La Plata Peak - Sawatch Range
From Highway 82, route only approximate
Another photo from near the trailhead off Highway 82, route only approximate
Up the steep switchbacks on the open slopes of La Plata to gain the ridge
A look higher on the ridge on our way down
A view of the upper ridge, trail is faint in some places
Another summit photo inside a ping pong ball but very enjoyable nonetheless, I think I am starting to look thinner
La Plata Peak - Sawatch Range
- Scramble: Class 2 - Steep Hiking
- Altitude: 14,336 ft
- Elevation Gain: 4,300 ft approx, La Plata Trailhead 10,000 ft, 9.25 miles approx return
- Start Time: 5am to 8am to be on your way down by noon and avoid potential lightning storms
- Ascent Time: 3 1/2 to 4 Hours
Highlights
La Plata Peak is a rugged looking peak which makes it interesting in and of itself. It was a cloudy day but I was happy just to make the summit. The other climbers that day were a cheery lot in spite of the weather and we all enjoyed the summit time. One humorous fellow described our summit photos as "taking pictures inside a ping pong ball". While we were on the summit another fellow made it up carrying this humongous tripod. That provoked a few smiles as to his optimism on the weather forecast. Victoria and I enjoyed hiking with Stuart (Missouri) and Hattie (New Mexico).
Getting There
Highway 82 Trailhead - 10,000 ft - No restrooms
From U.S. 24 south of Leadville, take Colorado 82 west towards Twin Lakes. Drive over 14.5 miles on Colorado 82 until you see the small parking area on the left of the highway. There is a La Plata Trailhead sign here.
Updated La Plata Peak Trailhead info found at the link below
Updated La Plata Peak Trailhead Info Link at 14ers.com
Camping
It's a paved road all the way to the La Plata trailhead so no need to navigate a rough dirt road the night before as with most other 14ers. We camped at Sugar Loafin RV Campground near Leadville the night before. Really nice shaded tent sites, showers and laundry ($40). There is also camping along highway 82 near Twin Lakes.
Route Description
Head down the dirt road for 1/4 mile and locate the trailhead sign on your left. From here the trail heads east into the woods soon crossing South Fork Lake Creek on a solid metal wood bridge. Another 1/3 of a mile and you cross La Plata Gulch on a small log bridge. Turn right and head south up La Plata Gulch for over a mile to access the open slopes up to La Plata's ridge. Steep switchbacks up to the ridge. From here its follow the trail (faint in some places) up the ridge until you come to the false summit. At the false summit head left or east for another 5-10 minutes and you are there.