| Southwest & Northwest Ridge Route |
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| Southwest & Northwest Ridge   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.32220°N / 106.1688°W Route Type: Hiking, Scrambling Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Time Required: Half a day Difficulty: Class 2
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Aug 28, 2007 / Aug 28, 2007 Object ID: 330131 Hits: 855 Loading... Page Score: 88.14% - 10 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewThis is a great route for getting in shape, a fun scramble, or for a winter or sprintime outing in good conditions. Mount Tweto's summit is the meeting point of three ridges, and hiking and scrambling opportunities are plentiful. Views are excellent and the scenery is wonderful!
There are plenty of mine shafts, tunnels and mining artifacts in the area that date back to Colorado's gold rush history. Avoid these mining claims as they are private property and dangerous.
This route also serves as a launch point for an ascent of Mount Arkansas via the fun and exciting Southeast Ridge route. The reward is upon your return, climbing Tweto's Northwest Ridge route is great fun.
Getting ThereFrom Fairplay and highway 285, head north on Highway 9 approximately 4.5 miles. If coming from the north on Highway 9, drive south from the little town of Alma for 1 mile. County Road 12 strikes due west toward the Mosquito Range. Signs also indicate this to be the turn-off for Mosquito Pass.
Proceed west on this road and please drive slowly through the tiny hamlet of Park City. 4.5 miles from Highway 9 is a fork. Stay to the right and proceed up the north fork of Mosquito Creek. At about 7.2 miles from Highway 9, the road bends to the west just before crossing Mosquito Creek. A smaller, rougher road continues to the north through the willows. Park here, well out of the way of either road. If you have 4WD, proceed up the sub road a short piece to a small parking area on the right. The road is rougher than the main road, but can still be driven to this point with 2 wheel drive.
Concerning Mosquito Pass: This is not a difficult 4WD road, but 4WD is nonetheless recommended due to changing conditions and an initial creek crossing beyond the start of the climb up Mount Tweto. If you plan on driving the road during your visit to the area, 4WD is recommended.
Route DescriptionHead north along the 4WD sub road, departing it at a large break in the willows on your right. You’ll cross a stream shortly thereafter. Good route finding will keep the willow bashing at a minimum. Maintaining a strong northward course should have you encountering an old mining cabin. Do not enter the structure as it is unstable and could be dangerous. A 4WD road also climbs into the basin further to the east, which can be followed but adds distance to your day.
Stream crossing after mining cabin |
Cross the stream just beyond the cabin and stay in the grassy clearings, making your way north. You’ll soon climb above the willows and be blessed with a huge expanse of open tundra. Climb almost to the end of the tundra at 12,800 feet and then angle west. Stay on the tundra until you see some scant tundra patches mixed with talus on the right.
Gaining the Southwest Ridge |
Do a contouring ascent toward the ridge, arcing back toward the northeast to gain the ridge. Avoid the temptation to take on the steep slopes too soon, as much loose rock would be encountered. Once on the ridge, follow it northeast to the top of Mount Tweto.
If continuing on to Mount Arkansas, see this route. After climbing Mount Arkansas from Mount Tweto, your return up Tweto's Northwest ridge is a fun and exciting Class 2 and 3 scramble! (Click on the Profile Picture above).
Route Map for Mount Tweto's Southwest Ridge |
DISTANCE: 4.8 miles round trip
GAIN: 2,000 feet
Essential GearSummer and Fall: Standard dayhike gear will do
Winter and Spring: Skis or snowshoes in addition to your preferred winter gear
There is no reliable water source on this route.
4WD is recommended if you plan on doing any four-wheeling in the area.
External LinksAdd External Links text here. Images
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Mosquito Range
