W0C/PR-018
Square Top Mountain
4196 m / 13794 ft
July 18, 2014

by KX0R

Square Top Mountain is a high, alpine SOTA peak accessible from Guanella Pass. A marked trail leads part way to the top, and the rest of the route is up across the easy tundra. It’s about 3.4 miles each way, and the ascent is about 2300 vertical feet. The huge summit is often pleasant in summer, with fine views all around.

To get to the high trailhead, Drive west of Denver on I-70. Exit at Georgetown and follow the signs through town to Guanella Pass. Drive up the steep paved road all the way to the Pass at 11,600 feet. Get there early, as the area is extremely popular on weekends, and parking can be a problem. The trailhead for Square Top is on the west side of the Pass, at the far end of the parking lot. This popular trail is not shown on Google maps. Follow the path for about two miles across the high tundra, and approach the first Square Top Lake at about 12,000 feet.

Do not go all the way to the Lake – unless you wish to take a side trip – instead, cross the small creek below the Lake, follow the main trail southwest, and ascend the top of a low ridge. A sign marks the choice between continuing down to South Park Trail 600 or up to Square Top Mountain. Leave the trail and head up the ridge toward the mountain.

The route is not marked the rest of the way. Stay left of the obvious cliffs on the east side of the ridge. Follow the ridge-top and climb to the summit.

The peak is half a mile long and broad near the top. The actual summit is near the west end, with a large activation zone. The top is rocky with many flat spots. It is possible to get out of the wind in the lee of the peak. The day I was there it was cold and windy, in the low 40’s, despite the mid-summer date. Even though there are people coming and going, you can escape them by dropping down from the top.

Square Top is an excellent radio site. It offers nice views combined with plenty of altitude.  Be sure to bring a pole for an HF antenna!

The hike is relatively easy, except for the thin air. This peak can be combined with other summits close by, such as Mount Bierstadt or Argentine Peak, for a challenging dual activation, weather and fitness permitting.

If you like high peaks, Square Top should be on your list!

73

George Carey Fuller
KX0R

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!! WARNING !! There are old mountaineers, and bold mountaineers... there are no old-bold mountaineers. Hiking and mountain climbing are potentially hazardous activities particularly in Colorado with its extreme elevations. I am not accepting responsibility for any death or injury resulting from activations based on my trip reports. Proper training, experience, and personal capability assessment is required - enjoy!