13er near Denver with descent hiking conditions

[sheller]

Does anyone know of any 13ers near Denver (<2hrs) that would have descent hiking conditions (throws out Audubon)? I'm looking to take my son on one and we'd like to do a moderate one with an elevation gain of between 2000-3000' (throws out Sniktau).

[Jon Frohlich]

I did Golden Bear Peak above the Loveland ski area on Monday. You can either go up from the ski area parking lot or use the Dry Gulch TH on the north side of I-70 (exit 216 and there's a dirt road heading back east, park at the gate). There is still snow but I never used snowshoes the whole day. Elevation gain was about 2300 feet and distance is ~7 miles.

Most things are still melting out so you will have some snow to deal with almost certainly.

[James Dziezynski]

How about Colorado Mines Peak off the east side of Berthoud Pass?

[smoove]

I would say they all have descent hiking conditions on the way down.

[Mindy]

How about Colorado Mines Peak off the east side of Berthoud Pass?

Colo Mines (a 12er) is a walk up a road .... snow covered the majority of the way, and would be easy for you both.

I skirted Co Mines on Sat. and hiked over to Mt. Flora (a 13er) which I believe fits your parameters. Info can be found on 13ers.com. I left the snow shoes in the car and was lucky in not needing them given early start. Microspikes came in handy.

Good luck, whatever you end up doing!

[boudreaux]

I've always liked Whale Peak(13,078) off 285 at Webster and Cty Rd 60 just a few miles past Grant. It's on the Continental Divide, has a nice lake, and is a gentle climb until you get up to the lake. I think the road is also called Hall Valley Rd. Check it out on LOJ.

[Jay521]

I've always liked Whale Peak(13,078) off 285 at Webster and Cty Rd 60 just a few miles past Grant. It's on the Continental Divide, has a nice lake, and is a gentle climb until you get up to the lake. I think the road is also called Hall Valley Rd. Check it out on LOJ.

+1 on Whale Peak - although it appeared to me to still have significant snow last weekend. May be melting fast now, tho.

[davebobk47]

Currently snowing in Summit county and we got a bit of snow yesterday too. Anything in this area is going to have a fair amount of fresh snow.

[James Dziezynski]

I was thinking of the traverse over to Flora for the 13er requirement

[sheller]

Thanks for all of the information it gives me a lot to think about. I know it will break my 2 hr drive rule, but I'm toying with Spanish Peak, since it looks to have great conditions.

[colokeith]

If you are going to drive down to the Spanish peaks I would strongly consider California (sangres). The views are Amazing!!! I was just there last week very doable with no flotation or traction required. The elevation was more than 3K but it was easy hiking.

TR with pics
https://14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=13531" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jomagam]

throws out Audubon

What are the conditions like on Audubon ?