W0C\/SR-035
\nMount Flora
\n3999 m \/ 13146 ft
\nAugust 29, 2013 First Activation
\nJuly 5, 2014 Second Activation<\/p>\n
By KX0R<\/p>\n
Mount Flora<\/a> is a classic SOTA<\/a> peak on the Continental Divide<\/a> west of Denver. This summit is relatively easy to climb via the Continental Divide Trail<\/a> (CDT) from the trail-head at 11,300 foot Berthoud Pass<\/a>. To reach Berthoud Pass, drive west of Denver on I-70 and exit northwest toward Winter Park on Route 40. Park on the east side of the highway at the Pass; there are facilities there.<\/p>\n Follow the signs for the CDT. The trail starts up a gated dirt road behind the parking area on the east side of the Pass. The road leads up to a microwave facility on the Divide. Part way up to the facility, at a sharp switchback at about 11,700 feet, the CDT heads north off the dirt road at a signed junction. Leave the road and follow the CDT up across the tundra meadows to the Divide. This is a good, efficient trail. Do not continue up the road to the microwave facility on Colorado Mines Peak<\/a>.<\/p>\n Note that Google Maps show only the route going up to Colorado Mines Peak and then along the Divide. The new trail is not shown on Google Maps, but this trail is shown clearly on the Google satellite images when zoomed in. From where the trail reaches the Divide at about 12,150 feet, the route climbs progressively northeast for about 1-1\/2 miles to Mount Flora<\/a>. This section of the Divide is pleasant and easy to hike in good weather. There are spectacular views in all directions; Ethel Lake enhances the scene below the steep east side of Flora.<\/p>\n\n\t\t