W0C\/SR-040
\nVasquez Peak
\n3938 m \/ 12947 ft
\nFirst Activation Aug 9, 2014<\/p>\n
By KX0R<\/p>\n
My first activation of Vasquez Peak<\/a> was a high country adventure. The surrounding Vasquez Peak Wilderness<\/a> is named for this high, prominent summit. While there is no marked trail to the mountain, the climb is not difficult.<\/p>\n Start by driving up I-70 west of Denver. Take the exit toward Berthoud Pass, and follow Route 40 about 6-1\/2 miles up past Empire. Right before the big switchback curve below the Pass, there is a sign for the Henderson Mine<\/a> – turn left on Road 202, which heads up toward Jones Pass<\/a>. Drive about 1.7 miles west on 202, pass the huge Henderson Mine facility on your left, and take the right fork where the road splits off towards Jones Pass. After about half a mile, look for a trail sign marking the Continental Divide Trail<\/a> (CDT) access on the right of the dirt road. Park nearby and head up the trail.<\/p>\n This well-built trail starts at about 10,400 feet elevation and climbs up the forested slope with several switchbacks. At about 11,300 feet the trail comes to a junction with the CDT, near where a creek comes down. Head east (right) on the CDT, cross the creek, and continue east about 500 feet or more. Head north up the obvious ridge that rises northeast of the creek. There are hints of a trail up this ridge. At about 12,000 feet, head off the ridge and traverse northwest up grassy tundra toward the 12,440 foot saddle between points near 12,880 and 12,680 feet.<\/p>\n\n\t\t