Sayers Peak Approach

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Starting from the La Plata trailhead, just off Independence Pass, before the winter closure, follow the La Plata summer trail into La Plata Gulch. This trail starts about a half a mile down CR 391 from HWY 82 , then quickly crosses Lake Creek on a bridge over a surprisingly narrow gorge. Contour slightly up for half a mile to the east, until you cross La Plata Creek (much smaller than Lake Creek).

After crossing La Plata Creek, follow that all the way up into La Plata Gulch. Following the creek can involve lots of shenanigans, so look for clear routes above the creek on either side. Once you're near treeline, the trail to La Plata climbs up the west face of the peak, to get to Sayers, simply continue following the creek.

Keep following this past La Plata (you won't get views of Sayers until you're fairly close) until you end up on the lake directly below Sayers north face. From here you can see the direct line from the summit (X-Rated Couloir) and a larger chute to looker's right. This larger chute is best for ascending. You should be able to skin up the chute until it dog-legs to the left, maybe 500 feet below the summit, then start booting. You'll reach the summit ridge just below the summit, making for a short, exciting push to the end.