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Engelmann Peak (13,362)
October 25, 2007
TH - Ruby Creek from Urad Mine
This was a very short and enjoyable hike with complete solitude even though it is one of the closest high peaks to Denver. I haven't found many trip reports on Engelmann Peak so I thought it would be nice to post some information on it. Due to me turning off the alarm and us having a few things to take care of on Sunday, we didn't get started until 1pm. For late October, the weather was fantastic - we hiked in T-shirts for most of the day, only putting on our hats and shells for our summit stay.
To get to the trailhead, turn off I-70 toward Berthoud Pass (US 40) and drive through the town of Empire. Right before the first big switchback, turn left and drive past a picnic area/campground. Take a left at a sign marking the Urad Mine. Continue on this road until you see the mining reclamation project and look for a gated jeep road on the left around 10,200. There is a sign at the road that warns of extreme avalanche danger. We were not comfortable parking right by the gate and continued on maybe ¼ mile to a pull-off.
The road was minimally snow packed until we turned off to the left around 10,900 onto what looked like it was another trail or road through the trees. Here we encountered a bit more snow, but it was dry and Scott was fine with his trail runners (no gaiters). Once the trees thinned, we stayed off the snow and ascended a drainage and then made our way steeply up Engelmann's west facing slopes to the summit. Due to our late start, we decided not to continue on to Robeson Peak. We descended a gully a bit further north which bypassed almost all of the snow in the trees. A few pictures of the hike:
Making our way through the trees after leaving the main jeep road.
Almost at treeline, making our way onto Engelmann's slopes.
Gully a bit south of Engelmann - we headed up to the left of this picture to gain the ridge.
Nearing the ridge.
View of Evans, the Sawtooth, and Bierstadt from Engelmann's summit.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Looks like a nice day you had up there! 11/30/2010 5:20pm
Thanks for the trip report! I always like seeing the reports from the more obscure and less frequented peaks (even if they are so close to Denver that they shouldn't be)!
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