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| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Route Type: Hiking Season: Spring, Summer, Fall Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Class 2-3
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| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Jun 30, 2009 / Jun 30, 2009 Object ID: 525279 Hits: 473 Loading... Page Score: 89.73% - 25 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Overview
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE FROM SILVER MOUNTAIN Left to right: Lenawee Mountain, Grizzly Peak, Torreys Peak (14er), Grays Peak (14er), Cooper and Ruby Mountains (foreground), Mount Edwards, Argentine Peak, Square Top, Decatur Mountain and slopes of Revenue Mountain (foreground).
This route description enables you to claim three mountain summits for the price of one. It is a beautiful, scenic walk along Colorado’s continental divide in a remote location once frequented by many miners in Colorado’s colorful western history. Once crawling with miners engaged in seeking their fortune, the only residents you may come across are Rocky Mountain goats. This is otherwise an un-trampled high country paradise due to the fact these mountains are not popular and are often overshadowed by their 14er neighbors across Peru Creek to the north. If it’s solitude you’re after, this is a good route for you.
Ascending Decatur Mountain |
Many remnants of the mining era will be encountered. Stay clear of the ruins and shafts and do not enter any structures or mining tunnels. Many of these claims may yet be active and are technically private property. Enjoy these historical treasures that have withstood the test of time and harsh winters from a safe distance.
Goat herds are common in the area. Do not approach the goats. Chances are they’ll keep their distance, but be sure you keep yours as well.
This route can be done without using a 4WD vehicle for access, but the length obviously increases, which may be your desire. Expediting the route might be essential to your success, though, in the event weather may play a role in your day, as it often does in this area. Plenty of bail routes are available, so keep the possibilities in mind as you execute the route.
Late spring through fall is the best time to execute this route. If using 4WD to access Cinnamon Gulch, mid summer through fall should provide access into the basin with your vehicle. A winter ascent of this route is not recommended due to serious avalanche potential and likely complicated access concerns.
Awesome Views on the Divide |
Getting ThereDrive to the ski resort of Keystone, either over Loveland Pass or from the town of Dillon. When arriving at the Keystone turn-out, measure from this point. Do not enter the resort, but turn left and drive to a stop sign near the interchange on the left and turn right. Drive due east up the Snake River canyon bound for Montezuma.
At 4.8 miles you arrive at a curve and a turn-out on the left. Turn left onto the Peru Creek road (dirt, high clearance required) and follow it to mile 8.5, where a turn on the right will take you down and across Peru Creek. This crossing is the beginning of the driving portion requiring four wheel drive. You may start your hike here, providing you can find a way across Peru Creek without getting too wet.
Follow the main road (spur roads are obviously less traveled) up into Cinnamon Gulch, passing many mining remnants along the way. A steep portion of road littered with rocks will test your 4WD skills. The road mellows out as it turns south and climbs steadily into the bowled basin surrounded by the mountains you’ll be climbing. Find a spot in a clearing just before a cluster of trees (9.9 miles) to park at approximately 11,600 feet.Route DescriptionStrike directly east from your vehicle through the trees, and once out of the trees, scramble up large rocks to gain tundra for a steady climb out of the basin. Blaze your path due east across the broad tundra, which gradually levels out for a nice stroll to the flat summit of Decatur Mountain. Enjoy the views, including a nice overlook of Shelf Lake.
Shelf Lake from Decatur summit |
Ascending Revenue Mountain |
Your next goal is obvious, due slightly southwest. Stroll the broad tundra to Revenue Mountain’s summit. Revenue’s summit is 1 foot lower than Decatur’s.
Ridge Walk |
Descend the west ridge line from the summit to a surprising Class 2 romp along the narrow ridge. Exposure is minimal and brief.
Pass mining claims in your ascent of Silver Mountain, which offers its own version of views from this high country walk along the divide.
Decatur & Revenue |
Descend north from Silver’s summit and drop down over a number of large boulder mounds. A climber’s trail may be evident. One particular portion is very steep and may require a bit of scrambling. Once directly west of your vehicle, which may be visible below, descend or take a side trip to Brittle Silver Mountain, a little exclamation point to end your day. You might enjoy some Class 3 scrambling, depending on your route choices. Return south to the saddle to make the eastern descent back to your vehicle down lush tundra slopes. Many springs gush right out of the tundra on this east facing slope.
Brittle Silver Summit, Class 3 |
MILEAGE AND LOCATION
1.13 Decatur Summit
2.30 Revenue Mountain Summit
2.38 Narrow Ridge Fun
2.86 False Summit
3.06 Silver Summit
4.13 Brittle Silver Summit
4.60 End
4.6 miles, 2,127 feet gain Class 2-3
Route Map |
This route is easily done in reverse.Essential GearDepending on the time of year, you may encounter large amounts of snow in this basin, which is a definite snow collector. The necessary equipment to negotiate snow may be required. Otherwise, a normal daypack of provisions should do. A map, compass/GPS are recommended in case your visibility is impaired by clouds or fog.
Images
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Front Range (CO)
