ApproachLOVELAND PASS SKI AREA
Take Interstate 70 to the Loveland Pass/Ski Area exit on the east side of the Eisenhower Tunnel. Park at the Loveland Ski Area, take the service road west past the east tunnel entrance, and ascend the first ski slope to your right. This approach is a little longer, but allows you to climb "Golden Bear Pk"(Pt 13010) en route.
WEST SIDE OF EISENHOWER TUNNELTake Interstate 70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel. Immediately as you exit the tunnel's west portal, exit to the right off of the highway and park over in an impromptu area marked with signs that say "trailhead parking." Park to the west of these signs.
Route Description
Hagar Mountain (L) and The Citadel (R) as seen from Loveland Basin
LOVELAND PASS SKI AREA
Having climbed to the Continental Divide from Loveland Basin, continue along the ridge line toward Hagar Mountain, which is now in full view. A bit of altitude is lost as you drop to the saddle at the base of Hagar’s south ridge.
Climb the ridge, either going left or right to get around some loose terrain. The ridge climbs quickly, going up and over a knob of rock, which can be circumvented on either side. This drops you about 60 feet to the base of final pitch. The great jumble of gigantic rocks that makes up Hagar’s summit welcomes you to a fun and sporting scramble. Many lines of passage present themselves, mostly Class 3 in difficulty. The actual summit is best attained by going around the east and north side, and on to the west side. Watch your step up here! Exposure lurks just beyond the summit’s limited space.
Return the same route.
4.8 MILES ROUND TRIP
2,310 FEET OF GAIN
This route was originally developed and contributed by Layne Bracy in response to the temporary closure to access of this route from the tunnel's west portal.
EISENHOWER TUNNEL WEST PORTAL
Hike east toward the tunnel's turn-around road, then follow a paved road into the basin north of the tunnel. The paved road soon ends and becomes a wide, unkept trail which is actually a route made by the installation of a high pressure gas line that runs over the Divide. This trail can be followed to the top of the Divide, which is then walkd north to Hagar Mountain, or the trail can be left at the first switchback for a more expeditious route. Climb directly to a point on the Divide at 12,817 and follow the ridge north to Hagar Mountain.
5.9 MILES ROUND TRIP
2,317 FEET OF GAIN
COON HILL COMBINATION
A direct ascent of Coon Hill's south ridge makes for a fun and engaging loop hike day. From the parking area west of the Tunnel, directly ascend a steep clearing through the trees due north to a flat knoll, then climb steep Class 2 and 3 terrain due west to the summit of Coon Hill's south spur ridge. Scramble north along this ridge (Class 2) to Coon Hill's summit. Difficult and manky spires and cliffs prevent passage along the northeast ridge toward the Divide. Descend from Coon Hill's summit down very steep tundra slopes, backtracking about two hundred feet south. Descend to the basin, bypassing the cliffs and spires, regain the ridge and ascend to the Divide, following it north to Hagar Mountain. On the descent, follow the ascent route described rom the Tunnel for a nice loop route.
6.3 MILES ROUND TRIP
3,523 FEET OF GAIN
These routes were originally developed and contributed to SP by Aaron Johnson.
Essential GearStandard day hike gear will do. In spring, an ice axe and crampons are recommended. Winter ascents are not endorsed due to inevitable avalanche activity in the basin just north of the tunnel.
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Front Range (CO)
