{"id":6652,"date":"2017-01-27T20:17:38","date_gmt":"2017-01-28T03:17:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/?p=6652"},"modified":"2017-01-28T17:46:11","modified_gmt":"2017-01-29T00:46:11","slug":"w0cfr086-coffintop-mountain-2452-8060-ft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/w0cfr086-coffintop-mountain-2452-8060-ft\/","title":{"rendered":"W0C\/FR-086 (Coffintop Mountain) &#8211; 2457 m \/ 8060 ft"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>W0C\/FR-086<br \/>\nCoffintop Mountain<br \/>\n2457 m \/ 8060 ft<br \/>\nJuly 18, 2013 First Activation<br \/>\nMay 3, 2014<br \/>\nMay 17, 2015<br \/>\nMay 12, 2016<\/p>\n<p>By KX0R<\/p>\n<p>Despite its name, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.everytrail.com\/trip_pictures.php?trip_id=1124189&amp;code=\">Coffintop Mountain<\/a> is a fun, challenging summit in the mountains west of Lyons, Colorado. This peak offers an exciting <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sota.org.uk\/\">SOTA<\/a> activation.<\/p>\n<p>Key points:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Mountain in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/wps\/portal\/fsinternet\/cs\/main\/!ut\/p\/z1\/jY9BC4JAEIV_S4e9OkNFSDdvS5SdUptLaGyrsTqybi39-ySDCEx6t3l874MBggyoye-Vzl3FTW76-0ir0xyHRCHupUxi3L0LhPQF4I9ECPTPfgKgaX0KBCOCZPsRwLQhllwr2ABpw8XwctQUi1ADWXVRVtngZvu6dK7t1gIFeu8DzayNCs5cCxyblNw5yL5JaOtDhtclFQ8_ewIkCyJj\/dz\/d5\/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh\/?pname=Arapaho%2Fprojects%2Fea-projects%2Fsrd%2Fwinterpark%2Findex.shtml&amp;ss=110210&amp;pnavid=null&amp;navid=091000000000000&amp;ttype=main&amp;cid=null\">Roosevelt National Forest<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 Wild area &#8211; few visitors<br \/>\n\u2022 No development on or near the mountain<br \/>\n\u2022 Access via <a href=\"http:\/\/www.longmontcolorado.gov\/departments\/departments-n-z\/parks-open-space-and-trails\/directory-of-parks-trails\/button-rock-preserve\">Buttonrock Preserve<\/a> (City of Longmont)<br \/>\n\u2022 Free parking at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.protrails.com\/trail\/121\/boulder-denver-golden-fort-collins-lyons-sleepy-lion-trail-button-rock-dam-loop\">Buttonrock Trailhead<\/a>, via Longmont Dam Road, CR 80.<br \/>\n\u2022 Special rules apply in the Preserve<br \/>\n\u2022 Upper part of route is mostly off-trail<br \/>\n\u2022 Good navigation and route-finding required<br \/>\n\u2022 My ascent required about 2-3\/4 hours; descent was slightly less<br \/>\n\u2022 Trailhead elevation ~ 6000 feet<br \/>\n\u2022 Round-trip distance ~ 10 miles<br \/>\n\u2022 Total elevation gain ~ 2050 vertical feet<br \/>\n\u2022 <span style=\"color: #ff0000\">SOTA Classic!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1287\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2006-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-1-6662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2006-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2006-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2006-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2006-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2006-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-1-6662'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop Mountain from Hall Ranch\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Driving Directions:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 First drive to Lyons, Colorado.<br \/>\n\u2022 Continue northwest on Highway 36 for about 3 miles<br \/>\n\u2022 The road follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/St._Vrain_Creek\">North Saint Vrain Creek<\/a> through a rocky canyon.<br \/>\n\u2022 Just before the highway starts up a long hill, marked County Road 80 leads left across a bridge over the creek \u2013 tricky left turn.<br \/>\n\u2022 Follow dirt road 80, Longmont Dam Road, about 3 miles to the Buttonrock Trailhead.<br \/>\n\u2022 There\u2019s no fee for entry or parking.<\/p>\n<p>The Hike:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Walk west up the scenic canyon on the gated service road.<br \/>\n\u2022 The road leads by a small reservoir called Longmont Reservoir.<br \/>\n\u2022 Continue up the canyon about \u00bc mile to the marked <a href=\"http:\/\/www.protrails.com\/trail\/121\/boulder-denver-golden-fort-collins-lyons-sleepy-lion-trail-button-rock-dam-loop\">Sleepy Lion Trai<\/a>l<br \/>\n\u2022 Follow Sleepy Lion up a side canyon on the south side of the road.<br \/>\n\u2022 Continue up Sleepy Lion until it connects with the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.protrails.com\/trail\/15\/boulder-denver-golden-fort-collins-lyons-button-rock-trail\">Buttonrock Trail.<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 Follow the Buttonrock Trail up toward the northeast ridge of Coffintop.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-2 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1280\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7734-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-2-6676\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7734-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7734-2-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7734-2-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7734-2-250x126.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7734-2-500x251.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-2-6676'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop East Side from Buttonrock Trail\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Route Explanation:<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s no marked trail from the Buttonrock Trail to the top of Coffintop. It\u2019s necessary to leave the trail, ascend south, and meet the northeast ridge of Coffintop. The northeast ridge provides efficient, fun access to the summit. A social\/game trail with some cairns leads up along this ridge. It\u2019s essential to have a detailed topo map and compass to navigate through the rugged terrain. A GPS with map data is very helpful. \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff6600\">This expedition is recommended only for hikers with off-trail experience in similar terrain.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-3 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1286\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2043-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-3-6661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2043-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2043-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2043-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2043-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2043-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-3-6661'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; Northeast Ridge from Hall Ranch\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Several possible routes provide access to the northeast ridge of Coffintop. Since some of the Boulder County land at the western edge of the Hall Ranch is a closed \u201cconservation area\u201d, hiking all the way up the Buttonrock Trail to the ridge is not the best option. A pleasant shortcut through the National Forest leads directly up to the northeast ridge and avoids crossing through the closed County area. This efficient route follows an abandoned road along a small creek up a secluded valley. The Buttonrock Trail meets this abandoned road at a sharp left-turn bend, at about 6500 feet elevation, where the main trail intersects the creek drainage. The old road is visible from the main trail, and it starts out on the west side of the creek.<\/p>\n<p>The coordinates of this key junction are:<\/p>\n<p>N 40 12.934\u2019 \u00a0 W 105 20.657\u2019 (WGS84)<br \/>\nor<br \/>\n40.2156 \u00a0 -105.3442<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-4 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1292\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7815-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-6668\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7815-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7815-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7815-2-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7815-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7815-2-399x300.jpg 399w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-6668'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop Secret Trail Junction with Buttonrock Trail\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-5 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1290\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7811-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-5-6666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7811-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7811-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7811-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7811-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7811-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-5-6666'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; Secret Trail up to East Side of Coffintop\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>After climbing for about 0.4 miles along the forested creek, the old road passes by an old water trough at about 6710 feet elevation.<\/p>\n<p>N 40 12.676\u2019 \u00a0 W 105 20.492\u2019<br \/>\nor<br \/>\n40.2112 \u00a0 -105.3415<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-6 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1295\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7752-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-6-6677\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7752-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7752-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7752-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7752-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7752-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-6-6677'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop Stock Trough on Secret Trail\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Above the trough, head east up a slope for several hundred feet up to an open meadow. Stay west of the old road visible in the meadow to the east &#8211; that road doesn&#8217;t lead to the summit. From the meadow look southwest, and find an opening on a little hill heading up toward the northeast ridge of Coffintop. An old trail leads up the ridge just south of the ridgetop. This rough route runs a long way up toward the summit. Following this trail is a challenge, but the route is efficient and avoids many hassles. Parts of the trail run along a Vee-shaped gully. Avoid any steep slopes or cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-7 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1288\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2028-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-7-6663\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2028-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2028-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2028-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2028-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2028-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-7-6663'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop Northeast Ridge Route &#8211; Old Abandoned Trail\/Road\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>A key waypoint on the northeast ridge at about 7080 feet elevation is at:<\/p>\n<p>N 40 12.510\u2019 \u00a0 W 105 20.672\u2019<br \/>\nor<br \/>\n40.2085 \u00a0 -105.3445<\/p>\n<p>Above this point the route climbs progressively up the ridge through the forest. At about 7400-7500 feet elevation the path is sketchy, and the route I follow is on the north side of a ridge. Avoid any steep rocks.<\/p>\n<p>A waypoint in that area of the northeast ridge at about 7440 feet elevation is:<\/p>\n<p>N 40 12.244\u2019 \u00a0 W 105 20.979\u2019<br \/>\nor<br \/>\n40.2041 \u00a0 -105.3496<\/p>\n<p>Above about 7600 feet elevation, continue ascending the northeast ridge; follow cairns leading up a shallow gully, just south of some rock outcrops east of the summit. Soon the route passes south of the north summit; the south summit is about 450 feet further along the rocky ridge. The views west are stunning!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-8 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1285\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7890-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-8-6660\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7890-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7890-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7890-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7890-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7890-2-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-8-6660'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; View Northwest &#8211; Twin Sisters, Cook Mountain,  Ralph Price Reservoir and Buttonrock Mountain\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Note that most of Coffintop Mountain, including the part of the northeast ridge used for this route, is within Roosevelt National Forest.<\/p>\n<p>Which summit is the highest point?<\/p>\n<p>I made various GPS measurements \u2013 my GPS has a barometric altimeter that helps stabilize the readings, allowing approximate comparisons of closely-spaced points. I could not determine which summit is the actual peak \u2013 they are within a few vertical feet of each other. My measurements from two trips suggest that both summits and the connecting ridge are within the activation zone. Visually it looks that way also.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-9 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-9' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1282\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3572-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-9-6657\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3572-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3572-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3572-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3572-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3572-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-9-6657'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; South Summit from North Area\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1281\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3557-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-9-6656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3557-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3557-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3557-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3557-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3557-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-9-6656'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; North Summit from South Area\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>The Google maps on the SOTA summit page show the red balloon for the summit on the south peak, so activating this would seem to remove any doubt. Lists of John also shows the south summit as the peak, and the list says 8060 feet, but none of the online maps on that site support that elevation for the south summit. However, the Google map shows the green summit symbol on the north peak. Significantly, the historical USGS 7-1\/2 minute topo map (Lyons Quadrangle) clearly shows the north summit with an additional contour line at 8040 feet, but this contour only appears on the north summit. The altitude of the north summit is designated as 8049 on the map \u2013 indicating that USGS thought the north summit is the real peak.<\/p>\n<p>However, the current USGS digital map for the Lyons quad online shows the south summit within a closed contour of only 8000 feet. The contour interval is 40 feet. The north summit is not shown above 8000 feet! I cannot see where the number 8060 came from \u2013 this does not agree with the current USGS digital data. That data says that the south summit is the peak, and it is less than 8040 feet. This current map appears to confirm that the Activation Zone includes both summits and the connecting ridge.<\/p>\n<p>Pick whichever summit you like for your activation, and set up well within 75 vertical feet of the top. There are plenty of nice spots in the Activation Zone. The ridge provides shelter from the west wind, and numerous trees are available to hold a pole or a wire antenna.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-10 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-10' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/img_7771\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2736\" height=\"3648\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7771.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-10-6665\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7771.jpg 2736w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7771-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7771-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7771-250x333.jpg 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2736px) 100vw, 2736px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-10-6665'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; KX0R SOTA Activation\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Coffintop is a classic radio site. Its prominence and eastern position provide wide views out across the Plains. Only a few slightly higher mountains stand near the mountain in other directions, so this peak is an almost ideal HF site. HF noise is very low. \u00a0There are plenty of trees and rocks for supporting a wire or a pole.<\/p>\n<p>This peak is probably a pretty good VHF\/UHF site. The view is clear from southeast to northeast. Some other mountains partially block signals north and south of the mountain \u2013 western parts of Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins are not directly visible.<\/p>\n<p>All of my activations of Coffintop have been fun.<\/p>\n<p>Summary of results:<\/p>\n<p>July 18, 2013 \u00a0 \u00a014, 18, 21 MHz CW \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 34 Q\u2019s \u00a0 \u00a0 0 S2S \u00a0 \u00a00 DX<br \/>\nMay 3, 2014 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a07, 14, 21 MHz CW \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a043 Q\u2019s \u00a0 \u00a0 6 S2S \u00a0 \u00a05 DX<br \/>\nMay 17, 2015 \u00a0 \u00a010, 14, 18, 21 MHz CW \u00a0 \u00a032 Q\u2019s \u00a0 \u00a0 2 S2S \u00a0 \u00a02 DX<br \/>\nMay 12, 2016 \u00a0 \u00a07, 10, 14 MHz CW \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a034 Q\u2019s \u00a0 \u00a0 0 S2S \u00a0 \u00a01 DX<\/p>\n<p>Coffintop Mountain is a <span style=\"color: #ff0000\">SOTA Classic!<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\u2022 Interesting, challenging hike<br \/>\n\u2022 Convenient access<br \/>\n\u2022 Wild area<br \/>\n\u2022 Exciting, prominent summit<br \/>\n\u2022 Great views<br \/>\n\u2022 Excellent radio site<br \/>\n\u2022 Nice activation zone<br \/>\n\u2022 Seldom visited<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-11 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-11' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1294\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7760-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-11-6670\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7760-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7760-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7760-2-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7760-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7760-2-399x300.jpg 399w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-11-6670'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop View of Longs Peak up the North Saint Vrain Canyon\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Coffintop\u2019s prominence makes it a <span style=\"color: #ffff00\">target for lightning<\/span>. Higher mountains to the west generate thunder storms in spring and summer, so it\u2019s essential to climb Coffintop on dry days, or early enough to avoid storms. \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffff00\">Don&#8217;t let Coffintop put you in a coffin!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-12 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-12' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1279\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3579-3.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-12-6654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3579-3.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3579-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3579-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3579-3-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_3579-3-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-12-6654'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; View of Storm Developing to the West\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Hiking in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.longmontcolorado.gov\/departments\/departments-n-z\/parks-open-space-and-trails\/directory-of-parks-trails\/button-rock-preserve\">Buttonrock Preserve<\/a> is a special privilege. This is a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.longmontcolorado.gov\/departments\/departments-n-z\/water\/water-resources-supply\/reservoirs\">watershed for the City of Longmont,<\/a> and it\u2019s a protected area. Longmont is very generous in allowing access to the public. Many cities, including Boulder, don\u2019t allow hiking in some of their watershed areas. It\u2019s important to understand and obey the rules while in the Preserve. Fortunately, these rules are simple and clear:<\/p>\n<p>\u2022 NO Camping<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Overnight parking<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Bicycles<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Horses<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Fires<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Hunting<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Firearms<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Boats or Floating Devices<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Swimming<br \/>\n\u2022 NO Resource Collection or Removal<br \/>\n\u2022 Fishing in the Reservoir requires a special permit<\/p>\n<p>Note that hiking off-trail is NOT prohibited. Please respect and obey the Preserve rules so that continued access will be allowed.<\/p>\n<p>Coffintop also can be accessed from the huge, beautiful <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bouldercounty.org\/os\/parks\/Pages\/hallranch.aspx\">Hall Ranch, Boulder County Open Space<\/a>, east of the peak. The <a href=\"http:\/\/www.bouldercounty.org\/doc\/parks\/hallranchmap.pdf\">Hall Ranch Trailhead <\/a>is located north of South Saint Vrain Highway 7, about a mile west of Lyons. There\u2019s no fee to park, but special rules apply. The Nighthawk Trail leads all the way up to the Buttonrock Trail northeast of Coffintop. This is a much longer route than from the Buttonrock Preserve, but it\u2019s very scenic.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-13 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-13 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-13 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-13 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-13' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1283\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"751\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7911-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-13-6658\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7911-2.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7911-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7911-2-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7911-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7911-2-399x300.jpg 399w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-13-6658'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; Hall Ranch Open Space Trail\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>Several other more challenging approaches can be used to climb <a href=\"http:\/\/www.exstrom.com\/hbaromega\/coffintop3.html\">Coffintop<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Be aware that <a href=\"http:\/\/cpw.state.co.us\/Documents\/ResourceStewardship\/RattlesnakeManagementPrescription.pdf\">rattlesnakes<\/a> are common at both Hall Ranch and Buttonrock Preserve!<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-14 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-14 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 100%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-14 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-14 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-14' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-1 gallery-size-full'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1284\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7919-4.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-14-6659\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7919-4.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7919-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7919-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7919-4-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7919-4-400x300.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-14-6659'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop &#8211; Hall Ranch Rattlesnake\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>73<\/p>\n<p>George<br \/>\nKX0R<\/p>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-15 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-15 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-15 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-15 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-15' class='gallery galleryid-6652 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1293\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7740-2-300x225.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-15-6669\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7740-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7740-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7740-2-250x188.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7740-2-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_7740-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-15-6669'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop Hike &#8211; Ball Cactus\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sierra-exif-jpeg-1289\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" src=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2033-2-300x224.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-15-6664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2033-2-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2033-2-768x574.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2033-2-250x187.jpg 250w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2033-2-401x300.jpg 401w, https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/IMG_2033-2.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt>\n\t\t\t\t<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-15-6664'>\n\t\t\t\tCoffintop Hike &#8211; Spring Beauties\n\t\t\t\t<\/dd><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<HR>\n<p style=\"font-size:10px\">\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Achtung.svg\/877px-Achtung.svg.png\" alt=\"ATTENTION\" style=\"float:left\" height=\"41\" width=\"41\"> \n\n!! WARNING !! There are <b>old<\/b> mountaineers, and \n<b>bold<\/b> mountaineers... there are no old-bold mountaineers. \nHiking 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!\n<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>W0C\/FR-086 Coffintop Mountain 2457 m \/ 8060 ft July 18, 2013 First Activation May 3, 2014 May 17, 2015 May 12, 2016 By KX0R Despite its name, Coffintop Mountain is a fun, challenging summit in the mountains west of Lyons, &hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/sota-trip-report\/w0cfr086-coffintop-mountain-2452-8060-ft\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,16],"tags":[25,17,593,592,116,153,8,181,595,9,24,594],"class_list":["post-6652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sota-trip-report","category-wo","tag-activation","tag-amateur-radio","tag-buttonrock-preserve","tag-coffintop-mountain","tag-front-range","tag-kx0r","tag-mountain-topping","tag-route-description","tag-sleepy-lion-trail","tag-sota","tag-summits-on-the-air","tag-w0cfr-086"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6652","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6652"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6652\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6737,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6652\/revisions\/6737"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schnizer.com\/SOTAblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}