Approach
North Ridge Route |
SOUTHWEST RIDGE
This dramatic crag is seen from almost every angle during the ascent of the
Southwest Ridge Route of Mount Morrison.
Photo by Aaron Johnson
This is a short but rewarding hike of Mount Morrison up terrain that is infrequently visited. You'll likely see more animals than people, along with dramatic crags and impressive views of Mount Evans and the Front Range. Bushwacking and route finding skills are required and there is no trail.
Perhaps the hardest part of this climb is finding the beginning of it. There is no official trailhead, so follow the instructions very carefully. Don't worry though if you blow it! You'll just be bushwacking your own route instead!
From the Denver metro area, take Highway 8 (Morrison Road) west to the town of Morrison, passing beneath highway C-470. Proceed slowly through town lest you get a speeding ticket. Proceed through Morrison on Hwy 74 up Bear Creek Canyon 2.3 miles.
As you round a bend to the left, a large parking area across the road is seen. Pull over on the right side of the road on a narrowing shoulder to park. There is no trailhead, but this is where the climb begins. If you'd rather park across the road where there is more room, that is fine, but be careful crossing the road as it is a blind corner to oncoming traffic.
To be sure you're in the right place, look across the road to the large parking area. There is a small hill the road bends around with a trail to its top. If you see this feature, you're at the right spot.
PLEASE NOTE: Upon your departure, be sure to back up far enough to see oncoming traffic in both directions for safe entery onto the busy Highway 74.
North Ridge Route |
NORTH RIDGE
Take Interstate 70 west from the Denver Area to the Morrison Exit. Go south on Highway 93, take the first right south of Interstate 70 to the Matthews-Winters Open Space Park.
From the Denver metro area, take Highway 8 (Morrison Road) west to the town of Morrison, passing beneath highway C-470. Proceed slowly through town lest you get a speeding ticket. Just before town, go right, due north up Highway 93 passing the entrances to Red Rocks Park. Continue on Highway 93 north to the Matthews-Winters Open Space Park, which will be on your left just before the I-70 interchange.Route DescriptionsSOUTHWEST RIDGEIf you're looking west up Highway 74, a gully concealed in trees should be on your right. Walk along the edge of the road on the narrowing shoulder. You should come to a steep slope covered in grass, scrub brush and cactus. A rough "nature trail" will be evident. Follow this trail as it climbs out of Bear Creek Canyon due northwest.
The hiking is steep and relentless as you wind up among the brush. Watch your step as cactus is everywhere. Favor ribs of rock when they present themselves. Nature trails and evidence of human foot traffic is seen up to a power line (also seen and paralleled on the South Ridge Route). Beyond the power line, there is no evidence of regular human foot traffic.
   
A great crag on your right will command much of your attention. An unknown quarry to climbers, this crag serves as home for birds and is likely a home for other critters.
At 7,000 feet, the angle relents and the going gets easier. Traverse some rocks through a shallow saddle and stroll up through some meadows. This is also the spot where you angle to the northeast. If you follow the ridge crest, you'll be dead on course for the summit. At the top of the next rise, dark timber will be on your left. To the right, the dramatic crag you've been circling will be below you and it invites exploration. The narrow ridge top may challenge one's daring and make an interesting diversion of exploration.
Stay to the right of the dark timber and follow the ridge, doing a dot-to-dot exercise of crags and outcrops. Many options up to Class 4 in difficulty will present themselves. One large crag will present itself along the way, perched on top of the ridge and narrows significantly. The crag can be bypassed through fun scrambling terrain on the north in the trees, or on the sunny side along the base of its vertical south face. A direct assault up this crest of rock is also possible, and depending on your route choices, ranges in Class 3 and 4 difficulty with considerable exposure on both sides. This crag is a fun romp, has much to offer in terms of variety and the climbing is fun.
Beyond, follow the ridge top and a few minor crags to the summit, generally keeping the dark timber of Morrison's west slopes to your left. The summit is visible at regular intervals along the way. After a number of crags, the walk to the summit involves traversing some grassy slopes to the maintenence road. Once on the road and you have rounded the switchback, either scramble due east to the summit or follow the road to the helipad to enjoy the amazing view from this wonderful little mountain.
Unless you have time and interest to explore the large crag below the route and the rugged terrain it commands, avoid the temptation to go off route. The terrain of gullies, steep slopes, loose rock and desert like plants requires time consuming tenacious route finding and bushwacking. Should you decide to descend another route, exercise caution, rely on your skill, and be certain you won't "cliff out" near the bottom! Be sure not to descend too soon and end up in undesireable terrain, far from your car, and if you're lucky enough to get down to the road, having to walk it back up to your car.
Your best bet, which is recommended here is to return the exact same route back to your vehicle.
MILEAGE: 2.36 Round Trip
GAIN: 1,648 feet
Route originally developed and contributed by Aaron Johnson.
NORTH RIDGE
This is the longest route to Mount Morrison’s summit. Follow the wide bicycle trail through Matthews-Winters Park, past the restrooms, over the stream and up the meadow. Please share the trail with the cyclists that will be present. Go past a small cemetery and drop down into Cherry Gulch, which may have running water present. Cross the stream and proceed up the trail as it switchbacks to attain the top of the mesa, known as the Morrison Slide, at the base of Morrison’s north ridge. Stay right at a fork.
Once on the mesa, the broad east face of the north ridge will beckon. You can also leave the trail after the 4th switchback climbing directly up a steep clearing and assuming the north ridge directly. Ascend steep open grassland to assume the north ridge and follow it south to Morrison’s north summit, winding through trees and over Class 2 rock. Stay on top of the ridge whenever possible, encountering minor scrambling along the way. Talus and boulder fields on the east side are unstable and should be avoided.
Once on the north summit, traverse south east of the communications array. Find a use trail, drop to the access road and find a use trail west of the next communications array. Scramble up another rise (Class 1) on a use trail to the helipad and continue to the summit. Return the same route, or descend the North Ridge Route Variation and take established trails back to the Matthews-Winters Park parking area.
START 6,336’
MILE .13 Stream & Restrooms
MILE .35 Cemetery
MILE 1.03 Cherry Gulch
MILE 1.47 Mesa top
MILE 1.93 North ridge
MILE 2.32 Pt. 7,742’
MILE 2.4 Helipad
MILE 2.70 Summit
GAIN: 1,622’
RATING: Class 2
Essential GearGood hiking boots are a must for this terrain, as are long pants. Cactus and scratching bushes are abundant. Shorts, low topped hikers or tennis shoes are not recommended. Bring plenty of water, especially in warm conditions. A standard daypack is a good idea if cragging or further exploration of the mountain is your goal.
Miscellaneous InfoIf you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.
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