Friday NightI decided to hike La Plata Peak after seeing it's majesty from Mt. Elbert. On July 14 I made the long drive to Leadville and to the La Plata trailhead off of Highway 82. Highway 82 had some deep potholes, so I'm glad that i made the drive while it was light out. I arrived at the trailhead at about 6 PM, and quicly set up camp. There are a few campsites here, but be carefull because about 50 ft away from the road the land becomes private property. I arrived afer some light rain showers which afforded me beautiful views of La Plata Peak.
Sunset |
Sunset |
I ate some sausage and cheese and hit the hay before the mosquitos ate me alive.To The RidgeI had planned on waking up about 5:30 and being on the trail by 6:00. However, I woke up at 3:00 and could not go back to sleep, so i ended up getting getting on the trail about 4:45. The trail started on the road but veered off to the left after a couple hundred meters. The trail continued through the trees on a great trail over two bridges and a few sections of wooden stairs.
The creek below the first bridge crossing. |
I was very amazed at the work that was put into this trail, which made the hike to above tree line very pleasent. At about 11,000 feet the trail enters a valley. As the trees thin the remaining route becomes appearent.
The ridge from the valley. |
The view of the valley from the ridge. |
The trail soon steepens and switchbacks up to the ridge at about 12,700 ft.The Ridge to the SummitAfter the gaining the ridge the trail stays strong for a little while, but soon looses its definition.
The Ridge |
After a lot of bouldering hooping and route-finding I eventually reached a small saddle at around 14,100 ft. La Plata Peak is on climbers left. I summited around 8:30 and had the summit all to myself. Well, except for a curious Pika.
After a good 20 minute break I headed down and saw about 30 people on their way up, and one vicious-looking marmot.
I made it back down to the car at 11:30, for a round trip time of 6 hours 40 minutes. Images
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Sawatch Range
