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
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