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A long slog through the forest and a steep middle approach deposit you at the top.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.6

KM

Ascent

12,439' 3,791 m

High

10,257' 3,126 m

Low

2,182' 665 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

26%

Avg Slope (14°)

45%

Max Slope (24°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Description

Expect a fairly easy 4-mile slog through the forest to begin before reaching Thomas Lake. This can be muddy—recommend hiking shoes or boots, then switch to snow equipment at Thomas Lake.

Then, depending on snowpack, cross directly over the lakes, in the late spring you'll have to circumvent. On this route, you'll head directly up the gut of the mountain, as opposed to ascending the ridge.

Then the uphill portion begins and is definitely more strenuous. If the steep top third has firm icy snow, or a soft fresh overlay, ski crampons or boot crampons may dramatically lessen work of skinning up which is still generally preferable (safer) than bootpacking.

Once on the ridge, you'll have to throw on some layers because the wind will probably be howling. It's another 15 minutes to the summit.

We came back down the way we climbed due to unfavorable conditions farther out towards the west summit.

Shared By:

Bill Hilty

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  5.0 from 1 vote

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in Mt. Sopris

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  5.0 from 1 vote
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#1

in Mt. Sopris

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in Colorado

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Photos

Large avalanche
Apr 2, 2015 near El Jebel, CO

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