UN 9111

Overview

 

This cool little rocky wonder is easily one of my favorite 9,000 footers near the Colorado Front Range metropolitan areas. This steep but petite jumble of granite offers up a lot of bang for the buck. From a distance, it may appear this peak would not permit a non-technical acent, bit the southeast aspect offers a hidden surprise. Indeed, a dog can ascend this nifty little peak where the difficulty does not exceed a stiff YDS Class 2+.

The surprisingly broad summit plateau is the perfect place to kick back and take in the views or explore a bit. The sheer walls of the peak dropping away from the summit plateau allows for cool aerial views of the surrounding valley. Close-up views of the Tarryall Mountains, particularly South Tarryall Peak and McCurdy Mountain, delight. Fourteener Pikes Peak shows itself in the distance to the southeast, while high Thirteener Bald Mountain pushes its bulky mass toward to sky to the west.

Rank: 2861^st highest peak in Colorado
Prominence: 331 feet
USGS Quad: McCurdy Mountain
Recreation Map: Trails Illustrated #105 Tarryall Mts | Kenosha Pass

Rank & Prominence Source: http://listsofjohn.com/PeakStats/Climbers.php?Id=4025

Getting There

  

UN 9111 sits just to the east of Park County Road 77. From the intersection of US Hwy 24 and CR 77 near Lake George, travel about 12 miles northwest on CR 77 to the Spruce Grove Campground.

Red Tape

  

There is little red tape governing recreational use in this part of the National Forest and there is no fee to access this area. Adhere to LNT (Leave No Trace) principals, observe fire ban when in effect and do not harass wildlife or allow your pet to do so.

When ascending the peak via the Spruce Grove Campground, as most visiters will do, please be respectful of those camping. Give them their space and privacy, even as you must tiptoe through the campground to reach the peak.

Camping

  
Designated National Forest Service Sites

The National Forest Service has a large selection of campgrounds in and around the Lake George area, not far from UN 9111. The closest are Spruce Grove (right below the peak) and Twin Eagles, just a few miles north. Please check with the Forest Service in advance during shoulder season regarding seasonal closures for campgrounds.

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Campground Name	Elevation	Sites	Nightly Rate	Reservations?	Notes
Blue Mountain	8,200 ft.	21	$12	Yes	Less than 3 miles as the crow flies from the summit of Blue Mountain.
Spruce Grove	8,600 ft.	27	$12	No	Let the gurgling Tarryall Creek sing you to sleep.
Twin Eagles	8,600 ft.	9	$8	No	Must haul or purify drinking water.
Happy Meadows	7,900 ft.	8	$12	No	Situated along the South Platte River.
Round Mountain	8,500 ft.	16	$12	Yes	Drinking water, vault toilet and trash pickup.
Springer Gulch	8,300 ft.	15	$12	Yes	Situated within the Elevenmile Canyon; water, tables, fire grates.
Riverside	8,000 ft.	19	$12	Yes	Situated within Elevenmile Canyon; large grassy meadow with little shade.

Weather & Seasons

    

Note: The primary route to the summit of this peak requires walking right through the Spruce Grove Campground on a social trail. It is recommended that this peak be visited when the campground is closed, and certainly not in high season (mid-summer). This will give campers some quiet and privacy and avoid any awkward moments as you walk through the campground.
Summer: The air temperature may be a little warm in the summer and the area quite crowded.
Spring: The snowpack is less deep here than in the high country and melts out faster than higher areas to the west. None-the-less, expect post-holing through unconsolidated snow drifts in the trees.
Fall: The aspen coating the slopes of area peaks make this area a golden-hued heaven in the fall. The Tarryall Valley is a special autumn treat.

Winter: Thanks to proximity to CR 77, this peak is accessible in all but the most epic snowfalls.

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Images

View UN 9111 Image Gallery - 15 Images