La Plata Peak (14,360 ft)

Buena Vista, Colorado

Description

Climb the 5th highest peak in Colorado, topping out at 14, 360 ft. This 14er is super easy to get to- and won't have hoards of crowds, even on a weekend. Just outside of Twin Lakes, it's doable for an early am start from Denver, or camp anywhere near Leadville/Twin Lakes/Aspen.-A tough uphill climb with rewarding views from the summit-Fewer crowds means less people to pass on the way up and the way down-A little bit of scrambling through some scree fields if you want to do more than the straight and arrow path-Dog Friendly (on a leash)-Easy parking (no 4WD required)-No bathrooms at the trailhead

La Plata Peak offers reprieve from the summer weekend crowds climbing the front range 14ers. This is a great trail for anyone looking for a harder class 2 climb, but to still have a straight forward route.

Getting There:From U.S. 24 south of Leadville, take Colorado 82 west (right) towards Twin Lakes. Drive 14.5 miles on Colorado 82 until you see the marked trailhead and parking area on the left. You will actually drive through the town of Twin Lakes. The road is a bit windy, but you won't miss the signs to your left!

The Climb via The Northwest Ridge, Class 2. (This is the standard route)You'll gain 4,500 vertical feet over the 9.25 mile climb. The hike starts out on a dirt road. You will quickly come across a bridge. Make sure to follow the trail to the right of the bridge- it is obvious when you look for it, but not so obvious when you are coming over the bridge. You'll continue up- over some man-made stairs to help you up the incline, and will eventually break through the forest to a steep gully with a series of switch backs. On your way to the switch backs, water will be flowing on your right.

You'll continue up the obvious trail, and around 13,500 ft, you'll reach a flat spot, or false summit. The trail is a bit broken and tricky to find, but follow the cairns. Around 13,800 ft the trail will become more obvious. As you approach the summit, summit to the left and follow the ridge.

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Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Forest

Groups

Scenic

La Plata Peak (14,360 ft) Reviews

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