San Isabel National Forest

San Leadville Ranger District

Activities: Hiking
Length: Route 1 = 5 Miles (8 km.); Route 2 = 4-1/2 Miles (7.3 km.)
Season: 6/30 to 9/15
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate to High
USGS Map(S): Mt. Elbert 7.5 min Mt. Harvard 15 min

TWO ROUTES:

ROUTE 1
Trail Begins: At Winfield, 4WD may drive 1 1/2 miles (N. Fork Clear Creek) to road that forks N; otherwise may walk to this point; head N through aspen clone. Just before gate, notice cairn marking path that continues N. Path soon crosses creek. Continue on path approximately 1 3/4 miles to saddle above treeline. View to N is overlooking La Plata Gulch. Continue NE up ridge to summit, approximately 1 1/2 miles. Elevation: 10,250 feet.

Trail Ends: Summit of La Plata Peak, 5th highest in the state. Elevation: 14,336 feet.

Access: From Leadville travel south on US Hwy 24 to Clear Creek, Forest Road 120. Travel W on Road 120 to Winfield, approximately 12 miles from the highway.

ROUTE 2
Trail Begins: At South Fork Lake Creek bridge. Cross Lake Creek on bridge. Walk path paralleling creek east approximately 1 mile to aspen clone and meadows where cairns show location of trail forking SW. Cross La Plata Gulch drainage, continue S approximately 1/2 mile to glacial basin. Continue to approximately elevation of 11,400 feet, fork E to attain ridge at saddle approximately 1 mile, 1,250' vertical, continue S on ridge to summit, approximately 1 mile, 1,700' vertical. Elevation: 10,150 feet.

Trail Ends: Summit or La Plata Peak. Elevation: 14,336 feet.

Access: From Leadville travel S on US Hwy. 24 to Ball town, then west on Colo. 82 past Twin Lakes to S Fork Lake Creek.

Note: No well defined or marked trail exists above treeline on either route to summit.

Attractions: La Plata Peak, elevation 14,336 feet, the 5th highest of 53 14,000' peaks in the State. Excellent dispersed camping exists along both routes, particularly North Fork Clear Creek drainage and the basin of La Plata Gulch.

Climbing The Peak: Technical ability or special mountain experience is not required to climb the routes up La Plata Peak. Good physical condition is important, however; to ascend and return requires most of a day or strenuous hiking. At this elevation where the air is thin, you will require extra energy.

Special Precautions: The cardinal rule of experienced hikers is to turn back if in doubt. You can always make another trip if weather conditions are bad, you started too late, or if someone tires rapidly. Start your trip early since showers and thunderstorms often occur in the afternoon.

These storms build quickly and may bring freezing rain, sleet or snow. Avoid exposed areas, rock pinnacles, outcrops, lone tall trees and other natural lightning rods. There are no safe shelters on the peak. Temperatures are seldom above 50 degrees F and often drop below freezing. Wear proper clothing with special attention to boots and a lightweight, warm and waterproof jacket. As a minimum you should carry a day pack with lunch, quick energy foods, water, sunglasses, sunburn lotion and a small first aid kit.

Snow fields and gullies can be treacherous without proper equipment. The gradient can be deceptive, and you can quickly lose control sliding down. Winter climbing can be dangerous due to the large number of avalanche zones in the area.

Be sure to advise friends or relatives of your trip and route and schedule. Stay with your party or group. No marked routes exist above treeline to summit.

Camping: Dispersed campsites are located at various points along the routes. Please use one of these already existing sites rather than making your own. Practice wilderness ethics and tread lightly.

Water: Several springs and various creeks exist along the routes. This water should not be considered safe for drinking without purification.