Overview  Teakettle bathed in alpenglow
Teakettle Mountain is an often seen, seldom climbed sort of peak. Teakettle is easily seen from the summit of Mount Sneffels and its distinctive summit block lends the mountain its name. Complete with an almost perfectly circular handle to a wonderful little spout (which has been shortened due to rockfall). Teakettle is dwarfed and neglected by the nearby Mount Sneffels, yet the summit of Teakettle is one of the most distinctive in Colorado and should not be missed. Precipices lie on three sides and the summit is much like a table both in size and flatness.
Unfortunately, Teakettle's incredible summit is skirted by the typical loose volcanic rock which characterizes much of the San Juan Range. The work is tedious to get there, but the payoffs are immeasurable: A view down into stunning Yankee Boy Basin and to the regal queen of the area: Mount Sneffels.
Getting ThereFrom Denver, drive to Montrose...about 5 hours; drive down US 285 and US 24, then west on US 50 over Monarch Pass and through Gunnison to Montrose. From Montrose, drive south on US 550 about 47 miles to Ouray.
YANKEE BOY BASIN ACCESS
About a half-mile from the south end of Ouray, turn right onto Ouray County 361 (just after the first major switchback). The county road is in pretty good shape for the first 6½ miles or so, and the surrounding cliffs and mountains are spectacular! Stay right at the Camp Bird mine entrance. Winter maintence usually ends here. There is a short stretch of shelf road beyond that was carved into the cliff side during the mining days. This dramatic stretch is wide enough for one vehicle. Consider the road's condition and your experience before proceeding. Driving under falling water on this stretch is not uncommon.
A 4x4 is a good idea from the Camp Bird entrance, but most cars can make the road up into Yankee Boy Basin. After the shelf road, the grade gets steep. In wet years, several washouts and ruts may challenge a passenger car. Bypass the Imogene Pass turn-off at the top of this steep section. Continue past the townsite of Sneffels and private mining claims on your left. As you climb into Yankee Boy basin, you'll bypass a road to Governor Basin (a nice side trip if you have 4x4). You can continue up to about 2 more miles to the roads' end, but there's plenty of parking opportunities before that. Be sure to obey provate property signs.
Beyond the Governor Basin sign, 4x4 is recommended for steep grades and high clearance. Some passenger cars will make it to a restroom facility in lower Yankee Boy basin. Approaching the upper basin, a trail starts at the first switchback, where limited parking is available. Many prefer to start their climb here, walking this trail or the road. Expect steep grades and high clearance challenges further up the road.
NOTE: This section "borrowed" with permission from Aaron Johnson
Red TapeA fee system for access to Yankee Boy Basin was in place until recently, when it came under fire from various opponents and proved publicly and politically unpopular. Despite this, a fee program is currently being sponsored by a host of Eastern Representatves. See below for specifics.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS-Paraphrased from the Rocky Mountain News, October 20, 2003
Rep. Ralph Regula, R-Ohio, proposes a recreation fee program, which, according to Kitty Benzar, co-founder of the No-Fee Coalition (NFC) would make you a criminal every time you left the city limits. Benzar reports that the fee would be at least $85.00. The fee is supported by congressmen from eastern states with very little Federal land, so there's little impact on their constituents Republicans from the following states support this fee program: Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Wisconsin.
Benzar states the proposal will require citizens to buy an "America the Beautiful Pass" in order to use ANY public lands, including National Forests, BLM lands, National Parks or US Fish & Wildlife lands.
Western politicians that initially supported the fee program were not convinced the money was being used as it was intended (see "previous developments," below). Rep. Scott McInnis' spokesman Blair Jones says "Scott's not supporting Regula's bill. This bill will have to go through the Natural Resources Committee, and that means Scott's subcommittee, so that'll be it."
Senator Wayne Allard's Chief of Staff Sean Conway says if the proposal "somehow makes it out of the House, it's certain to die a quick death in the Senate. These...policies are drawn up by people who don't live and work out here. Their districts are not affected." He goes on to say," Most Eastern national parks have no fees, no entrance fees, no nothing. But when we drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park...or any other crown jewels of the national parks, we pay entrance fees. What we're doing is subsidizing the Eastern parks that do't charge anything."
More information will be presented here as it develops.
This page will continue to report any current news as it is made available.
The latest news on the fees, as reported by a site opposed to the fee program, can be found here. The site, however, posts changes slowly.
ATTENTION COLORADO RESIDENTS-FOR THE RECORD: Scott McInnis has now withdrawn support of a fee program. Representative Dianna DeGette opposes the fee program. Senator Wayne Allard no longer supports a fee program (according to the paraphrased Rocky Mountain News article above). Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell opposes a fee program.
NOTE: This section "borrowed" with permission from Aaron Johnson
When To ClimbOptimal dry conditions are mid June through late September. Snow tends to hang around in the upper couloirs well into July during normal snowfall years.
I don't have any information and have read no trip reports of climbing Teakettle in winter or spring. The appproach slopes on Teakettle are very steep and therefore very prone to avalanches. Extreme caution should be taken before climbing this mountain during these seasons.
CampingYANKEE BOY BASIN
Camping is restricted. The townsite of Sneffels and local mines are private property. Please respect landowner's rights.
DALLAS CREEK
Fine camping spots are available near the end of the road at the trailhead, along the trail and at the Blue Lakes. These areas are popular and fill up quickly during the summer, so plan accordingly. Input concerning camping in the Blaine Basin area is encouraged!
NOTE: This section "borrowed" with permission from Aaron Johnson
Mountain ConditionsAlways check avalanche conditions before heading into the Colorado High Country!!
Avalacnhe Conditions
Uncompahgre National Forest
Ouray Information
Ridgeway Information
ICE CLIMBERS: The city of Ouray is home to a premiere ice climbing park. Pioneered by Jeff Lowe and a devoted national ice climbing community, the Ouray Ice Park has developed a reputation for being the absolute best in ice climbing. The park's website can be accessed via Ouay's website above, or this direct link: Ouray Ice Park
NOTE: This section "borrowed" with permission from Aaron Johnson
External Links Images
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San Juan Range
