La Plata Peak Trail #1474 • Hike • Colorado • All Triplogs • HikeArizona.COM

login for filter options

Jul 06 2021

ShatteredArm

Guides 12
Routes 192
Photos 863
Triplogs 356

42 male

Joined Nov 30 2015
Phoenix, AZ

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Jul 06 2021
		ShatteredArm • Triplogs 356

Hiking	10.50 Miles	4,414 AEG

Hiking	10.50 Miles	4 Hrs 58 Mns	2.19 mph
	4,414 ft AEG	10 Mns Break

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Wasn't sure whether to do Massive, La Plata, or Harvard, but this seemed most convenient (still have to come back and do the others). Got to the TH at around 6am. I made the mistake of not actually downloading a map with the route. My watch has one that proved to be terrible.

After the crossing over the bridge, I headed downstream, which I quickly realized was wrong. Turned around and headed back up.

Got to the meadows along the creek, and it seemed way too flat. The terrible line on my watch said the trail up the mountain was supposed to stay on the ridge, so I doubted the trail and bushwacked to where the track was... to find nothing. So I bushwacked back across and figured if the trail isn't correct, at least I'll find out where it goes. Shortly after where I turned around, the climbing resumed. Trust your instincts...

Anyways, it was steep. And after the saddle, jumbly in places. 3 hrs to the top, including the 20 minutes or so wasted with the bushwhack.

Enjoyed the summit for about 5 minutes, then got bored and headed back. After about 5 minutes I ran into a guy hiking with his kids and I told him "you're almost there." Honestly never seen anybody that excited to be told they're almost there.

_____________________

1 archive

Sep 01 2020

DixieFlyer

Guides 99
Routes 1,484
Photos 16,072
Triplogs 1,374

male

Joined Jan 07 2017
Fountain Hills,

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Sep 01 2020
		DixieFlyer • Triplogs 1,374

Hiking	11.00 Miles	4,547 AEG

Hiking	11.00 Miles	8 Hrs 35 Mns	1.95 mph
	4,547 ft AEG	2 Hrs 56 Mns Break

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

This was a great hike that far exceeded my expectations!

We did the standard route on the northwest ridge. We started and ended the hike at the La Plata TH; there is a paved road all the way to the TH, so getting there is not an issue.

It was still dark when we got to the TH, so we waited a few minutes for some light. There were peaks in every direction, and they all had snow on them. Plus it was very cloudy and stormy looking. We decided to do the hike anyway, although we agreed to turn around if any storms developed. Fortunately the clouds dissipated as the morning went on, and it was a sunny, cloudless day on the return.

On the way up there are several creek crossings, and there was some really good water flow in the creek, along with some interesting geology. There were some nice views, even below the treeline. In the early part of the hike I missed a turn, so we got a bit of bonus mileage.

There were some switchbacks on the trail, along with some stair-steps in some sections.

We ran into a bit of snow next to the trail at about 12,000 feet, and I put my microspikes on at around 13,200 feet. As we went up there were some sections of rock and boulder climbing, and in the snow that made route finding a bit of a challenge. We "endeavored to persevere" (name the movie that line is in) and made it to the summit. It was really cool seeing the snow capped peaks all around us.

On the descent, the sun was beginning to melt the snow, so the descent wasn't too bad. We got off course once but managed to find our way back to the trail.

There were not many people on the trail, which was a nice bonus.

This is one of my favorite 14ers, although that was partly due to the snow, which isn't often seen this time of year.

Geology

Geology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Slot Canyon

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Bridge Geographic Landmark Labels HAZ - Hike HAZard

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] La Plata Peak Mount Elbert Mount Massive

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Snow

_____________________

Civilization is a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there

2 archives

Jul 22 2017

LindaAnn

Guides 110
Routes 2,246
Photos 8,982
Triplogs 2,600

45 female

Joined Dec 24 2007
Ahwatukee, AZ

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Jul 22 2017
		LindaAnn • Triplogs 2,600

Hiking	9.85 Miles	4,466 AEG

Hiking	9.85 Miles	7 Hrs 50 Mns	1.53 mph
	4,466 ft AEG	1 Hour 23 Mns Break

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Second hike in Colorado was La Plata Peak. I got the to trailhead around 4:15am, and it was already full, so I parked along the highway. The first half of the hike was relatively easy, with some long, flat stretches interrupted by some steep gains. Again, the first hour or so was by headlamp, and I didn't realize how steeply the side of the trail dropped to the river below in a lot of places until my hike back out in daylight. I took a snack break just at the beginning of the never ending ascent to the summit, and stashed my headlamp. The climb uphill was very steep, with a lot of other hikers, but I took my time and eventually reached the first saddle. It was cloudy, cold, and windy from that point to the top. From there, it's a ridge walk up to the summit. There was still snow along the trail in places, so everyone was forced to the right, into the boulders. They were loose, but there was a cairned route through them. Just below the summit, a very enthusiastic group of guys carrying a keg caught up to me, they owned a brewery in Boulder--Upslope Brewing. They had way too much energy for the conditions, but I followed them to the summit, and even though I don't like beer, took a few sips. It was cold at the summit, so I didn't stick around as long--just long enough to chat for a few minutes, eat, and add a few more layers. The hike down through the boulders was tedious but uneventful, and after that was pretty easy going. Once back down in the valley, it felt warm without the breeze, so I was stopping to shed the layers which were needed at the summit. Lots of people on this trail, and I finished up around noon. The trailhead was packed, there were people parked everywhere. Next time I'm in Colorado to hike 14ers, I'll be starting even earlier than I did on this trip.

Wildflowers Observation Moderate

	North Fork Lake Creek	Heavy flow	Heavy flow
	Raging river by Arizona standards

	South Fork Lake Creek	Heavy flow	Heavy flow
	Raging river by Arizona standards

_____________________

Stop crying and just go do the hike.

Jul 16 2015

jrousoshammond

Routes 30
Triplogs 186

37 male

Joined May 15 2015
Tucson

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Jul 16 2015
		jrousoshammond • Triplogs 186

Hiking	9.25 Miles	4,414 AEG

Hiking	9.25 Miles
	4,414 ft AEG

no routes

no photosets

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Stayed at the Twin Peaks Campground a little bit east of the TH on 82. iirc, I woke up at 4:30 and started hiking at 5:30. The weather was perfect.

This hike was really steep in some places. Most noteworthy were a massive staircase early in the hike and the groups of switchbacks which lead you from La Plata Gulch (which is stunning) to the top of La Plata's NW ridge. Aside from some gain and a bit of tedious boulder hopping, the hike up the ridge was smooth sailing.

The weather started making it's presence known around 10:30 or so when I reached treeline. I ended up passing a large family who somehow thought it was a good idea to be heading up with small children late in the morning with clouds gathering

One of my favorite hikes in Colorado so far. Simultaneously Fun/Intense/Manageable.

_____________________

1 archive

Sep 05 2014

BobP

Guides 2
Routes 251
Photos 4,593
Triplogs 3,212

63 male

Joined Feb 26 2008
Scottsdale, AZ

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Sep 05 2014
		BobP • Triplogs 3,212

Hiking	9.25 Miles	4,414 AEG

Hiking	9.25 Miles
	4,414 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

fricknaley

The odds of us completing this hike were a long shot. But just like hitting that 50:1 horse, it does sometimes happen. I figured we’d drive to the trailhead and snap a few photos and then have the rest of the day to watch football and drink beer. Luckily, we were able to do that and summit a 14er.

The forecast was horrible and it had rained all night and I didn’t sleep well at 10K ft above sea level. The first mistake I made was not packing my lunch. I’m sure that fact and other issues contributed to what would happen to me on the drive home.

La Plata was named in 1874 by the USGS. La Plata is Spanish for silver which was mined in the area. The mountain is ranked 5th on the ruler scale of the CO 14ers. We took the standard NW Ridge route. Most books and gps routes and websites have this route at 9-9.25 miles and 4,500ft of AEG. Nick’s stats were 9.27 miles and 4,414ft AEG, so pretty close.

The hike starts by walking down a road and walking over a newly constructed bridge. The trailhead is about a ¼ of a mile further down and there are no trespassing signs for the private property. You follow the trail to another smaller bridge looking down you see the creek and looking up you see the creek in a cool slot. I walked out to a point and checked out the falls from above. The sound of the rushing water was exhilarating. The next creek crossing was a bunch of fallen trees/branches stacked next to each other. Next up, you ascend the Lincoln log stairs. You are hiking thru the forest along La Plata Gulch and before you know it the real climb begins. You hit a clearing and you’ll put your back to the gulch and put your head down and chug up the steep switchbacks. If you do look up, you’ll see the ridge and the work still needed to be done. It was foggy and sometimes plants looked like Nick.

Once on the ridgeline, you’ve gained about 2.8K of aeg and still have about a Squaw Peak and a half left to summit. Most of what is to come is rocky and add in some spicy snow and now it’s an adventure. I made new tracks in the snow but also at times I covered up Nick’s puny size 9.5 track with my colossal 11.5 footprint. We were wearing the exact same model of brand new Salomons.

I didn’t have a lunch or summit brew. On the hike out, I went from feeling sick to feeling awful. We took a break at the clearing and I ate a few snacks but that didn’t help. I quickly went from awful to grosso and couldn’t wait to get back to the trailhead. But there were still some cool things to see now that we had already summitted. I especially enjoyed seeing the falls and slot from a different angle.

We made it back to the truck and I laid down in the backseat and soon the sweats came. I asked Nick to pull over so I could get in the front. We drove about 50ft and stopped again and I added to the lush green landscape. I won’t go into any more details but later I was able to drink a few post hike craft brews and at dinner I was able to scarf down ½ a 16” pizza and ½ a loaf of garlic bread. This was the first time I had problems in altitude in CO. While I was puking, Nick was checking into alternative plans that didn't involve me.

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ - Selfie

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] La Plata Gulch La Plata Peak Sayres Peak

_____________________

https://www.seeitourway.org
Always pronounce Egeszsegedre properly......
If you like this triplog you must be a friend of BrunoP

Sep 05 2014

fricknaley

Guides 93
Routes 397
Photos 4,984
Triplogs 4,124

49 male

Joined Jun 20 2003
Tucson, AZ

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Sep 05 2014
		fricknaley • Triplogs 4,124

Hiking	9.27 Miles	4,414 AEG

Hiking	9.27 Miles	5 Hrs 59 Mns		1.89 mph
	4,414 ft AEG	1 Hour 4 Mns Break	12 LBS Pack

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

partners

BobP

like bob said i really didn't think this one was gonna happen but we just went for it anyway and it turned into one of those "i will never forget this" kind of hikes with crazy spectacular weather.

the initial climbing up then out of the gulch was steep and it was incredibly humid. i carried a small hand towel and had to wipe my glasses off hundreds of times as they kept fogging over to the point of no visibility. sweat shot from my hands with the simple arm swinging of walking. in and out of clouds, La Plata becoming visible then hiding again.

right when i hit the above timberline ridge the skies opened up for a while and brilliant sun shone down. one of the most magical experiences of my life. looking up at La Plata and the impressively rugged mountains around, i was fired up for that summit.

the climb up the ridge is steep, at times a little loose and sketchy, and for about the last mile i was breaking snow through the talus and intermittent trail to the summit, surrounded by blue skies and stunning clouds. what an absolute treat. had the summit to myself under the best conditions i could imagine.

met bobby a short ways down near the top. hung out a bit and we hiked down together.

neither of us could believe we pulled this one off and as i look back on it, the hike was simply amazing and the summit experience for me is on the shortest list of favorite places i have ever been.

finished the night off with some great local pizza and brews. day number one in leadville was a winner!

Culture

Culture [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] HAZ - Selfie

Named place

Named place [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] La Plata Peak

_____________________

hi

Jul 09 2014

rvcarter

Guides 36
Routes 310
Photos 2,235
Triplogs 241

79 male

Joined Mar 27 2008
tucson, az

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Jul 09 2014
		rvcarter • Triplogs 241

Hiking	3.65 Miles	4,163 AEG

Hiking	3.65 Miles
	4,163 ft AEG

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

The gps track is for the southern approach to La Plata. Our plan to do the standard route from the north, off Rt. 82 near Independence Pass was thwarted by a construction closure (see 14ers.com for more info). The southern TH is reached by turning at the Clear Creek Reservior and going in over 14 miles past Winfield. The road in is rough and long, and unless you have 4WD & high clearance vehicle, you won't be able to drive all the way to the TH. Our hike was 3 miles longer than the 7.3 miles for the actual hike to the peak.

Beautiful hike, but very steep and lots of boulder crossings. Slippery gravel makes for poor footing on some portions. Several false summits. All this makes for a welcome respite from the hoards of hikers on other 14ners in central CO. Only saw a handful of people all day. Outstanding views from the ridge on. The middle boggy area is for real. Have to tiptoe around considerable mud. Almost lost my boot at one point. If you're surefooted, you can stay feet dry the whole way.

Wildflowers Observation Light

_____________________

Check out my Instagram posts at "cartershift", and videos on my Rumble channel "rvcarter".

Sep 02 2013

hhwolf14

Photos 832
Triplogs 173

47 female

Joined Oct 13 2007
Loveland, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

La Plata Peak Trail #1474

South Central, CO

Hiking		Sep 02 2013
		hhwolf14 • Triplogs 173

Hiking	9.40 Miles	4,163 AEG

Hiking	9.40 Miles
	4,163 ft AEG

no routes

Linked

none

no linked trail guides

Partners

none

no partners

Several false summits, but a gorgeous view at the end.

Meteorology

Meteorology [ checklist ]

[ checklist ] Sunrise

_____________________

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

username		X
password		X