This route climbs three mountains: Point 12,805 (also known locally as Machebeuf, commemorating a clergyman); Woods Mountain and Mount Parnassus. All are gentle Class 1 strolls above timberline. Note that most of the route is exposed to the elements and a bail route may be required to dodge unpleasant weather. Bail options are endless. Although the route is very easy and great for beginners, the route finishes by climbing the highest mountain last. It is entirely feasible to do the route in reverse to make the difficulty a bit easier.

View West From Mount Parnassus
A cloud shadow skiffs the summit of Point 12,805, the first of three highpoints that are climbed in the execution of the Watrous Gulch Loop. Woods Mountain and Mount Parnassus are climbed via this route as well. This view is looking west from Mount Parnassus toward the Herman Gulch and Dry Creek drainages. Mount Hagar (left), The Citadel (center), and Pettingell Peak (right), all located on Colorado's Continental Divide, lord over the area. The Gore Range can be seen in the distance.

Approach

From the Herman Gulch Trailhead, follow the trail to the junction, taking the Watrous Gulch option that climbs further to the east. The trail bends north into Watrous Gulch. Just before the trail crosses the stream in Watrous Gulch, this route begins.

Route Description

Begin the climb by leaving the trail and contouring northwest through spotty brush on the east slopes of the south ridge leading to Point 12,805. Continue to angle upward until you reach the ridge crest. Follow this broad ridge northwest to the summit. An occasional use trail may be encountered.

From the summit of Point 12,805, descend northeast along the ridge and traverse vast stretches of tundra on the broadening ridge to the top of Woods Mountain. Gentle in character, Woods has a little knob for a sub summit that serves as a dynamic perch. The true summit is a bit further to the east.

From Woods' east summit, descend the broad ridge due southeast toward your final goal, Mount Parnassus. Worn areas will be evident as this area is popular with CMC hikes and other groups. Cross the spacious Woods-Parnassus saddle and begin the thousand-plus feet of climbing up Parnassus' massive, seemingly endless northwest ridge face.

Once on the summit, descend back down the way you climbed up, dropping below the saddle and angling back toward Watrous Gulch. Aim for where the trees end at the higher reaches of the gulch, crossing a minor gully along the way. A sketchy trail may be encountered. Just after you enter the trees, you should encounter the Watrous Gulch trail.

Follow the trail south to where it crosses Watrous Gulch creek. As you cross the creek, you'll complete your loop of three mountains surrounding the drainage. Follow the trail back to your vehicle.

MILEAGE AND GAIN
Roundtrip Distance: 8 miles
Gain: 4,068 feet

OPTIONS
From Point 12,805, follow the ridgeline west for a descent to a saddle and access to the Herman Gulch area for another loop option. Weather permitting, a ridge walk and scramble to Mount Pettingell is possible (Class 3).

From Mount Parnassus, a fourth mountain can be added, your strength and weather permitting. Descend the east ridge and climb Bard Peak. For your return, climb back over Parnassus or descend this route, which takes you around the south flanks of Parnassus back to Watrous Gulch. This is a VERY LONG DAY!

Essential Gear

SUMMER & FALL: Standard dayhike gear will do.

SPRING: Winter apparell and ice axe and crampons.

WINTER: Full compliment of winter gear. The area is notorious for avalanches. Check conditions before proceeding.

A map will be helpful as you depart the trail to ascend Point 12,805.