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| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Route Type: Hiking Season: Summer, Fall Time Required: A long day Difficulty: Class 2
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Jun 15, 2008 / Sep 2, 2009 Object ID: 412742 Hits: 874 Loading... Page Score: 89.08% - 18 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewThis fabulous, highly scenic route is a great alternative to what may be considered the standard route for this mountain, as it is less traveled for obvious reasons, and a bit longer. Your chances of seeing other folks on this route are slim to none, and only then would that be at the top of the mountain or along the portion of the route that utilizes a 4WD road. If it's solitude you're after, yet with quick access, this route is the ticket.
A variation of this route can be found in Dave Muller's Colorado Summit Hikes for Everyone (CMC press), which uses this same 4WD road as the route, which you may certainly choose to execute on foot.
To dramatically shorten your climb and reduce your physical effort, a good four-wheeler could drive most of the route. This road is a very difficult challenge for an SUV type of vehicle, and a bit less so for a Jeep, and no problem for an ATV. Be prepared for loose rocks, big boulders and plenty of dust. DO NOT ATTEMPT THE ROAD UNLESS YOU ARE AN EXPERIENCED 4WD ENTHIUSIAST.
The route presented here utilizes the road on descent, but for the climb, the route is a solitary bushwhack and quite direct. Following the road option makes for an eleven mile day, while the bushwhack, which has nothing more difficult than Class 2, is a sublime experience in an efficient 8.7 miles round trip.
Getting ThereGoing west from Idaho Springs on Interstate 70, take the exit for Highway 40 and Berthoud Pass. Reduce speed as you enter the tiny town of Empire and proceed slowly, keeping a sharp eye for Main Street on your left. The restaurant known as Jenny's (a great place to eat)is on the southwest corner. Turn left and follow the road due south out of Empire, which turns to dirt.
Follow the road two miles to Empire Pass, where minimal parking is found at an overlook above Interstate 70 and the Georgetown valley. Park here if you do not have a 4WD or high clearance vehicle. 4WD is recommended beyond this point, but high clearance vehicles will do well in getting to the start of this route.
Follow the road to a Y junction, bearing left. You should see a sign indicating "Republican/Democrat." Not far beyond your exit from the main road is a small pull-out for two or three vehicles. Park here, or if you prefer, proceed further up the increasingly rough road (stay left to avoid serious difficulties) another 150 feet, where a larger, more level parking area can be secured.
See the map posted below for the waypoint location to begin this climb. If you must start from Empire Pass, add another .7 mile to your walk.
Northeast Ridge Route Map |
Route Description
View due North from Northeast Ridge Route |
Hike up the road to the third switchback, then depart the road and ascend very steep terrain through trees as your lengthy (but not difficult) bushwhack begins. Any thickets can easily be avoided, and this steep ascent will only go on for a bit. The ridge soon levels off to a more comfortable angle. Be sure to stay on or near the ridge crest. Occasional boulder scrambling will be encountered, and a seemingly endless line of mining pits will be encountered along the route.
Right after you cross over the summit of Columbia Mountain, descend less than a hundred feet to the road. Follow the road and make good time. As you ascend gradually just south of the summit of Democrat Mountain, your quarry comes into view-the summit of Republican Mountain and Democrat BM. At a junction at approximately 11,480 feet, bear right. This spur road ends shortly and you're blessed with a view of the peaks on the Continental Divide to the north.
View due North from Northeast Ridge Route |
Bear once again due southwest along a broad ridge top, keeping the krumholtz growth to your left, aiming for the ridge leading to Republican's summit. Wind your way through wind blown trees and past more mining pit remnants. A prominent snowfield may persist well into the year beneath the summit and the lee side of its final north ridge.
Nearing the Top |
Using clearings through the krumholtz, assume the ridge and climb due southwest toward a cluster of rocks. Scramble up through the rocks, or go further right to stay on tundra. Ascend easy tundra beyond to the craggy top.
Summit Rocks |
DESCENT VARIATION
You can descend the same route, or you can descend the following for a slight variation of terrain and scenery.
From the summit, hike due east a short distance, then descend slightly southeast and get around a drop-off of boulders, then angle northeast, aiming for the broad ridge top area just above where the spur road ended. A fading two track 4WD road will assist you, but ultimately, the path you choose should be more direct.
Rejoin your original steps, reacquire the road and follow it to the switchback you came to at the end of your bushwhack. Retrace your bushwhack steps to minimize your distance (but not the physical impact of your day). To lessen your physical output (and not much less time), the following alternate descent route may be utilized.
Just west of the switchback, descend down steep slopes along mining tailings. This is not difficult, but it is steep, so watch your footing. You'll encounter the road below and cut off about .7 mile of distance. Follow the road back to your vehicle.
ROUND TRIP MILEAGE: 8.7 miles from the recommended waypoint
GAIN: 3,395 feet Class 2Essential Gear & WarningsWARNING: Mining pits encountered on this route date back well over a hundred years, and several of them are very deep. Avoid them, and do not enter any of these pits. Though they are caved in, yawning shafts may still be lurking beneath thin soil, so stay clear!
A GPS with previously downloaded waypoints will expedite your progress along the forested portion leading up to Columbia Mountain's summit. A map, compass and skills to use them are minimal requirements in executing this route expediently and safely.
Good hiking boots are very helpful on this route, and extra water, especially in the latter part of the year, is essential. There may be springs higher on the mountain, but expect these not to be active in late season.
Otherwise, standard dayhike gear should do.
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