W0C/FR-019
Sundance Mountain
3800 M / 12466 ft
June 6, 2014
Sundance Mountain is an easy alpine summit in Rocky Mountain National Park. This peak is about 1/3 mile from Trail Ridge Road, but the hike is twice that far from the convenient parking along the highway. On a good day this is a fine spot for a SOTA activation, with spectacular views in all directions.
Sundance Mountain from Part Way Up
Start by driving to Estes Park and continue into Rocky Mountain National Park; pay the fee or show your pass; then drive up Trail Ridge Road and ascend above timberline. Look for the Forest Canyon Overlook on the south side of the road at about 11,700 feet elevation. Drive north of this overlook about 1/3 mile and find an unmarked parking spot off the road at about 11,850 feet. Sundance stands to the north, on the east side of the road.
There is no trail to the summit. Hike northeast across rocks and tundra to the saddle east of Sundance Mountain. There may be snow early in the season, and when the snow is melting, the first part of the route may be marshy. Climb the easy slope up to the top. The hike is about 2/3 mile and 500 vertical feet. The broad peak is rocky and exposed to wind, but some shelter can be found in the lee of the summit. Take a pole for an HF antenna, and plan on guying it to rocks. Sundance is an excellent HF site, and the peak provides some VHF/UHF coverage of the plains and the Denver Metro area.
Sundance Activation with Cumulus Developing
There are marmots – large alpine rodents – on Sundance. These curious animals have little fear of us.
Marmot – Enemy of Alpine SOTA Activators
They seem attracted to ropes, and they sometimes chew on antenna support lines. While I was on Sundance, a large marmot saw my pole support lines and began to gnaw on one of them while I was on the air. I had to take a quick break to distract the pest. In case of marmots, remember that all wildlife is protected in the National Park!
Please respect these alpine summits, and don’t risk your life trying to activate when weather threatens. A cloud with a dark bottom is potentially deadly. At least two people were killed by lightning along Trail Ridge Road during 2014 – and they were well below the top of Sundance.
The day I activated Sundance, I had planned to activate Trail Ridge as well; by the time I hiked back to my car, the clouds were so dark that another activation was out of the question!
Sundance View North along Trail Ridge (Click this Image!)
With good weather, an activation of Sundance can be combined with other nearby summits, such as Trail Ridge, Deer Mountain, or Mount Ida. The secret is to get an early start, to beat the tourists and the storms.
73
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
Sundance View North to Medicine Bow Range
Sundance View West Across Forest Canyon to Mount Ida
Sundance Summit and Longs Peak (14,255 ft)
Clark Peak (12,951 ft) from Sundance Mountain
Sundance View North to Snowy Range in Wyoming
!! 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!
W0C/FR-123
Trail Ridge
3766 m / 12355 ft
June 20, 2014
By KX0R
Trail Ridge is one of the most accessible alpine summits in Rocky Mountain National Park. Located a short distance above a busy highway, with convenient parking, it offers a spectacular high activation. Having a fun SOTA activation on Trail Ridge depends on good planning and timing.
Trail Ridge Summit from Gore Range Overlook on Trail Ridge Road
Drive into Rocky Mountain National Park, pay the fee or show your pass, and continue up Trail Ridge Road; this paved alpine highway is usually open from Memorial Day to early November. This road often has heavy traffic during tourist season, because it provides easy access to alpine terrain with amazing views. Trail Ridge is located near the summit of Trail Ridge Road – this is along the northern part of the Road, before it begins the long descent to the western side of the National Park.
I parked at the Gore Range Overlook, about ½ mile northwest of the summit, on the west side of the road. While it is possible to park closer to the peak, the road is very busy in that section. The hike from the Overlook is about 0.8 miles, with a vertical ascent of only 300 vertical feet. There is no marked trail, and the route is a simple climb over rocky tundra. Try to walk on the rocks to minimize damage to the delicate tundra plants. Even better, do an early activation in June, and walk mostly over the snow.
Trail Ridge View North
Trail Ridge is a rocky bump on a long ridge. The Activation Zone is large, but there’s little shelter from wind, other than the ridge itself. On a calm, sunny day in summer, Trail Ridge can be heavenly; but in an hour or two, the weather can turn deadly, with lightning, wind, and cold rain. An early start is wise – both to avoid the crowds of slow-driving tourists, and to beat the storm clouds that often form. A pole is necessary to support a wire antenna.
The peak is a near-perfect radio site, with low noise and a clear view in all directions. The Plains are visible, and UHF/VHF contacts are possible across a huge area. There are marmots living near the summit – these large rodents sometimes intrude into an activation, seeking food – or a piece of string from a guy line.
The day I activated Trail Ridge, I set up just east of the summit to minimize the west wind, and so I couldn’t hear or see the busy road. I set up my Black Widow pole and tied it to a couple of rocks. I ran my 67-foot wire west, into the wind, to stabilize the system.
Trail Ridge Activation Antenna
I was in the middle of a busy CW activation, when I realized I was looking at 30 or more elk, 1500 feet down in a meadow in the Fall River Canyon. The view across the valley to 13,514 foot Ypsilon Peak also enhanced the experience. This a really nice place to operate from – if you time it right!
Trail Ridge Summit View to Mummy Range
Be prepared for cold or windy weather on Trail Ridge at any time of year. If you’re not familiar with the area, use the National Weather Service Point Forecast on the online topo map of Trail Ridge to get a reasonably accurate forecast for that part of the National Park.
Trail Ridge can be combined with other nearby summits – including Sundance Mountain and Mount Ida – for a dual activation. I also activated Mount Ida on June 20, 2014, and with the extra-long hike required for Ida, it was an amazing day!
Activating Trail Ridge is a great introduction to alpine SOTA operating!
Good luck and 73,
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
!! 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!
To reach the trailhead, enter Rocky Mountain National Park, drive up Trail Ridge Road, and continue to Milner Pass on the Continental Divide. Milner Pass is at the southwest end of Poudre Lake, at an altitude of 10,759 feet. The road is usually open from late May to about November 1, depending on the snow.
Some navigating is required to hike this trail. Start up the trail next to the southwest shore of the Lake and head toward Mount Ida. The climbs up the Continental Divide ridge south of Milner Pass and gains altitude quickly. Avoid any fork that heads northeast toward Forest Canyon Pass. Soon the trail climbs above tree-line, moderates, and heads southeast toward Mount Ida. The trail stays below and west of the ridge-top for a mile or more; farther south it climbs close to the ridge-top and runs there for about three more miles.
Mount Ida Trail with Ida at Right – July 2013
Mount Ida in the Distance – July 2013
The total round-trip distance from Milner Pass to Mount Ida and back is about 9.5 miles; the total ascent is about 2200 vertical feet.
When I went up there June 20, 2014, I misjudged conditions, because trails on the east side of the Park were mostly open and snow-free. I found the trail at Milner Pass under several feet of snow and essentially impassible without snowshoes. With my snowshoes at home, I drove to a point near the Alpine Visitor Center, hiked the snowy trail southwest to Forest Canyon Pass, and then hiked over the ridge-tops of the Divide to the Mount Ida trail.
Mount Ida Long Hike Route June 2014
There was little snow up high, so this long, strong route worked out OK; I found myself on top of Ida – all alone in the high alpine wilderness! The round trip from near the Alpine Visitors Center was just over 13 miles. If I go up there again in June, I’ll remember my snowshoes!
If the weather is good, Mount Ida provides an exciting SOTA activation. The summit is rocky, and the activation zone is large. Some convenient rock outcrops are available for holding a pole, or for tying the far end of the wire. The flat area northwest of the summit is a good spot to set up.
June 2014 SOTA Activation on Ida
Mount Ida Radio Gear 2014
June 2014 SOTA Activation Antenna to Ida Summit
The only problem – besides wind – is that there are marmots – these large rodents sometimes seek out rope or Dacron antenna lines and sabotage the activation.
Note that in the Summitpost Link on the SOTA page – this is a good article – the writer suggests hiking to Mount Ida from Bear Lake as a possible alternative to starting at Milner Pass. The journey from Bear Lake is an extreme hike, with much of the route exposed to weather for about seven miles each way along the high Divide. Only hikers in top physical condition, with plenty of high-altitude experience, should attempt that route – and then only with adequate gear and preparation for the conditions. The round-trip distance from Bear Lake is well over 20 miles, and much of that is off-trail and above tree-line!
Mount Ida South along Divide
Even on a sunny day, Mount Ida can be very windy – be prepared. The high, spectacular trail along the Divide is wonderful on a nice summer day, but it’s dangerous if storm clouds build up. An early start is a good idea. Avoid this area if thunderstorms are forecast, and be prepared to head down if the weather threatens. There is no good way off the high trail along the Divide, so don’t get caught up there!
73
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
Azure Lake, Inkwell Lake, and Mount Julian from Ida
Longs Peak from Ida
Mount Ida View Southwest to Grand Lake June 2014
Mount Ida Southwest to Grand Lake July 2013
Mount Ida Summit View North
Cornices along the Divide Route
Jackstraw Mountain and Never Summer Mountains from Ida
View North along Divide from Ida
Alpine Flowers on Ida
!! 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!
Please see K0MOS’s excellent report on Crosier Mountain for details on the trailheads, access, etc. Much of my report here deals with the dual activation of both summits.
Crosier and West Crosier Mountains are twin summits located several miles north of Estes Park, near Glen Haven. With an early start and good weather, both mountains can be climbed and activated in one expedition. These two peaks make a good 8-point SOTA day.
Crosier Mountain View – West Crosier and Mummy Peak
There are three public trails to Crosier Mountain. These trails, and most roads and trails nearby, were closed after the 2013 floods. I chose the Crosier Rainbow Trail 981, because I had information that it was open, and that the parking was OK. Good parking is available at the “gravel pit” trailhead along road 43, on the south side of the road, about 1.4 miles down the creek from Glen Haven. There are signs at the start of the trail.
Rainbow Trail-head and Signs near Gravel-Pit
Take plenty of water. Climb up moderately steep, efficient trail 918 about 2 miles to a T-junction with Trail 931.
Sign at T-Junction of Trails 918 and 931
Turn southeast at the signed trail junction, and continue about a mile to the signed junction with the Summit Trail. Turn right, west, and climb about ½ mile up the southeast side of the mountain. The trail is pretty good. The summit is large, with some nice rocks right at the peak.
Crosier Summit and View West to RMNP
I set up about 100 feet southeast of the peak, at a convenient open spot with nice views. I ran my 67 foot end-fed wire southeast across the large meadow, and tied it off with a long Dacron string to an elevated tree on the far side. This was an excellent antenna!
Crosier Mountain Activation Site
A few people climb Crosier. There is private space in the woods on the northwest side of the summit. The southwest side looks down over 1000 vertical feet. There are nice views, and the mountain top is wonderful on a good day!
To connect with West Crosier, it’s tempting to descend the west ridge and find a way directly down to the saddle between the two mountains. There are cliffs and huge rocks on the west side of Crosier, and it’s steep. There probably is a workable route, but it may require dropping down steep, rocky gullies between the rock formations. There is no way to find it quickly from above. If you go too far north, there is a large, dense lodge-pole forest on the north and northwest side of Crosier that is surely Hell. It extends around to the northeast side and even along the trail. It looks difficult to penetrate.
West Side of Crosier Mountain from West Crosier Mountain
I decided to take the “better safe than sorry” approach to West Crosier.
I followed the summit trail back down to the junction with the main trail 931, turned northwest, and followed 931 back to the signed junction with Rainbow Trail 981, and then I continued down 931 about ¼ mile to Piper Meadows. This is a huge, beautiful meadow with open views to the northwest.
Piper Meadows View North
The trail through the Meadows leads down to Glen Haven. At Piper Meadows there is a sign for the H BAR G Ranch, which is about 1-1/2 miles to the southwest.
H-BAR-G Ranch Sign at Piper Meadows
Piper Meadows Trail to H-Bar-G Ranch
Follow the small trail southwest toward the H BAR G Ranch – walk only about 100 yards past the sign; then turn southeast, uphill, and climb up through the meadow and into the woods. Find the remains of an old abandoned road that ascends southeast, all the way to the Crosier – West Crosier Saddle. This road follows a small creek-gully that descends from the Saddle. The road is just east of the gully. Remember that you want to go to the Saddle, and you’ll have no trouble finding this obvious road.
Old Secret Road to West Crosier Saddle
It’s an easy hike up to the Saddle. The road ends there at a teepee and fence, but nothing is posted or signed. This is beautiful country!
Gateway at Crosier-West Crosier Saddle
Follow the ridge southwest from the saddle – look for the remains of a barb-wire fence – there is a decent trail that leads up southwest, on the southeast side of the ridge, right along the old fence line. It’s still used occasionally by horses. Follow this trail about 1/3 mile, climbing about 300 vertical feet, and then head west, directly up toward the peak. If you go to an obvious fence corner along the trail, head up from there – you’ll climb right to the top. There are several false summits to the southwest – the real peak is the northeast knob on the big hill.
West Crosier Summit from Crosier Summit
It takes only 1-1/2 to 2 hours to hike from Crosier summit to West Crosier Summit via the route detailed here. This may be better than the short-cut down the tricky, steep west side of Crosier. No matter how you go, aim for the saddle between the two peaks. Since there’s a trail up the southeast side of the ridge from the saddle, that’s where you need to be. The summits of both peaks are in the National Forest, and the spots that touch private land are not posted or otherwise marked. Very few people visit West Crosier, but it’s a perfect SOTA peak with nice big trees on top, including a large ponderosa pine right on the summit. There are rocks for shelter from wind, sunny spots, and it has just the right amount of open space for running an antenna without trouble from too many trees. The view of Crosier is impressive. This summit delivers a private, pleasant activation!
West Crosier Summit
West Crosier Activation Setup
West Crosier Radio Gear
Go back to the Rainbow Trail 981 the same way you came to West Crosier. Go back up trail 931 to the junction with 981, and head back down to the trailhead. The total distance for doing both peaks is about 10.5 miles, with about 3400 vertical feet of total ascent. With good weather and enough water, activating both summits is no problem. Only a few hundred feet of easy off-trail “bush whacking” are required, thanks to the unmarked routes described here. The visit to Piper Meadows is one of the best parts of the hike, and it would be a shame to miss it!
It’s possible to do this trip more efficiently from Glen Haven via Trail 931, if there is access to the trailhead with parking. This trail was closed after the 2013 flood disaster, but perhaps it has been re-opened. It’s slightly easier and shorter than the Rainbow Trail route.
Here’s the GPS Track PDF Image for both Crosier summits:
Trail-head Map Showing Crosier Trails and Private Land
North Ridge of West Crosier from Piper Meadows
Rainbow Trail Partway Up
!! 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!
Please see K0MOS’s excellent report on Crosier Mountain for details on the trailheads, access, etc. Much of my report here deals with the dual activation of both summits.
Crosier and West Crosier Mountains are twin summits located several miles north of Estes Park, near Glen Haven. With an early start and good weather, both mountains can be climbed and activated in one expedition. These two peaks make a good 8-point SOTA day.
Crosier Mountain View – West Crosier and Mummy Peak
There are three public trails to Crosier Mountain. These trails, and most roads and trails nearby, were closed after the 2013 floods. I chose the Crosier Rainbow Trail 981, because I had information that it was open, and that the parking was OK. Good parking is available at the “gravel pit” trailhead along road 43, on the south side of the road, about 1.4 miles down the creek from Glen Haven. There are signs at the start of the trail.
Rainbow Trail-head and Signs near Gravel-Pit
Take plenty of water. Climb up moderately steep, efficient trail 918 about 2 miles to a T-junction with Trail 931.
Sign at T-Junction of Trails 918 and 931
Turn southeast at the signed trail junction, and continue about a mile to the signed junction with the Summit Trail. Turn right, west, and climb about ½ mile up the southeast side of the mountain. The trail is pretty good. The summit is large, with some nice rocks right at the peak.
Crosier Summit and View West to RMNP
I set up about 100 feet southeast of the peak, at a convenient open spot with nice views. I ran my 67 foot end-fed wire southeast across the large meadow, and tied it off with a long Dacron string to an elevated tree on the far side. This was an excellent antenna!
Crosier Mountain Activation Site
A few people climb Crosier. There is private space in the woods on the northwest side of the summit. The southwest side looks down over 1000 vertical feet. There are nice views, and the mountain top is wonderful on a good day!
To connect with West Crosier, it’s tempting to descend the west ridge and find a way directly down to the saddle between the two mountains. There are cliffs and huge rocks on the west side of Crosier, and it’s steep. There probably is a workable route, but it may require dropping down steep, rocky gullies between the rock formations. There is no way to find it quickly from above. If you go too far north, there is a large, dense lodge-pole forest on the north and northwest side of Crosier that is surely Hell. It extends around to the northeast side and even along the trail. It looks difficult to penetrate.
West Side of Crosier Mountain from West Crosier Mountain
I decided to take the “better safe than sorry” approach to West Crosier.
I followed the summit trail back down to the junction with the main trail 931, turned northwest, and followed 931 back to the signed junction with Rainbow Trail 981, and then I continued down 931 about ¼ mile to Piper Meadows. This is a huge, beautiful meadow with open views to the northwest.
Piper Meadows View North
The trail through the Meadows leads down to Glen Haven. At Piper Meadows there is a sign for the H BAR G Ranch, which is about 1-1/2 miles to the southwest.
H-BAR-G Ranch Sign at Piper Meadows
Piper Meadows Trail to H-Bar-G Ranch
Follow the small trail southwest toward the H BAR G Ranch – walk only about 100 yards past the sign; then turn southeast, uphill, and climb up through the meadow and into the woods. Find the remains of an old abandoned road that ascends southeast, all the way to the Crosier – West Crosier Saddle. This road follows a small creek-gully that descends from the Saddle. The road is just east of the gully. Remember that you want to go to the Saddle, and you’ll have no trouble finding this obvious road.
Old Secret Road to West Crosier Saddle
It’s an easy hike up to the Saddle. The road ends there at a teepee and fence, but nothing is posted or signed. This is beautiful country!
Gateway at Crosier-West Crosier Saddle
Follow the ridge southwest from the saddle – look for the remains of a barb-wire fence – there is a decent trail that leads up southwest, on the southeast side of the ridge, right along the old fence line. It’s still used occasionally by horses. Follow this trail about 1/3 mile, climbing about 300 vertical feet, and then head west, directly up toward the peak. If you go to an obvious fence corner along the trail, head up from there – you’ll climb right to the top. There are several false summits to the southwest – the real peak is the northeast knob on the big hill.
West Crosier Summit from Crosier Summit
It takes only 1-1/2 to 2 hours to hike from Crosier summit to West Crosier Summit via the route detailed here. This may be better than the short-cut down the tricky, steep west side of Crosier. No matter how you go, aim for the saddle between the two peaks. Since there’s a trail up the southeast side of the ridge from the saddle, that’s where you need to be. The summits of both peaks are in the National Forest, and the spots that touch private land are not posted or otherwise marked. Very few people visit West Crosier, but it’s a perfect SOTA peak with nice big trees on top, including a large ponderosa pine right on the summit. There are rocks for shelter from wind, sunny spots, and it has just the right amount of open space for running an antenna without trouble from too many trees. The view of Crosier is impressive. This summit delivers a private, pleasant activation!
West Crosier Summit
West Crosier Activation Setup
West Crosier Radio Gear
Go back to the Rainbow Trail 981 the same way you came to West Crosier. Go back up trail 931 to the junction with 981, and head back down to the trailhead. The total distance for doing both peaks is about 10.5 miles, with about 3400 vertical feet of total ascent. With good weather and enough water, activating both summits is no problem. Only a few hundred feet of easy off-trail “bush whacking” are required, thanks to the unmarked routes described here. The visit to Piper Meadows is one of the best parts of the hike, and it would be a shame to miss it!
It’s possible to do this trip more efficiently from Glen Haven via Trail 931, if there is access to the trailhead with parking. This trail was closed after the 2013 flood disaster, but perhaps it has been re-opened. It’s slightly easier and shorter than the Rainbow Trail route.
Here’s the GPS Track PDF Image for both Crosier summits:
Trail-head Map Showing Crosier Trails and Private Land
North Ridge of West Crosier from Piper Meadows
Rainbow Trail Partway Up
!! 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!
This report covers both West and East White Pine Mountains.
The White Pine Summits provide a classic dual activation. These prominent twin peaks are almost the same altitude, and there is a trail leading conveniently to White Pine Pass, the saddle between the two mountains. Start early so you have time to activate both mountains.
View from East White Pine to West White Pine
To get to the trailhead, drive to Masonville, and follow Road 27 up Buckhorn Canyon. This road and other roads in this area were badly damaged in the September 2013 floods, but they are being repaired. Check on conditions before starting your trip. About 10 miles from Masonville, the Buckhorn Road 44H splits off and heads west into Buckhorn Canyon. Follow 44H up the winding Canyon for many unpaved miles, until you come to a US Forest Service Ranger Station and some signs. Look for the sign for road FS 100, and park off the road before you come to the gate.
FS 100 is badly damaged and is closed to motor vehicles – it looks like it will be closed for a long time. The area north of Road 44H includes a huge tract of forest that was destroyed by the High Park Fire in 2012. This includes both of the White Pine Mountains, along with many square miles of previously beautiful forest. Begin by hiking up FS 100 for almost 2 miles, starting at about 8300 feet and gaining 1300 vertical feet at 9600 foot White Pine Pass. The first part of the route is not steep, but as the washed-out road gains altitude, it steepens, and parts of it are just deep gullies.
West White PIne Trail Flood Damage
Walk along the sides and follow the route up to a big meadow.
White Pine Meadow
The route gets better as you go up, and there’s less damage. The forest up high is almost completely burned, but most of the black trees are still standing.
White Pine Pass
From the Pass head west, and continue to follow the road all the way to the summit of West White Pine Mountain.
West White PIne Summit
There was once a large fire lookout tower up here, and the remains suggest what a beautiful place it once was. You can see the staircase that the ranger climbed to the tower, the base for the outhouse, the site of the cabin, the tower anchors, etc.
Footings for West White Pine Lookout
The view is incredible – most of Northern Colorado is out there. It’s easy to set up on or very near the summit and activate. HF, VHF, and UHF should work fine; it’s a great radio site. The hike is almost 3 miles to the top, with almost 2000 feet of gain.
View West from West White Pine Mountain
View across Pingree Park from West White Pine Mountain
West White Pine Radio Gear
West White PIne Activation
After West White Pine, head back down the old road and back to the Pass. From the Pass hike east, up the slope, by any convenient direct route, and climb the west ridge of East White Pine Mountain. There is no marked route, but there are hints of a game trail. In spite of the burned forest, animals live there now – I heard elk bugling the day I was there. The route is steep at first, but it becomes easier after you get up higher on the ridge. You walk over an amazing amount of white quartz on this slope!
East White Pine Ascent Route
Quartz on East White pIne
Past the 10,000 foot contour, just follow the ridge up northeast and east, for almost a mile from the Pass to East White Pine’s rocky summit. There are some live trees mixed in with the burned ones up there – not everything was destroyed. It’s easy to set up and activate near the top – and the view is much like on the western summit.
East White PIne Activation
East White Pine Radio Gear
East White Pine Antenna
Be sure to head back to White Pine Pass before descending to the south.
Aspen Grove along White Pine Route
Aspen along White Pine Route
This expedition was more fun than I thought it would be. It might be possible to activate in colder months, provided the snow is not too deep – but plan on using snowshoes. The burned forest does not retain the snow as long as a live forest does, but both mountains are well above 10,000 feet in a snowy part of our Northern Colorado mountains.
For the dual activation of both mountains, the total distance for the hike is 7.3 miles, and the total ascent is about 2600 vertical feet.
73
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
!! 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!
Here’s how to get to the trailhead and the summit:
1) Drive to Morrison via W-470
2) Exit and follow paved highway 74 west through Morrison and up Bear Creek Canyon
3) Drive about 15 winding miles to Evergreen
4) At a traffic light in Evergreen, just east of Evergreen Lake, turn left, south, on highway 73 – this is marked as “to highway 285”.
5) Drive south about 0.4 mile and turn right on paved Buffalo Park Road, road 89
6) Drive west and climb about 2-1/2 miles up to the Alderfer/Three Sisters Jefferson County Open Space Park
7) Pass the east parking lot for the Park, climb up a hill, and drive past the Alderfer Barn on the right. Turn right after the Barn at a marked corner, and park in the west parking lot. Everything is free.
Alderfer Barn
8) There are convenient facilities and park maps at the trailhead. Please read and obey the rules – this is a really nice place!
9) Evergreen Mountain is visible to the south. There are some houses around the mountain, but most of the land is in the Park. Follow the obvious trail south across the highway, hike around the Wild Iris Meadow, and climb Evergreen Mountain via the Evergreen Mountain West trail. There are signs at key junctions.
10) The trail has a gentle grade and is used by mountain bikers as well as hikers. This peak offers an ideal bike SOTA. The hike is easy, but it’s over 2 miles to the summit, because of the many switchbacks. The trail goes right to the top, and there is a scenic loop around the west side.
Evergreen Mountain Trail near Summit
There is no water along the route, so be sure to bring water. The trail goes through lodgepole pines on the north side of the Mountain. It sees little direct sun in winter, so it may be snowy or icy. It would be a reasonable snowshoe hike or cross-country ski trip after a good snowfall.
Evergreen Mountain has a rocky granite top, with several other rock knobs close by; there are fine views of Mount Evans to the west, as well as the surrounding country. The Activation Zone is large, and parts of it are sunny on a clear day. The Zone is almost flat, far into the forest north of the summit rock. The sheltered woods offer an ideal place for a private activation, away from the many people who climb this mountain every day. On a weekday morning with few visitors, activating the summit or a spot close by would be easy with a pole. There are large trees back in the woods, so no pole is needed if you can get a line over a branch. This summit offers many attractive possibilities for HF operating with efficient antennas.
Evergreen Mountain Activation Setup
Evergreen Radio Gear
Since the mountain is surrounded by other peaks in many directions, it’s probably only a fair VHF/UHF site – the view of the Metro area is limited.
Evergreen Mountain Summit Area
Evergreen Mountain Summit
View West to Mount Evans from Evergreen Mountain
You can return the way you came, or choose another trail to complete a loop back down to the trailhead. Your trip will be scenic via any of the Park trails!
An Evergreen Mountain activation can easily be combined with a family hike, a picnic, a bike ride, or whatever you like.
Evergreen also can be accessed via I-70 west to Evergreen Parkway (Highway 74). This joins Highway 73 at Evergreen Lake.
73
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
!! 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!
W0C/FR-179
8849
2697 M / 8849 ft
Aug 25, 2013 First Activation
June 8, 2014 Second Activation
by KX0R
Initially Summit 8849 looks like an insignificant 2-point SOTA peak, so unimportant that it doesn’t have a regular name. One of the best aspects of the SOTA program is that we visit summits like this, and so discover these special places.
Summit 8849 with Balcony at Right
Getting to 8849 is not hard – drive up the Peak to Peak Highway, Highway 119, north of Allens Park, to Meeker Park, east of huge Mount Meeker. Turn east on Boulder County Road 82, a fair dirt road; follow it about a mile to a fork; and then turn right on Road 82E. Stay on 82E through private property for about 2 more miles; head east down along Cabin Creek, and then follow the winding road up a steep hill to the USFS boundary. The road has been recently repaired, and it’s OK for ordinary cars, as long as it’s dry. At the hilltop, there’s parking and a few informal campsites. Forest Road 118 branches off to the right and leads to 8849, as well as to Johnny Park – several more miles further east. When I was there on June 8, 2014, there were several groups of campers at the hilltop; road 118 was gated, but not closed to hiking.
8849 Road 118
Summit 8849 is 1.6 miles from the hilltop parking spot where Road 118 begins; there is only about 600 vertical feet of gain. If the gate is open on Road 118, it may be possible to drive within 3/4 mile of the summit, with only about 400 vertical feet of gain required.
Road 118 is not shown on Google maps, but it’s clear in the satellite images. It leads to a saddle between an un-named summit and 8849; 8849 is visible from this saddle – the broad forested summit and the distinctive cliff “balcony” on the southwest side can be seen almost a mile away. Just past the saddle, head right off the road, and enter an obvious firebreak that has been cleared through the forest.
8849 Route via Firebreak
Hike up through this firebreak for about half a mile, being careful not to trip over the debris. At this point you may wonder if this hike is worth the hassle – but the ugly firebreak may save this wild forest from total destruction some day. The firebreak route is efficient and direct – but if you don’t like it, head up through the forest south of the cleared area. If you stay with the firebreak, follow it as far up as it goes; then head right, south, at about a 45 degree angle, and follow game trails up a moderate slope through open woods, for about 1/3 mile to the broad summit.
The top of the mountain is forested, and there are plenty of good trees to use for antenna supports. There are several open areas where stringing a wire is easy. This is actually a very friendly summit for radio operating! The Activation Zone is huge. There is a pile of rocks on top, but no register; few people visit this summit.
8849 Summit Rock
8849 First Activation Tree Antenna Setup
8849 First Activation Tree Antenna
8849 Activation Gear 2014
If weather permits, be sure to see the sights of 8849. Head down the meadows of the south side, where there are many dead trees, and see the stunning view of the huge Canyon of the North Saint Vrain. This is one of the wildest regions of Boulder County, and most residents of Boulder have never seen it. This is part of the area that captured immense amounts of torrential rain during the September 2013 floods, creating incredible floods that caused massive destruction in Lyons and Longmont, miles to the east.
8849 View Southeast
8849 View South across Saint Vrain Canyon
8849 View West
The best part of 8849 is almost a secret. On the southwest side of the mountain, perhaps 200 vertical feet down from the summit, is a prominent rock outcrop that forms an exposed buttress – this “balcony” lets you look down over 1000 vertical feet to the confluence of the steep, wild canyons of Cabin Creek and the North Saint Vrain! Until you pick your way down to the balcony, you won’t see the view; but when you stand there, it’s hard to believe you’re on the same 2-point mountain you just climbed via the ugly firebreak. For miles around, nothing but wilderness and airy space going down and further down! Be careful on the balcony – this is not a place to hike with small children – and don’t get too close to the edge. If the balcony was closer to the highway they could put in stairs and guardrails, and then charge admission to see the incredible view!
8849 View into Saint Vrain Canyon 3
8849 View into Saint Vrain Canyon 2
8849 View Into Saint Vrain Canyon 1
8849 View into Cabin Creek Canyon
The first time I went up 8849, I didn’t know about the Balcony, but I saw it from a distance, and I’m sure glad I took the time to see it. The second activation on June 8, 2014, I planned to go see the view again, but right after my activation, a thunderstorm developed close by, and then cold fog came rolling up through the trees. There was no view, and the mountains were filled with clouds and fog – I did well to leave the area before heavy rain fell later that afternoon.
If you activate this summit, I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!
73
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
8849 to Meeker
8849 Firebreak Flowers
!! 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!
W0C/FR-184
Twin Sisters Peak
2663 m / 8738 ft
July 13, 2013
First Activation
March 30, 2014
Second Activation
Twin Sisters Peak is a classic SOTA peak, with fabulous panoramic views of the Plains, Foothills, and the high peaks of the Front Range.
Twin Sisters Summit
The Peak is in Roosevelt National Forest, but it’s partly surrounded by private land. Access is via lightly-used and barely-maintained trails. A topo map is useful to find the trailheads, because they’re not obviously marked. In fact, the sign for the trailhead on Boulder County 4WD road 68J has been removed, and a sign stating “no motor vehicles” is lying out of sight on the ground.
To climb Twin Sisters Peak, drive up curvy Flagstaff Road from Boulder. Follow Flagstaff all the way to a large parking place on a hill east of Gross Reservoir, and park there. There is no legal parking anywhere else along the route to Twin Sisters. Conflicts between local residents, USFS, Denver Water, and visitors have led to the closing of nice picnic areas and parking along Road 68 (Lakeshore Drive). It is OK to walk from the Gross Reservoir parking place along Lakeshore Drive, and the road itself is not posted. Follow Road 68 west along the ridge to the point where it becomes 4WD Road 68J (for “Jeep”), respect posted private land, and continue up the road up to the saddle at 7950 feet, on the ridge south of Twin Sisters.
If you have a high-clearance 4WD vehicle, it may be possible to drive up road 68J road to the saddle. There is no marked prohibition of parking off the road at that point. Note that Road 68 also may be accessed via Boulder Canyon and Magnolia Road. Road 68 is used by mountain bikers.
Just west of the saddle at 7950 feet, leave the road, and hike north on an unmarked path toward Twin Sisters, just west of the obvious ridge that runs up to the summit. Follow this trail up through open forest – it’s steep in one spot, where it follows old ruts from 4WD vehicles. The trail is easy and pleasant after the steep spot. Near the high point of the ridge, a faint unmarked trail leads west off the main trail toward the summit. This approach to the peak, on its southeast side, requires no rock-climbing. Twin Sisters Peak is a large, elevated granite knob with a breathtaking view for miles in all directions. There are small trees near the top that can be used for HF antenna supports, well within the 75-foot Activation Zone. This site begs to be put on the air. It has pretty good VHF/UHF coverage of the Denver Metro Area, and it’s perfect for HF. It’s a SOTA Classic!
Twin Sisters Peak 2014 Activation
Twin Sisters 2014 Rig
Twin Sisters 2014 Activation Antenna
The hike from the parking lot above Gross Reservoir to the Twin Sisters Peak summit is about 3.3 miles each way, with a vertical gain of 1250 feet.
Twin Sisters is totally exposed to wind, weather, and lightning – don’t think of operating there if dark clouds begin to form.
Twin Sisters View West
Please don’t confuse W0/FR-184 with W0/FR-037, Twin Sisters Peak East, a much higher peak near Estes Park and Longs Peak.
73
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
Twin Sisters Peak View Southeast
South Boulder Peak from Twin Sisters Peak
Twin Sisters View East
Twin Sisters Peak View South
Twin Sisters View Southwest
Twin Sisters Peak North
!! 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!
Button Rock Mountain and Preserve from Coffintop Mountain
Access is not difficult, but good navigation is required. I suggest using USGS topo maps – Google maps are incomplete in the area. The forest has several jeep roads, plus secret mountain bike trails. Many of the roads are currently closed to vehicles due to damage from the 2013 floods, but the route to Button Rock Mountain is in good condition and is open to hikers.
Drive up US 36 to Pinewood Springs, and continue to the junction with road 47. This road has been partly rebuilt following the devastating floods, but it’s not paved – caution is advised. Follow 47 up to the marked cutoff to Johnny Park. Turn left, and if you have enough clearance, drive up the eroded road to the Coulson Gulch Trailhead – otherwise park off the road, and walk up to the trailhead. This trailhead serves as a gateway to a huge area of the National Forest, and almost anything can happen here. People camp, build fires, hang out, drink, take drugs, shoot guns, go hunting, and ride bikes, ATV’s, jeeps, or whatever. Park but don’t leave anything valuable in your car. Hike up the gated Forest Road 118 leading east from the parking area. This road quickly climbs up to a plateau at about 7800 feet. Button Rock Mountain looms up to the east. Follow the road around the plateau, or short-cut northeast across it on a path, and continue northeast and down to a saddle at 7600 feet.
Continue east on a gated road leading from the saddle; follow this road up a rocky ridge and into the saddle valley north of Button Rock Mountain. The practical way up the mountain is to hike to this broad saddle, and then pick a route up the relatively gentle north side of the mountain. Don’t head south and up too soon – continue far enough east to pass the steep rocks on the northwest side of the mountain. From the saddle, it’s easy to find a reasonable route up the north slopes. There is no marked route, there are fallen trees, and there are old forestry-maintenance trails that may or may not be useful. Part way up you’ll find a lovely secret mountain bike trail that has been artfully built up the northeast side of the mountain. This route leads up near the summit, but it has so many curves and switchbacks that it’s not an efficient hiking route. Just head up through the open woods, and you’ll be on the large summit plateau before you know it.
Note that the actual “Button Rock” is not the summit, nor is it on this route. Button Rock lies well to the northeast of Button Rock Mountain. Also note that many people use the term “Button Rock” to refer to the Button Rock Preserve or to Ralph Price Reservoir in the Preserve.
Finding the actual summit is tricky. Cairns lead through the pleasant, open woods along the ridge near the top. A GPS with maps will get you very close. There are several large rock outcrops in the huge Activation Zone, and the western-most crag appears to be the real summit. This point is well-hidden by trees and is the only one with a really good view! A short scramble leads to the top. There is a cairn and register jar top, suggesting that this rock is the summit.
Button Rock Mountain Summit
Button Rock Mountain Summit Climb
There are plenty of trees and sheltered spots where you can set up and activate within the Zone. There is no real need for a pole, if you have a way to get a line up over a limb. Erecting serious antennas is possible here. Propagation should be fine at VHF and UHF, as well as HF. Few people visit this massive, prominent mountain.
Button Rock Activation 2014
Button Rock Rig 2014
Button Rock Mountain Antenna 2014
Descend by a route that leads back to the saddle north of the mountain – avoid the cliffs on the west side.
The one-way distance is about 2.6 miles by the route detailed here. The total ascent is about 1000 vertical feet. There is no reliable water on the route, so be sure to bring enough. This is a pleasant hike during spring or fall – wear bright colors during hunting season.
There certainly are routes up from the East, but I have not hiked in that area.
Access from Button Rock Preserve is certainly possible, but at this writing, the entire Preserve is closed to all entry due to the floods. One of the logical approaches would be to climb from the Reservoir via Rattlesnake Gulch – which is so named for good reason. There really are rattlers in the Preserve and in the surrounding area – watch your step! Button Rock Mountain has many deer and elk, and it’s also prime mountain lion habitat. The entire area North Saint Vrain Creek area is wild, fascinating, and beautiful.
A hike up Buttonrock Mountain is a great introduction to this region, and it’s a SOTA Classic!
73
George Carey Fuller
KX0R
Button Rock Mountain View North
Button Rock Summit Pool
Button Rock Mountain View West
Button Rock Mountain Columbines
Button Rock Mountain Flower
Button Rock Mountain Flowers
!! 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!
!! 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!
