridge first. This gets the climbing out of the way early in the day during the cool of the morning. Dinosaur Ridge, Matthew Winters Park and Green Mountain are pleasant trail walks that make up the latter half of this hike. In hot conditions, this portion of the route can be murder if you are not prepared and do not have plenty of water.
Despite the low elevation, weather can still be a factor, and warm days can turn this hike into an oven. An early start is strongly recommended. A party in good condition starting at 8:00AM from Highway 74 should reach the shuttle vehicle in Green Mountain around or before 3:00PM.
Shuttle Set-Up InstructionsHead west on Highway 26, otherwise known locally as Alameda Avenue from its intersection with Kipling Street. Proceed past Simms and follow the highway up the hill. At the top of this long hill on the right is Foothills Drive, marked by a blue sign. Turn right and proceed up and over another hill into the Green Mountain neighborhood. The road descends. Be alert for a clearing on the left and a trail (use road) that heads up a draw through a gate. Park on the left side of the road in front of this clearing. Please do not park in front of people’s homes. Even though it's a nice neighborhood, be sure to lock your car and take any valuables with you.
Drive back to Highway 26. At the Jewell intersection light, go straight (south), continuing on Bear Creek Avenue. This median divided road takes you to Morrison Road (Highway 8), where it ends. Turn right and proceed west on the wide and spacious Morrison Road. Go under C-470 and into the town of Morrison just beyond the hogback ridges. WATCH YOUR SPEED!
Proceed through Morrison on Hwy 74 up Bear Creek Canyon 2.3 miles.
As you round a bend to the left, a large parking area across the road is seen. Pull over on the right side of the road on a narrowing shoulder to park. There is no trailhead, but this is where the climb begins. If you'd rather park across the road where there is more room, that is fine, but be careful crossing the road as it is a blind corner to oncoming traffic.
To be sure you're in the right place, look across the road to the large parking area. There is a small hill the road bends around with a trail to its top. If you see this feature, you're at the right spot.
PLEASE NOTE: Upon your departure, be sure to back up far enough to see oncoming traffic in both directions for safe entery onto the busy Highway 74.
Route DescriptionPART ONE: SOUTHWEST RIDGE OF MOUNT MORRISON
From your vehicle, the first part of this route follows the Southwest Ridge route of Mount Morrison. Optional Class 2 and possibly Class 3 climbing is available along this route. Be sure to refer to photos on both route pages to get an idea of the type of climbing you may encounter.
One particular outcrop is encountered about 3/4 of the way up the Southwest Ridge that involves some fun Class 2 scrambling above considerable exposure on both sides. The exposure is less immediate on the north side as it is covered by trees that will molest you during your scramble, but the north side is an immediate drop of at least 80 feet. Do not execute this portion in wet conditions. If you elect not to acsend this rock rib, veer to the north side of this formation, staying in the trees. Considerable scrambling is still encountered on this variation but without the exposure.
PART TWO: NORTH RIDGE OF MOUNT MORRISON TO MATTHEW WINTERS PARK
Once you have visited the summit and helipad, descend to the north via the North Ridge Route, bypassing two communication arrays. Stay high on the ridge through this stretch. Minor Class 2 obstacles are encountered as the ridge descends from the mountain's north summit. The route is not marked and there is no trail. As the ridge levels off, descend to the right down step and grassy slopes to a large plateau where a biking and hiking trail is evident. Some interesting "goblin trees" will beckon you just before you intercept the trail. Follow this trail north, down the north slopes of the plateau (also known as the Morrison Slide Formation) via switchbacks.
After intercepting the Red Rocks trail and descending some switchbacks, the trail crosses Cherry Creek, and just shy of the old graveryard in Matthew Winters Park, take the trail to the right. This alternate trail sees less traffic and is only a few minutes longer than the heavily used route. You'll join a stream and rejoin the main trail at the Matthew Winters Park picnic area. This is a good place to stop for lunch and chances are a shaded picnic table will be available.
PART THREE: DINOSAUR RIDGE
Proceed north to the parking lot and the park's entrance, then carefully cross the highway to the east side. Proceed up the obvious dirt road which also serves as the access trail to Dinosaur Ridge. Parking for this attraction is on your left as you ascend. At a gate, the Dinosaur Ridge trail veers right (south) and assumes the ridge in gradual fashion. Follow this popular biking trail along the ridge crest, enjoying great views along the way.
At the junction with the Zorro Trail, depart the trail and take the Zorro Trail as it descends the east side of Dinosaur Ridge. Cross Rooney Road and march through the parking area on the east side of the road, arcing to the south toward a porta-pot and the beginning of the last phase of this hike.
PART FOUR: GREEN MOUNTAIN
Follow the popular hiking and biking trail over Highway C-470. Be sure to stop and scramble on the rib of rock on the east side of the highway. Follow the access road as it takes you to the higher ramparts of Green Mountain. Once the road levels off above a switchback, look for a spur trail to the right, which will take you to Green Mountain's barren true summit. The view from the top is unexpectedly spectacular and far reaching. Three of Colorado's well known fourteener peaks can be seen from this otherwise humble summit.
Rejoin the main trail, bypassing the radio towers, then angle left on a trail that will descend Green Mountain's east slopes and take you to your shuttle vehicle, bypassing a fenced-in water facility near the end of your descent and the route.
DISTANCE: 9 miles
GAIN: 2990 feet
Essential GearA minimum of two vehicles and two people are required to execute this hike as described.
FALL, SUMMER & SPRING: Be prepared for cool weather conditions, but also be prepared to shed layers, as this is very much akin to desert hiking. Bring plenty of water. A hat and sunscreen are highly recommended. If you plan on climbing the mountain's many varied outcroppings, be sure your boots are in good shape for climbing.
WINTER: Warm winter apparell and plenty of water, along with boots that have good tread for slippery conditions.
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Front Range (CO)
