SOTA outings by KØMOS and contributors

Tag: Mount Evans Wilderness

  • W0C/FR-020 (Kataka Mountain) – 3792 m / 12441 ft

    W0C/FR-020
    Kataka Mountain
    3792 m / 12441 ft
    First Activation
    July 11, 2015

    By KX0R

    Kataka Mountain is a lightly-visited alpine summit in the Mount Evans Wilderness about 25 miles west of the Denver area.

    Key points of the trip:

    • Pike National Forest
    • Good trail most of the way
    • No marked route or trail to the summit
    • Navigation and route-finding required
    • Fine HF site
    • Friendly meadows with alpine flowers
    • ~14.4 miles round-trip (~3 hours each way)
    • ~3100 vertical feet

    Driving Directions:

    • Drive west from Denver on Highway 285
    • About ½ mile before Crow Hill, turn right on Road 43A – this becomes Road 43
    • Continue on Road 43 up the Deer Creek Valley for several miles, to the end of the road
    • The last section of the road is unpaved but passable in most cars
    • Park at the Deer Creek Trailhead at 9300 feet

    Summary of the route:

    • Hike the marked Rosalie Trail 603 all the way up to the saddle at about 11600 feet
    • At the sign go left on Three Mile Trail 635
    • Continue south to the willows east of Kataka
    • Hike through or around the willows near the south side
    • Climb up the tundra on the east side of Kataka
    • Continue to the summit near the south end of the mountain

    Additional details:

    Most of the route is in the Mount Evans Wilderness. This is a protected area with special rules. There is no charge for parking or entry. The Rosalie Trail follows Deer Creek up a beautiful valley, all the way to the alpine tundra.

    This is a high-quality hike on its own. An early start is advised, especially if thunderstorms are in the forecast.

    Kataka is visible above tree-line; at the sign where the trail splits, the dome-shaped mountain is obvious to the southwest.

    It’s not far to the willows east of Kataka. The southern part of the willow area has gaps and paths through the bushes; avoid the dense northern part. This area looks like it would be wet in early summer, but it was no problem July 11, 2015.

    The summit is about 700 vertical feet above the saddle near the willows. There’s no trail up to the top. The climb up the tundra is not difficult – stay north of the steep, rocky slopes on the southeast side. The Google satellite image shows many key details. The northeast slopes also may provide a good route.

    Kataka is a massive mountain with a large, rounded top. The summit surprised me – it was very beautiful, with lush vegetation and many alpine flowers. It’s a friendly place in good weather. There’s little evidence of other visitors. The views are wonderful in all directions! Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt stand high to the north, and broad Mount Logan dominates the southeast.

    Rosalie Peak is three miles to the northeast, and Geneva Mountain is only two miles to the northwest. All of these mountains are fine SOTA peaks!

    Kataka also looks southwest across Kenosha Pass into South Park. Some of the Collegiate Peaks are visible far beyond; if it’s clear, the tops of the Crestones are visible above other peaks far to the south.

    The large activation zone is mostly alpine tundra and boulders. I set up my pole and gear slightly east of the peak to avoid the breeze. Because Kataka is surrounded by higher mountains in several directions, it’s probably not a good VHF/UHF site. There may be some coverage down the valley to the east, as well as into South Park.

    This peak is a fine HF location. All development is miles away, so the HF noise level is low. The surrounding peaks don’t attenuate HF sky-wave signals much. I had a fine SOTA session, with 32 contacts on 10-14-18-21 MHz CW. I was on the air for over 80 minutes, and I didn’t want to shut down.

    Kataka Mountain should be climbed on a dry day with a low probability of thunderstorms. My hike required just over three hours from the trailhead to the summit – I was pushing pretty hard, because clouds were gathering as I climbed. An early start is essential, because the hike is long, and a good activation requires a long time on the summit.

    Kataka Mountain is a SOTA Classic:

    • Pristine wilderness location
    • Beautiful hike up the Rosalie Trail
    • Challenging distance
    • Significant vertical gain
    • Wonderful setting among higher peaks
    • Seldom visited
    • Friendly summit with flowers and great views
    • Great HF radio site

    This mountain is recommended only for SOTA activators who enjoy long, fast hikes at high altitude. Lightweight gear is essential.

    It’s possible to climb Kataka from the west via the Three Mile Trail. The trailhead is along the southern part of the Guanella Pass Road, about three miles north of Grant. This equally-scenic route is about the same difficulty as the route from the east!

    There are other SOTA peaks in the area of Kataka Mountain. Possibilities for a challenging dual activation include:

    W0C/SP-050 Geneva Mountain 2 miles NW
    W0C/FR-007 Rosalie Peak 3 miles NE
    W0C/FR-017 Mount Logan 2-1/2 miles SE

    Camping nearby might make it practical to activate multiple summits in the area. Numerous forest campgrounds and campsites are within a few miles of Kenosha Pass; backpack camping in the Mount Evans Wilderness is allowed – but special rules apply.

    Let’s keep Kataka pristine – tread gently on its fragile alpine meadows!

    73

    George
    KX0R

    ATTENTION !! 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!

  • WØC/PR-Ø2Ø (Gray Wolf Mountain) – 4146 m / 13602 ft

    W0C/PR-020
    Gray Wolf Mountain
    4146 m / 13602 ft
    Aug 16, 2014

    By KX0R

    Gray Wolf Mountain is a high alpine summit located about 2-1/2 miles northeast of Mount Evans. On a nice summer day it’s a pleasant retreat into the wilderness, and it’s also a fine SOTA peak.

    Gray Wolf Mountain from Mount Spalding
    Gray Wolf Mountain from Mount Spalding

    To climb Gray Wolf, first drive up Mount Evans. Traverse the long rocky West Ridge of Evans – a trail leads through the rocks around the south side of this ridge, and it’s heavily used by hikers on nice days. Follow this trail down to the Evans – Spalding saddle.

    From this saddle you can either follow the trail north over Mount Spalding, or contour around the west side of Spalding. The trail eventually goes down a craggy ridge to Summit Lake, and it’s a popular route for climbing Spalding and Evans.

    Mount Evans from Spalding Slopes
    Mount Evans from Spalding Slopes

    Leave the trail and descend about 750 vertical feet north to the Spalding – Gray Wolf saddle at about 13030 feet. The broad saddle area is marshy, so try to pick a dry route. From the saddle, hike north across the tundra, and then climb the easy southeast ridge of Gray Wolf.

    The summit is broad, rocky, and pleasant; the activation zone is large. Rocks southwest of the top provide shelter from the west wind.

    Gray Wolf is a great radio site – it’s far from man-made sources of RF noise, and it has an open view across the Denver Area, the Plains, and the mountains. Few people visit this summit.

    Gray Wolf Activation
    Gray Wolf Activation

    Even though this hike looks like an easy stroll across the tundra, it requires about 6 total miles of hiking. Most of the route is rough trail or off-trail. The total vertical ascent is about 2000 feet, and the entire trip is above 13,000 feet. Pick a good day for this interesting activation, and start early!

    It looks like the route to Gray Wolf can be shortened by starting at Summit Lake. Hike up the ridge trail northwest of the Lake, climb to the north slope of Spalding, and then leave the trail and head north to Gray Wolf. The total hiking distance is reduced, but the total vertical ascent is still about 2000 vertical feet. I have not climbed up the ridge above Summit Lake, but it looks like an efficient route.

    73

    George Carey Fuller
    KX0R

    ATTENTION !! 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!

  • WØC/FR-Ø17 (Mount Logan) – 3915 m / 12870 ft

    W0C/FR-017
    Mount Logan
    3915 m / 12870 ft
    Sep 7, 2014

    by KX0R

    Mount Logan is a relatively high, wild mountain in the southern part of the scenic Mount Evans Wilderness.

    Mount Logan Route from Treeline
    Mount Logan Route from Treeline

    Climbing Logan is a fun introduction to this Wilderness Area. Here are some details from my SOTA activation that may be of interest.

    The standard trailhead for Mount Logan is at Three Mile Creek:

    1) Drive west on Highway 285, down Crow Hill and past Bailey, and continue about 10 miles west to the town of Grant. Turn right at Grant on Road 62. This is the Geneva Road, and it also goes to Guanella Pass.
    2) Drive up Road 62 about 3 miles to the Three Mile Trailhead. There is limited parking.
    3) The marked trail 635 starts at about 9100 feet and heads up Three Mile Creek through a beautiful, moderately steep canyon.

    The trail gains altitude efficiently and eventually leads to a high pass at about 11,900 feet. However, if you stay on the trail all the way to the pass, as I did, you will end up too far north and will have to do extra work to climb Mount Logan.

    4) Follow the trail up the canyon past the north side of Spearhead Mountain. The canyon splits at about 10,600 feet, and the trail heads up a small creek east of Spearhead and then climbs southeast. Follow this trail up steeply through willows and open high country. You can see the slopes of Mount Logan up to the southeast. After climbing straight up the hill for several hundred feet, the trail switches back to the left and makes a sharp turn to the north at 11,565 feet elevation.

    The GPS Coordinates of this point are:  N39 30.725  W105 38.807

    5) Leave the trail at this bend and continue up southeast through meadows and sparse trees.

    Off-Trail Route to Logan near Treeline
    Off-Trail Route to Logan near Treeline

    Climb toward the broad pass just north of Mount Logan. There is no real trail or marked route, but this part of the trip is not difficult; avoid willow thickets and talus piles.

    Mount Logan NW Slopes Route
    Mount Logan NW Slopes Route

    6) At about 12,300 feet head south up the north slope of Mount Logan; climb across the tundra to the broad summit.

    There are some remains from a helicopter crash north of the summit. A convenient wind shelter made from rocks is at the top – it makes an ideal spot to activate the mountain. Nearby are some old wooden remains from a geodetic triangulation station. Otherwise this mountain is wide open with no large rocks or other features – it is high and exposed. The incredible 360-degree view includes South Park, the Divide to the west, and the impressive alpine area around Mount Evans.

    Mount Logan is a nearly perfect radio site. Human-caused radio noise and acoustic noise are minimal at this spot high in the Wilderness. On a day with good weather, it’s a pleasant place to do a SOTA activation. Be sure to bring a pole for an HF antenna.

    KX0R Mount Logan HF Activation
    KX0R Mount Logan HF Activation

    This peak has good VHF/UHF coverage of some areas out on the plains, as well as South Park and the surrounding mountains. The stunning views and fun hike make for a rewarding expedition. The total vertical gain is about 3800 feet, and the hike is about 12 miles round trip. It’s not the easiest summit around, but Mount Logan is a SOTA classic!

    George Carey Fuller
    KX0R

    ATTENTION !! 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!

  • WØC/SP-Ø5Ø (Geneva Mountain) – 3752 m / 12335 ft

    W0C/SP-050
    Geneva Mountain
    3752 m / 12335 ft
    Oct 19, 2014 First Activation

    By KX0R

    Activating Geneva Mountain for the first time was one my SOTA high points for 2014. Although it’s relatively high and exposed, I had the good fortune to climb it during a period of Indian Summer, on a calm, sunny day. I was up there for hours, and I had it all to myself.

    Geneva Summit and Two Sub-peaks
    Geneva Summit and Two Sub-peaks

    To reach the trailhead, drive up I-70 to Georgetown, exit, and follow the signs to Guanella Pass. A fine paved highway leads steeply up to the Pass. This high road may not be open at all times due to winter conditions – check in advance if in doubt. On busy weekends in good weather, the available parking may get filled – get up there really early. Park near the road crest and find the well-marked Rosalie Trail # 603 that leads south from the parking area into the Mount Evans Wilderness.

    Trail 603 Trailhead - Shower on Bierstadt
    Trail 603 Trailhead – Shower on Bierstadt

    From the trail-head, contour east around a small summit for about a mile, until the trail splits at a sign; don’t follow Rosalie Trail 603 down toward Scott Gomer Creek, but take the right (west) path along an old closed road.

    This pair of ruts efficiently follows the ridge south. In the distance three bumps are visible – Geneva Mountain is the last of the three.  Follow the road almost as far as it goes along the ridge. Eventually you’ll come to a cairn marking a place where the ruts turn southwest, but a path leads south.

    Trail Split North of Geneva
    Trail Split North of Geneva

    Leave the road and follow the path – first flat, and then up along the ridge. Just head for the ridge tops and follow the obvious route south across the tundra. There are hints of a trail, but most of the remaining route is in the grass and rocks. You can skirt or climb the small sub-peaks as you approach Geneva Mountain. Geneva is distinctly higher than the other bumps, so keep going until you’re really there. It’s almost 4 miles from the parking area, but it goes fast. The net vertical gain is only about 600 feet, but there’s some additional gain because of the bumps.

    This is an easy alpine hike – but it’s at over 12,000 feet; don’t underestimate the weather – the entire route is above tree-line, with little shelter. It takes a long time to hike four miles south to Geneva, activate it, and hike four miles back. With a long multi-band activation, I was gone from my car for 7-3/4 hours. It takes at least two hours to hike each way.

    I thought I didn’t have to worry about hunters at such a high altitude, but I was wrong – I saw two parties dressed in bright orange and scouting the ridges. Fortunately they didn’t climb Geneva, and I had the mountain to myself the entire time. The summit is a small rock outcrop, and there is little protection from wind. With only a light breeze, I was able to set up next to the top. Bring a pole, and be prepared for conditions. I was able to run my 67-foot wire out from the pole with a 150-foot cord to the northern sub-peak, to give it some extra height – it looked nice flying up there along that high ridge!

    One of the big questions I had as I climbed this summit was “who can I work from this spot?” Even though the mountain towers above the drainages below, it’s dwarfed by 14,000 foot Square Top Mountain, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Evans, and Rosalie Peak, which block low-angle signals to the north and east. The paths west and south are better, but there are higher mountains in most directions. Just for kicks I started out on 21.063 MHz CW, not expecting any miracles. Immediately I was working all around the country, going right over the huge 14-ers to the east. Then I got EA2LU, DJ5AV, EA2IF, as well as many other eastern US stations. With the high solar flux, plus the big horizontal end-fed wire correctly oriented, the high angle path did the trick! On 14 Mhz signals were strong in all directions – it was an outstanding activation! On 40M I worked John, N0TA, 599-579 in Louisville, and that was totally off the sky NVIS! Then I worked several stations on 30M, including Frank, K0JQZ near Colorado Springs – not sure if that was NVIS or more direct. I went back to 20M and made a couple of S2S contacts, plus a whole bunch of other guys, including OK2PDT and CU3AA. It actually was one of my best activations! There were 53 contacts, and I was on the air for over 2 hours. It proved one more time that a low wave angle and power are not required to work DX.

    This is a spectacular place to activate – surrounded by snowy higher peaks, away from cars and development, and well inside the Mount Evans Wilderness. The air is thin, the noise level is very low, and Geneva Mountain was a big surprise to me after many high activations. I would never have gone there, were it not for SOTA.

    Check it out – on a good day, Geneva Mountain is a SOTA Classic!

    KX0R
    George Carey Fuller

    ATTENTION !! 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!