These two peaks surround Berthoud Pass and the Fraser Valley. Since they are close together and are small mountains by Colorado standards, and because they all share the same trailhead, it was decided to allocate one page for both peaks.

Since these mountains are all fairly easy and short climbs, they are ideal for beginners, families, or just anyone who has little time on their hands and wants to climb some alpine peaks. Even though the hikes are short, the views are spectacular, and the peaks rise well above the timberline. The easy nature of the peaks also belies their danger as severe thunderstorms and lightning strikes are prevalent throughout the summer months.

The peaks are great for winter climbs as well as the trailhead at Berthoud Pass is open year round. With easy access and a high elevation trailhead, these are some of the easiest to climb of 12 and 13 thousand foot peaks in the Rockies.

The North Slopes of Mount Flora as seen from near the summit of Mount Eva.

Getting There

The trailhead is at Berthoud Pass, which is on mile marker 243 on Highway 40. Berthoud Pass can be reached from the north and Fraser and Winter Park or from the south and Empire. The Empire exit off I-70 is exit 233 for those driving from the south. Park at the now closed Berthoud Pass Ski Resort parking lot. The trailhead is across the highway. Highway 40 is open and plowed year round allowing easy year-round access to the trailhead.

Looking SW towards Mount Flora from near the summit of Witter Peak.

Routes Overview

These are overviews only, so click on the route page links for more details.

Colorado Mines Peak

By far the easiest route to the peak and the route that will be descibed here is the Colorado Mines Peak from Berthoud Pass route. See the route page for much more detail. From Berthoud Pass, follow the gated service road (closed to vehicles) marked as the CD Trail. The road makes a steady, but not too steep climb up the former ski slopes. The total distance is 1.7 miles with 1185 feet elevation gain. The elevation of the summit is 12,497 feet.

Mount Flora

The easiest route up Mount Flora is to follow the Mount Flora from Colorado Mines Peak route from Colorado Mines Peak. See route page for much more detail. This is a gentle ridge walk, but it is dangerous in thunderstorms. The total distance from Colorado Mines Peak to Mount Flora is 1.9 miles with 350 feet of elevation loss and about 1000 feet of elevation gain. The total distance from Berthoud Pass to Mount Flora is 3.6 miles one way with about 2200 feet total elevation gain and 350 feet elevation loss. The summit of Mount Flora is 13,132 feet.

Other possible routes are available. The new Trails Illustated Map; Winter Pass, Central City, Rollins Pass shows a new "trail under contruction" over Brekenridge Peak and to Mount Flora. It appears the trail can be approached from several directions including the North Empire Roads from Empire; or from the Mill Creek or Fall River and Rainbow Roads. I am not familiar with these routes, so you will be on your own.

It is also to possible to continue over the ridge north from the summit passing over Mount Eva, Perry Peak, and James Peak. This is a long all day hike for an experienced hiker. Don't attempt it in bad weather.

Colorado Mines Peak from the saddle with Mount Flora.

Red Tape

No permits are required.

When To Climb

These are usually easy peaks all year round, and are good practice peaks for winter. The snow free season is late June through early October. Since the routes follow ridge-tops, avalanche danger is usually fairly low as long as you don't stray from the ridge. Highway 40 is plowed in winter allowing for quick and easy access year round.

Climbing Colorado Mines Peak in late November.

Camping

These peaks are mostly day climbs only, but there are campgrounds along Highway 40 in the Fraser Valley, and one just south of Berthoud Pass.

There are five campgrounds between Berthoud Pass and Winter Park. These are the campgrounds in order from Berthoud Pass north to Winter Park:

Second Creek Campground
DAR Campground
Spruce Lodge Campground
Midland Campground
Idlewild Campground

For info on these campgrounds listed above, call the ranger station in Granby at 970-887-4100.

There is one campground along Highway 40 just south of Berthoud Pass:

Floral Park Campground

For information on this campground, call the ranger station in Idaho Springs at 303-567-2901.

Mountain Conditions

For current trail and snow conditions, more information, and access issues contact:

Sulphur Ranger District
9 Ten Mile Drive
Granby, CO 80446
970-887-4100

BERTHOUD PASS AREA MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Below is the climate summary for nearby Berthoud Pass at 11,315 feet elevation, and at the trailhead. These are all averages, so expect more variation, but this will give you a good idea about the climate at higher elevations in the area. *National Weather Service Data 1950-1985.

MONTH	HIGH	LOW	SNOW DEPTH	DAYS W/PRECIP
JAN	21	1	42"	19
FEB	24	2	52"	16
MAR	29	6	63"	20
APR	36	14	67"	17
MAY	45	23	53"	16
JUN	54	32	17"	11
JUL	62	39	0	14
AUG	60	38	0	14
SEP	53	31	0	11
OCT	42	21	3"	10
NOV	30	10	14"	15
DEC	23	3	29"	18

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