August 24th, Northwest Ridge from Highway 82
 |
La Plata Peak is an easy hike with excellent access. The trailhead is a parking lot just off of highway 82 before getting to Independence Pass. The trail up La Plata has recently been renovated and is now practically a highway. Along with a new bridge there are dug-out stairs supported by wood on the steep sections of the lower trail. There are tons of these stairs which make up a part of the 4100 elevation gain from the road, but the travel now must be much easier now than 10 years ago. |
|
(left) The only thing treacherous on
the trail to La Plata used to be a narrow bridge going over this small gorge. The bridge
has been replaced with a very sturdy steel and wood bridge complete with handrails.
(above) Before going up to the northwest ridge of La Plata Peak, you travel up La Plata Gulch. This is an unnamed thirteener sitting at the end of the gulch. |
Here's a view south. The highest mountain (to the left) is Huron Peak (14,003). The more rugged mountains to the right are the "Three Apostles". |
This photo looks west towards Aspen and the Elk Mountains. Here, you can see (left to right in the far distance): Pyramid Peak, Snowmass Mountain, and Capitol Peak. |
 |
While this mountain offers nothing
really exciting, it's a nice, relaxing hike with nice views. Because it's fairly far from
Denver, the crowds aren't too bad. This was also the fastest hike I'd ever done. I reached the summit within 3 hours and was back at my car 1.5 hours after standing on the top. |
