| Jennings Creek to West Ridge Route |
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| Jennings Creek to West Ridge   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: United States, North America Route Type: Hiking, Scrambling Season: Summer, Fall Time Required: A long day Rock Difficulty: Class 3
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Sep 15, 2008 / Sep 17, 2008 Object ID: 443260 Hits: 286 Loading... Page Score: 87.68% - 7 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
In Support of a Jennings Creek West Ridge RouteThe Jennings Creek route was once the standard route for Tabeguache Peak (which I fondly refer to as Tab). I climbed the route twice, once in the 80s and once in the 90s. On those two climbs, the increasing damage caused by climbers on the route was painfully apparent. The trail had already widened to a huge legion on the side of Tab's south buttress in the 80s, and was much large and plainly out of control in the 90s. It was no surprise to me that the National Forest Service decided to shut the route down in 2002.
The impact of such damage to the tundra is a foregone conclusion, and the implications of this particular damage remain severe and devastating to this day. I seriously doubt the tundra will repair itself in several of our life times, if ever. Closing this route marked a rare occasion when I found myself in agreement with the Forest Service.
Damaged Tundra on the Closed Jennings Creek Route |
What I do not agree with is the closing of the ENTIRE route. I'm guessing the Forest Service figures it's necessary to keep folks from using the Jennings Creek trailhead altogether, knowing they will only be tempted to use the entire old route. This is a valid point, and I support punitive action to anyone caught using the damaged portion of the route when it's obvious the route is closed. Folks who use the route today do so only for selfish purposes.
However, closing the ENTIRE route is not necessary. Most climbers are environmentally conscious, or at least I'd like to think so. If presented with a decent alternative and variation utilizing the Jennings Creek trailhead, most climbers would appreciate the knowledge of an option that allows a climb of Tab without having to climb nearby Mount Shavano as well, with a reasonable distance and gain, something the other routes cannot offer.
Jim Lierman on the Closed Jennings Creek Route in 1997 |
By providing Tab its own decent route re-establishes this great mountain's reputation, and reasserts its character. The loss of the Jennings Creek trailhead meant generations of climbers would miss out on the joy of climbing this wonderful mountain and experiencing its true nature, an experience lost when most climb the mountain from Shavano's summit. Rather than reduce Tab to an afterthought, Tab's fun and frollicking West Ridge proves it is indeed one of Colorado's more interesting and entertaining easy fourteeners, and it certainly has more to offer than its loftier neighbor.
This route follows the Jennings Creek valley to the saddle between Carbonate and Tabeguache, where it climbs to the end of Tab's west ridge and follows it to the summit. This route AVOIDS THE DAMAGED SECTION of the old Jennings Creek route. If you decide to climb Tab via this route, PLEASE DO NOT UTILIZE THE OLD JENNINGS CREEK ROUTE in ANY WAY!
I recently climbed Tab for a third time. My wife Ellen saved it for her last fourteener, marking the completion of all 54 of Colorado's highest peaks. She was thrilled that such a fine and interesting mountain would also be a fantastic coda to her climbing adventure. While on the summit, my partner asked two other climbers that also ascended the west ridge if they had come up the valley. "Uhhh, yeah," was their very sheepish response. I watched these two with much disdain as they descended from the west ridge down to Tab's south buttress, clearly headed for the damaged section of the old Jennings Creek route. We descended the route we climbed from Jennings Creek Valley, and found it just as pleasant as the ascent.
Stay on THIS route! |
If you climb Tab from the Jennings Creek trailhead, please respect the mountain and the area's ecosystem and follow this route. This is your land and you're free to use and enjoy it, but please do so responsibly.
Tabeguache West Ridge View |
The approach via Jennings Creek Valley is beautiful and worthy of your time and effort. You won't be disappointed. It's one of the finest experiences to be had in the southern Sawatch, and what's more, the climbing is fun and interesting, and even moreso as you approach the summit. The views are to die for, and surprisingly impressive, perhaps moreso than most Sawatch summits. Climbing Tab via this uncrowded route will be one of your best route decisions in your mountain climbing experience!
Aaron Johnson
Trip Report on climbing this route.Getting ThereFrom the Junction of Highway 285 and 50, drive west on Highway 50 for 6.2 miles and turn right just past Maysville on the road to the Angel of Shavano Campground, also known as the North Fork road. The road turns to dirt, and shortly beyond, 4 wheel drive with high clearance is recommended. At mile 13.85, you'll arrive at the old Jennings Creek trailhead and the waypoint provided below, which is crucial to an expedient launching of this route.
There are no signs marking the beginning of this route. Water may be seeping across the road further west. If you drive beyond this point, you've gone too far. Parking is minimal, so make every effort to get your vehicle parked well off the road.
Beginning waypoint: 38,36.021,-106,16.690,10540
ROUTE MAP:
Jennings Creek to West Ridge Route Map |
Route DescriptionEnter the aspen forest due north. You should almost immediately encounter the old Jennings Creek trail. The aspens have started to encroach upon the abandoned trail, but it is still evident and a bushwhack is not necessary. About 100 feet from the road, a sign posting the closure of the route will be encountered (or maybe only the wooden podium upon which it was once nailed).
The trail is evident from the many (and that's MANY) log steps that were installed to minimize erosion. This aspen patch makes for a gorgeous experience in the fall.
The trail climbs steeply (avoiding a steep incline of log steps that has since eroded) and breaks out of the aspens at .4 mile near a lovely tarn. Leave the trail, rounding the tarn in a wide birth to avoid marshy terrain on the east side and proceed due north up the Jennings Creek valley. Evidence of previous hikers may be present along this route.
Stay between the rock glacier and the willows |
Your trail will lead you over undulating terrain as you approach and skirt just left of the toe of a rock glacier. You'll often be between it and the willows. You may have to cross minor streams and occasionally march through minor willow barriers, but no serious bushwhacking on this route is necessary if your route finding skills are up to par.
Crossing the drainage |
About half way up the valley, you'll have the option of staying on the east side of the creek, or crossing the creek, skirting a patch of pines and old Bristlecone Pines perched atop a hill. Beyond, it's wide open tundra as you resume your course due north, with willows and marshes well to the east and presenting no obstacles.
Class 3 climbing to the saddle |
Aim for the saddle while contouring north over lush tundra slopes. You'll arrive at a rock glacier with an obvious human constructed trail leading toward rocky pinnacles and loose terrain directly north. You can assume this trail, which zig-zags up through talus to some ribs of rock. These ribs present some fun climbing opportunities, but they are surrounded by very loose talus, so climb with care. This Class 3 climb is brief and puts you at the saddle rapidly.
A less difficult option is to veer left and climb the last bit of tundra to a route in orange talus and scree that winds its way up to the saddle's low point, which for the sake of reference is called "the orange spot." While annoyingly loose, no scrambling is required, and this is the way your descent should follow. A use trail contours east along the ridge crest. Follow it.
1,200 foot Talus and Tundra Climb |
Once on the saddle, your course makes a hard right due east. The longest phase of this route is the 1,200 foot ascent of tundra and talus to the first of three minor false summits. The first false summit simply marks the end of Tabeguache's west ridge. The slope is not difficult and the angle isn't as steep as most Sawatch slopes.
West Ridge Route To Tabeguache Peak |
Once on the ridge, follow it due east. It's a pleasant Class 2 rock hop with tremendous views and dramatic drops down Tab's rugged north face. You'll eventually intercept the old Jennings Creek route, whch may be marked with cairns, however use from previous climbers is strongly evident.
Class 3 Climbing on Tabeguache Peak |
Pass over the next summit, gaining 200 feet. The scrambling becomes more engaging, and by the time you reach the pinnacle of rock prior to the summit, plenty of Class 2 and 3 options abound. Exposed and dramatic Class 3 climbing is available by staying on the exciting ridge crest all the way to the summit. Comfortable Class 2 options lead to the summit on the south side of the ridge.
Descent to Saddle |
Descent from the "Orange Spot" on the saddle |
Retrace your exact route back to the saddle. Make sure to descend from the "orange spot" on the west end of the saddle on your return to Jennings Creek valley, following a deep scree trail (if you didn't use this on your ascent). Descending through the rocks would be a tiresome and possibly dangerous affair. A possible descent route east of the saddle may be utilized. Be sure to study the photos accompanying this route description for details concerning this possibility.
A good memory and route finding should help you retrace your steps back down Jennings Creek valley to your vehicle.
DISTANCE: 7.5 miles round trip
GAIN: 3,413 feet
RATING: Class 2 or 3, depending on your route choices
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT DESCEND VIA THE CLOSED JENNINGS CREEK ROUTE, and DO NOT DESCEND McCOY GULCH, WHICH HAS BEEN THE SCENE OF MANY RESCUES AND SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO IMPASSABLE TERRAIN.Essential GearThis is a long day above timberline. Do not attempt this route without extra clothing and rain gear in the event you are caught up high in cold conditions.
Boots with good tread are essential as you'll perform countless maneuvers on rock. Gloves may be a bonus and would certainly be useful in cold conditions.
A well stocked daypack is essential. Though the overall distance is short, it's a long day dealing with a wide variety of terrain. You'll need plenty of energy.
Bring lots of water. There is no water on the mountain, though water sources should be plentiful in Jennings Creek valley. If you plan on drawing water, a filter is recommended.
A map, compass and/or GPS unit are strongly recommended. Navigating this mountain in bad weather with limited visibility is a nightmare waiting to happen. Images
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Sawatch Range
