UN 9895

Overview

A modest little peak, UN 9895 provides a quick, pleasant outing in the Tarryall Reservoir region. Sitting approximately 2.5 miles south-southwest of the Reservoir as the crow flies, this mountain provides the rugged solitude that those who love Colorado’s 9ers hold dear.

A short walk from Forest Road 239 brings the hiker to a brief gully scramble to the summit plateau. From here, the lower southern summit affords calming views of the Puma Hills. The higher summit provides verdant vistas of Eagle Rock, Observatory Rock and beyond. Despite the proximity of a moderate Forest Service dirt road, UN 9895 shows little signs of use. Our party (September 2008) was only the second to sign the summit register placed here in 2005 by intrepid summiteer Bob Martin (may he rest in peace). Even in the height of the summer outdoors busy season, those choosing to summit UN 9895 can enjoy the wind in the pines, birds of prey soaring overhead and lovely views of peaks near and far.

A hike up UN 9895 combines nicely with nearby Baker Mountain (9,544 ft.), Eagle Rock (9,677 ft.) or Observatory Rock (10,073 ft.)

Trail Illustrated Map: #105 Tarryall Mts./Kenosha Pass
USGS Quad: Eagle Rock
Colorado Rank: 2,376th highest mountain in Colorado
Prominence: 355 feet

Rank and Prominence Reference: Lists of John

Getting There & East Gully Route Info

From Colorado Springs: Hwy 24 West to Lake George. Just past lake George, turn right (northwest) on Park County 77 (Tarryall Road). Use caution with the minefields of potholes. Between dusk and dawn, deer and elk are incredibly numerous - watch your speed! Just before the Tarryall Reservoir, turn left on Park County 23 (Turner Gulch Road).

From Denver: Take Hwy 285 to the town of Jefferson and turn left on Park County 77 to the Tarryall Reservoir. (Keep an eye out for free range cattle.) Just southeast of the reservoir turn right on Park County 23 (Turner Gulch Road).

• Follow Park County 23 approximately 1.5 miles.
• Head south (left) on FS 239.
• In approximately 2.5 miles, at approximately 9,450 ft elevation, park in a clearing on the west side of the road.

For Park County 23 and FS 239, high clearance is a must but 4x4 is a nice-to-have unless the roads are wet. If the roads are wet, do not proceed without 4-wheel drive. Park County 23 may at some point morph into Forest Service 23, but the route number remains intact.

Camping & Lodging

Plenty of camping can be found along Park County 77 and spur roads off of it. Notice: Unless your idea of camping is “rock ‘n roll all night and party every day”, it is recommended one avoids camping at the Tarryall Reservoir camp areas, particularly during the high season.

Near UN 9895
Plenty of rustic 4x4 camping can be found along FS 144 & FS 239. Be advised that this camping will most likely be "dry camping"; bring plenty of water. Numerous springs dot the area, but it is uncertain when/if they run and what condition the water is in (cattle are run in the area).

South end of Hwy 77
The south end of Hwy 77 (Tarryall Road), near Hwy 24, provides several established U.S. Forest Service camping areas. South Park Ranger District Lake George Area Campgrounds include: Riverside, Spillway, Happy Meadows, Round Mountain, Spruce Grove, and Twin Eagles. Please contact the district office at (719) 836-2031 if you have additional questions about the campgrounds in the South Park Ranger District.

North end of Hwy 77
The north end of Park County 77 and dirt spur roads are abound with off-road campsites. Several campsites off Rt 39 provide views of Mt. Silverheels, Buffalo Peaks and other 13ers and 12ers that will bring tears to your eyes. With these 4x4 campsites, remember to bring plenty of water, bury human waste and pack out what you packed in.

Cabins, Lodges and Hotels
Numerous cabins can be rented in and around Lake George. There are also a few cabins/lodges along the Tarryall Creek catering especially to the fly fishing visitor. For example: Ute River Ranch. There are a few hotels in Fairplay.

Red Tape

Bikes, horses and dogs, dirtbikes, quad-runners...it's all welcome in this part of the Pike National Forest. Virtually no usage restrictions exist. Only on-foot travelers leave the Forest Service roads, however, and visit the summit. Follow LNT (Leave No Trace) principals and be courteous of other recreationalists. Note that while the people visiting this area are a little less "REI" and a little more "Hook 'n Bullet", the summits are primarily wild and trail-less and provide for amazing solitude.

Weather & Seasons

UN 9895 is primarily accessible from late Spring through Fall. Winter access is limited when snow makes the Forest Service approach roads impassible. During shoulder season, it is recommended the hiking party place a call to the South Park Ranger District to inquiry about road conditions prior to setting out. UN 9895 is at least 4 miles from the nearest plowed road and few people beyond those with a residence nearby bother to explore the area in snow season.

External Links

Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Pike National Forest Recreation Map

Images

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