Mount Arkansas

Mount Arkansas

Overview

Mount Arkansas is in the Mosquito Range of Colorado. This was my second attempt of the peak after a failed attempt in June due to ice along the upper ridge. Arkansas is a great option for a climb when you have limited time. I was able to make the ascent and be home before noon; you just have to be willing to get up early. This is a beautiful area, and I’m thankful I was able to get back for a summit in the same season I had a failed attempt. I hope you enjoy this trip report and find it helpful in planning your next adventure in the hills.

Directions/Trailhead Information

The Mount Arkansas Trailhead is located at—latitude 39.357603°, longitude -106.179961°. There is a large parking area that will accommodate a few dozen vehicles. There are no restrooms at the trailhead. From the Denver area make your way out of the city on I-70 W. Follow I-70 W taking exit 195 onto CO-91 S towards Leadville. Follow CO-91 S for about 16 miles, going over the Freemont Pass, Climax mine area and take the first access road to the south on the descent of the pass. The access road is dirt road that should allow access for all vehicle types. Follow the first few curves and park along the road. Further descriptions of the trailhead can be found at the link I provided above. Please note that the mileages provided are approximations and are not exact distances.

Early morning start

The Climb

It seemed like a short drive over from the Denver area, after arriving at the trailhead I geared up and was on the route by 5 am. Since I was climbing solo today, I was glad to have had the experience in the area a few months back. I knew finding a passable route through the trees would probably be the crux of my climb today, and more than a few times I found myself relying on my phone to confirm my location with a GPX track I downloaded. I had more than a couple battles with the willows but for the most part I made it through the trees pretty efficiently. Here and there I would be on what felt like a trail, but they would come and go, so sticking to them in the dark was rather difficult.

Gained the ridgeline

I could start to see a bit of a glow to the west, so my goal was to make the main ridgeline for the sunrise. After clearing the trees, I picked out a point along the northwest rib as a landmark to focus on as I made my way across the dark grassy field. From the base of the slope I had about 800 ft vertical to gain to reach the ridgeline and made quick time since I maintained a direct path. I made the ridgeline near the 12,800 ft contour at 6:20 am, so about an hour and half in and half of my elevation was gained for the day, I was feeling pretty good about it. The light was fully out, but the sun was buried behind the Front Range somewhere, so I just started heading up the ridge.

View from on top of the "tooth"

Looking up the ridge there is a feature that I call the “tooth”, this is around the 13,600 ft contour. When I was up here in June, we met a skier that was waiting for the sun to soften for their descent into the northwest basin, which was still holding some snow in August. From the “tooth” there is a small climb around the southside and a small 30 ft vertical gain will get you on top. Here is where I finally saw the sun, though it had been out for a while now, it was about a quarter to 7 am at this point. From here up the hiking really turns into climbing.

In June this ridge looked bad ass covered in snow, and thankfully it still looked pretty awesome covered with rock. For the most part the ridge is pretty wide, but it narrows to about a meter in a couple places. The route starts to deviate from the ridge when you approach a massive rock wall, that could be climbed, but the path of least resistance is to followed the cairned route along the southwest side of the ridge. The path along this route is pretty evident when its dry, but when I was up here in June it looked like the ice drop of death. I made the traverse around the large block and found a path leading me back on top of the ridge. I could now see the summit wasn’t too far off. After another short climb I made the summit at 7:20 am.

The summit

The ridgeline had a consistent wind and made it quite chilly out, but I was able to find a comfortable spot to rest on the eastern side of the summit. The view was spectacular, and the best part was I could see a lot of the peaks I have climbed this summer. I enjoyed my Kit-Kat and sent out a text to Kristi to let her know I made the summit and would be heading down soon. I could have enjoyed that view for a long time, but when I’m climbing solo I like to keep moving. By 7:40 am I was geared up and starting my descent.

I thought the wind was cold on the ascent, but it seemed worse on the descent. I climb with one trekking pole and at times that became cumbersome as I tried to warm my hands in my pockets. I had a thin liner glove, which was enough but not extremely comfortable at the time. I was making more direct lines on the descent as the route is easier to see from above. I kept a decent pace, but was not in a race climbing over the boulders. By 8:30 am I was near the 12,800 ft contour and ready to drop down into the basin below.

By the time I made it off the slope my knees were screaming a little bit, so it was time for some vitamin I (ibuprofen). The wildflowers were in full bloom, so what I missed in the dark on the ascent I was able to enjoy on the descent. I picked out a point at the Climax mine for my landmark to follow as I made my way to the trees. I wanted to do everything I could to avoid the willows on my way down.

Me on the summit

Once I hit the tree line, I quickly found the trail I used to get through the upper part of the trees during my ascent. I was surprised that this trail held pretty steady most of the way down. There were a few spots where I’d lose the trail for 20-30 feet, but I could usually find my way back. I made it back to the car without touching a willow, it was shocking. It was 9:40 am, so a solid 2 hrs., from summit to car. I was glad to know I’d be able to make it home before noon, so after a quick change to my flip-flops I was on the road home.

Parting Notes

It’s always nice to check peaks off the list that you had a previous failed attempt on. This is a great climb for all levels, I like how the time commitment was relatively short and the access didn’t require a rough road. Part of me was shocked that I didn’t run into anyone else on the mountain, so there is that added bonus for this one as well. I don’t have any set plans for my next climb, but am hoping to get out on another mountain as soon as I can. I hope you are all getting the chance to get out and climb a few peaks as well. Cheers!

GPX track

Date: August 24, 2019

Trailhead Elevation: 11,150 feet

Mount Arkansas: 13,783 feet

Total Ascent: 2,550 feet

Class: 2

Distance: 4.7 miles

Moving Time: 4 hr 8 min

Stopped Time: 0 hr 32 min

Climbing Partners: Solo

GAIA GPS Link: Mount Arkansas