Complete my West Elk September Itinerary

[Tim A]

I've spent Labor Day weekend reading all 9 reports on West Elk Peak anticipating a backpack out there to photograph the Castles and bag a summit the last weekend of September. I'll have one more full day to bag a peak in the area and am looking for something that will provide those expansive Elk views of huge panoramas of (hopefully at peak) golden Aspens.

AI engines have recommended Belleview peak, but Mt. Owen and the Treasury Pair also look enticing given their distance from the bigger fare to the East which seem like they'll offer better views. Pictures or specific TRs appreciated. Bonus points if it's class 3 but not looking for a giant linkup or a big suffer-fest. Type-1 fun only please (hence taking two days to tag West Elk).

[nickm]

Belleview is a great peak, however not as a fall peak for aspen trees. Treasury is a little better, but not great. Mount Owen for a 13er will give you that expansive view over the Keblar Pass area you are looking for. The only disadvantage on Owen may be that you will not be immersed in aspen trees on your way up from Lake Irwin at all. For the full fall aspen experience with expansive views look at 12ers in the area. East Beckwith, Mt Gunnison, Marcellina (11er) are a few that come to mind in the Keblar Pass area. Mt Crested Butte, Whetstone Mtn, Gothic Mtn , Double Tops would all be good choices near Crested Butte. Here is a link to a fall sunrise photo from Mt Owens ridge.
https://stock.adobe.com/search?creator_ ... 1755363986

[dwoodward13]

Some great suggestions from nickm, I'll second them as well. If you are open to it, a non peak option is the Dark Canyon-Dyke loop out of Horse Ranch Park. Easily a top 5 hike in all of Colorado for me when the colors are popping. There are some great open view points to get a similar "overview" type of feeling, without hiking yourself out of (ie above) the aspens.

In a typical year, I find Kebler Pass peaks around October 3rd-8th, so even with areas trending early so far, you may still be a bit early but still should be a good show!

[Tim A]

Nick, that sunrise photo pretty much sells Owen. Thanks! I'll look at those 12ers as well.

Dwood, I looked at that route on all-trails and yes, that fits exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for the suggestion! Is the light better there in the morning or afternoon if I had to choose?

[Scott P]

Unfortunately Mount Owen has become a pain in the butt to climb since the old routes have been closed due to private property. It's a tedious detour around the private land so I'd suggest one of the other ones. Some of the "newer' routes you find online still cross private land and people have been stopped. Sad.

West Elk is one of my favorites and has one of the most scenic approaches in Colorado.