Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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39.87865°N / 105.69946°W |
Route Type:
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Hiking, Skiing |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Difficulty:
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Walk-up |
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Approach
This is probably the easiest route from the east side on Heartbeat Peak and makes a good descent route from other, harder ascents. Start from the East Portal trailhead and hike 4 miles on the well-trodden South Boulder Creek trail to Heart Lake at 11,300'.
Heartbeat Peak (left) catches the last rays of the sun over the frozen Heart Lake from the Rogers Pass trail.
Route Description
From Heart Lake, skirt the south (left) side of the lake. Follow the Rogers Pass trail as it switchbacks up a steep promontory between the two lakes (Heart and Rogers Pass Lakes, that is). After a steep half mile, gain the flat area of Rogers Pass at 11,850'. Turn right (north) and hike for one mile along the Divide to the summit of Heartbeat Peak. Total distance is about 5.5 miles each way.
Heartbeat Peak from near Rogers Pass in the winter.
Essential Gear
In summer, standard dayhiking gear is all you'll need for this long but pleasent jaunt above treeline. Be aware of sudden thunderstorms.Winter conditions vary dramatically. The climb up the promontory above Heart Lake is quite steep and the trail tends to disappear under windloaded snow. Avalanche danger is possible. Crampons may be helpful for secure footing.