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| Southeast Ridge   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.26470°N / 106.1422°W Route Type: Hiking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Time Required: Half a day Difficulty: Class 1
| Route Quality: | | | | Loading...
| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Jun 11, 2007 / Jun 11, 2007 Object ID: 300696 Hits: 642 Loading... Page Score: 87.67% - 5 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewPennsylvania Mountain is surrounded by private property. As mentioned somewhat vaguely on the main page, access to the mountain can be a chore without taking the time to research the situation. If you’re wanting to climb this mountain but have been turned back by these issues, then today is your lucky day. There is public access to the mountain, from a pleasantly high starting point, and it’s fairly easy to avoid private property, which is mostly in the form of mining claims.
If this was a popular mountain that saw a lot of traffic, this route might not be posted on SP. But comparatively, the mountain is seldom visited, mostly because it is among the lowest of Colorado’s 13ers. The route is short and easy and makes for a wonderful half day excursion. So you will see people on this mountain though, as it is popular with locals and those that own houses or summer cabins in the development directly east of the mountain. Access is not confusing, but can be if you arrive unprepared, lacking a good map or solid directions. Therein is where you are lucky, as this route page supplies both items!
Despite its low ranking, the mountain does boast a spectacular view of the Mosquito Range, making this route more than worth the relatively small amount of effort it takes to execute. During the summer the mountain is alive with its great expanse of tundra flora and fauna. Indeed, it is the site of alpine research being conducted by the students of Colorado Springs University. The route passes through their research area, so please be sure to walk with care. Careful route finding would make this route a great winter outing as well, provided access to the trailhead is maintained. Be sure to check with local authorities concerning conditions before proceeding with a winter excursion on this route.
Getting ThereAt the traffic light on Highway 285 and Highway 9 in Fairplay, set your odometer to zero and measure from that intersection. Proceed north on Highway 9 through Fairplay. Obey the 20mph speed limit! Continue north 3.2 miles to County Road 1, a left turn. The next portion of this approach takes you through an expansive, sprawling development on maintained county dirt roads. Plan on eating plenty of dust in dry conditions.
At mile 3.8, bear right, staying on County Road 1. Bear right again at mile 2.3.
At mile 2.4, bear left onto Valley of the Sun road. Stay on Valley of the Sun road, which will switchback left toward the east at mile 3.4. It will go back toward the west and again bear east with another switchback at mile 4.1.
At mile 5.0, you’ll come to the end of Valley of the Sun road at Mountain View Drive. Turn right on Mountain View Drive. At roughly mile 5.5 the road narrows and gets a bit rougher, but passenger cars can make this stretch if the road is dry. At mile 5.6, the road ends and a sign says “please walk with care.” Your climb starts here.Route DescriptionYour starting elevation at this high trailhead is 11,700 feet. Proceed due WNW along an old two track jeep road, immediately passing some trailers used by the research students. Stay on this road (not seen on the TOPO map) for about a quarter of a mile, then depart the road and bear left toward the mountain’s gentle southeast ridge. Some route finding through willows will be required through this section, but it is not difficult.
Once out of the willows, it’s a gentle stroll with awesome views up the ridge. Difficulty never exceeds Class 1 but the views are inspiring! Follow the ridge to the mountain’s southern sub summit or contour around it to the north. Be sure to watch your step and do your best not to disturb the experiment sites where research is being conducted.
The mountain’s true summit is the huge, gentle dome to the north (right), which can be accessed by a direct line of your choosing across the vast expanse of tundra. A cluster of rocks about three hundred feet west of the summit is a good spot for lunch or shelter from prevailing west winds. The actual summit is atop a gigantic tundra plateau. A small cluster of rocks erected by earlier visitors serves as a meager shelter.
Avoid any minor mining sites you may happen across.
Return the same route.
MILEAGE: 5 miles round trip
GAIN: 1,278 feet
Essential GearWINTER: Full winter gear is recommended, assuming access to the trailhead is available.
SPRING: Access might be questionable. Winter gear recommended. Expect soggy conditions in the willows during late spring.
SUMMER & FALL: Standard day hike gear will do. Images
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Mosquito Range
