Colorado Ascents: Mount Parnassus-Woods Mountain-Mount Machebeuf

Bard Mountain and Mount Parnassus from Woods Mountain

Overview

Mount Parnassus, Woods Mountain, and Mount Machebeuf are in the Front Range of Colorado. In the past I have climbed each of these peaks by themselves but never together; here are the links to past trip reports—Mount Parnassus, Woods Mountain, and Mount Machebeuf. This area is fairly popular with the trailhead location being near the interstate, allowing all vehicles access. I would guess that Mount Parnassus receives the bulk of the traffic for these mountains, though Herman Lake is also accessible from the same trailhead. This area is accessible in all seasons, but there may be avalanche danger crossing the west face of Parnassus in the winter. The climb to these summits offers great forest and alpine views, and is a great option for a hike not too far from the city. I hope you enjoy this trip report and find it helpful in planning your next adventure in the hills.

Directions/Trailhead Information

The Herman Gulch Trailhead is located at—latitude 39.702497°, longitude -105.854293°. There is a large parking area that will accommodate about 100 vehicles. There are restrooms at the trailhead. From the Denver area make your way to exit 218 at the intersections of I-70 W and Watrous Way. Take a right-hand turn (east), and follow Watrous Way about 0.2 miles to the trailhead. Watrous Way is a dirt road that is assessable to all vehicles.

The Climb

Nick and Cole on the summit of Mount Parnassus

The area accessed from the Herman Gulch Trailhead has two main options— (1) Herman Gulch and (2) Watrous Gulch. Herman Gulch is accessed from the Herman Gulch Trail that is about 3 miles in length to Herman Lake. This is where the majority of the outdoor enthusiasts are headed from the trailhead. Watrous Gulch offers more of a choose your own adventure. From the trailhead you start off on the Herman Gulch Trailhead, and in about 300 meters the Herman Gulch Trail takes a switchback heading to the northwest and the Bard Mountain Trail continues to the north east. If you look at the GPS Track information I have provided, where there is a picture of Cole crossing a creek. From that point the official Bard Mountain Trail continues southeast around Mount Parnassus, this is the point you will break off of this trail. I don’t think there is an official trail so to say, but there is a solid trail following the Watrous Gulch to near the 11,800-foot contour that heads north. From there the trails peter out and you are on your own as you choose your own adventure.

I have done the climb of Parnassus a few times. Anyone is decent shape can make the summit in 2-3 hours from the trailhead. I would say anyone looking to do a sunrise climb, that Parnassus would fit the bill nicely for that. From the summit of Parnassus, you can continue east to Bard Mountain, or head west back down to the Parnassus-Woods saddle. There are so many options available here, and that’s what makes this area an outdoor playground for us adults. We had our route mapped out prior to the climb, so after a bit on the summit of Parnassus we headed back down to the Parnassus-Woods saddle and continued up Woods Mountain.

Cole the conquer on the summit of Mount Machebeuf

After climbing Parnassus, the hike up Woods Mountain is a breeze. I’m not sure the exact elevation gain from the saddle, but it can’t be much more than 400 feet. It feels like it takes minutes, so if you are just in for a short day the Parnassus-Woods climb is a great option. From the summit of Woods Mountain, we headed southwest following the ridge to Mount Machebeuf.

This is a gradual rolling hill of a ridge, and the ridge will hold snow into the summer months. Once making the summit of Machebeuf you have options to follow our track down to the southeast or follow the ridgeline to the west. When I previously summited Machebeuf I came from the west and would probably recommend that rather than the route we took back to the trailhead. Our route down became quite the bushwhack and hurdle over many trees on steep terrain till intersecting the Bard Mountain Trail. It wasn’t the worst bushwhack down a mountain I’ve ever been on, but I can’t say I’d recommend it.

Parting Notes

I love being able to loop multiple mountains together. This area is a gem, with so many options that you can keep coming into the same area and not do the same trip each time. I have got to the point where I have climbed almost all the peaks in this area, but I will continue to keep coming back. I’m always surprised that I don’t run into a lot of people up Watrous Gulch, even with a parking lot full of cars. So, I would recommend avoiding the Herman Lake hike and wonder up one of these high mountain peaks away from the crowds on your next trip into the hills. Until next time, cheers!