La Plata Peak
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| La Plata from near the trailhead |
INTRODUCTION
Located just south of Independence Pass, La Plata is
Colorado’s fifth highest mountain. With easy access and a mild class 2 route
that follows the northwest ridge, La Plata is an understandably popular
mountain. It was also my first fourteener and thus holds a special place in my
heart as well. For the more adventurous mountaineer, the Ellingwood Ridge on
the northeast flank of the mountain is a long, exciting class 3 route with
class 5 potential should you want to challenge yourself on the ridge crest.
DIRECTIONS
From the summit of Independence Pass drive east/southeast
towards Granite for 6.9 miles to a pull off on the south (right) side of the
road. There is a good trailhead here, but there is no car camping at the
trailhead itself. If you are coming from the other direction, this parking area
is 14.5 miles west of the Highwsy 82-US 24 intersection near Granite.
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ROUTES
Northwest Ridge (class 2)- the scenic route is the most
easily accessible and most popular route on La Plata. It is a mellow hike on a
mostly class 1 trail with some scree and loose rock in the last 1,000 feet. It
offers tremendous views of the Ellingwood Ridge as you climb toward the summit
of this huge peak.
Southwest Ridge (class 2)- this quieter alternative is often
considered easier than the popular northwest ridge, but is not as easy to
access.
Ellingwood Ridge (class 3)- This excellent route is a
scramble up La Plata’s most rugged feature. This is a long a complicated route
with plenty of route-finding challenges. Give yourself plenty of time to do
this one. Descend the Northwest Ridge.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
La Plata is as clean and easy to access as 14ers come. Keep
in mind that as opposed to other 14ers, when you get to 14,000’ you still have
a good ways to go. There is no camping at the trailhead (although I have heard
of people who slept in the back of their cars). There is good camping nearby at
Parry Peak Campground just upstream of Twin Lakes, though this spot can fill up
on busy summer weekends.
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STANDARD ROUTE (Northwest Ridge)
Length: 9.8 miles
Elevation gained: 4,400'
From the trailhead hike along up South Fork of Lake Creek
Road over a bridge and past some No Trespassing signs. When the road veers
right find a trail off left toward the creek. Cross the South Fork of Lake
Creek at a solid bridge. The creek looks rather heavy with heavy metals here
and there are signs telling you not to drink, even if filtered, from this toxic
slurry. Not environmentally sound mining practices of previous generations have
badly marred this beautiful stream. Bring enough water with you or filter from
Lake Creek (preferably above the confluence of its tributary the South
Fork). Continue along the well-defined trail through the woods near the creek’s
east bank and cross La Plata Gulch Creek at mile .4. Hike up next to La Plata
Gulch creek on its east side for a little over a mile to where the trail leaves
the creekside and starts up the steep slopes towards La Plata’s Northwest
Ridge. The approach is over.
La Plata’s proud summits sits amidst a sea of Sawatch giants. Depending on your level of Sawatch experience you will recognize many summits. Enjoy!
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