Log In 
Photo

San Luis Peak

 Northeast Ridge
Difficulty Class 1 
Ski/Board: Intermediate, D4 / R2 / III  
Risk FactorsExposure: Low
Rockfall Potential: Low  
Route-Finding: Low  
Commitment: Low  
 
TrailheadStewart Creek
Start10,500 feet
Summit14,023 feet
Total Gain3,600 feet
RT Length13.5 miles
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedOct 2022
DownloadsgpxGPX Track
Show More
Photo

Trailhead

NOTE: Before reaching the trailhead, the dirt road crosses Pauline and Nutras Creeks. There are smooth, cement slabs to make the crossings easier but you will still need a good-clearance vehicle.

The directions shown here assume you are coming from the north. If you are coming from the San Luis Valley area, drive north on Colorado 114 to Dome Lakes, turn left onto the 15GG road and follow the directions from Dome Lake, below:

  • Take U.S. 50 to Colorado 114 which is 3.5 miles west of Parlin and just east Gunnison. It is approximately 47 miles to the trailhead from this intersection.
  • Turn south onto Colorado 114.
  • Drive 20 miles and turn right onto the NN14 road.
  • Now on dirt, drive 6.8 miles to Dome Lakes and turn right onto the 15GG dirt road (also known as FR 794 when you reach National Forest).
  • Drive 4 miles to reach a junction and bear right onto the 14DD road (FR 794).
  • Continue 12 miles on 14DD to reach a signed junction.
  • Follow the sign for the Stewart Creek trailhead by continuing straight on FR 794.
  • Drive 4.3 miles to the trailhead. There is parking for a few cars next to the trailhead and additional parking 1/4 mile down the road at the Eddiesville trailhead, which now has an outhouse.

Route

From the trailhead , follow the excellent trail as it parallels Stewart Creek and enters the forest - 1. After 2 miles on the trail, pass the faint remnants of an old log cabin on your left. Pass beaver ponds and many dead spruce trees as you gradually hike higher into upper Stewart creek - 2. Near 3 miles, the trail weaves through willows and may be a bit difficult to follow in spring or if there any trees have recently fallen. Near 4.25 miles and 12,000', the terrain opens up as you approach tree line - 3. Continue southwest toward the upper basin.

Near 12,300', turn south and drop to a creek - 4. Cross it and continue through more willows to the base of the broad slope below the Organ Mountain-San Luis saddle. From creek to the saddle, it's approximately 0.8 mile and 800 feet of elevation gain. Staying on the excellent trail, switchback up the slope ( 5, 6 and 7) to reach saddle , at 13,100' - 8.

Hike west across the saddle and onto the south side of a large point on San Luis' northeast ridge - 9. Traverse west toward the ridge crest - 10 and 11. Near 13,750', gain the northeast ridge and cross to the west side - 12. Follow the trail back to the ridge crest ( 13) and gain the summit - 14, and 15.

Notes

IMPORTANT: This route enters the La Garita Wilderness area. Wilderness areas have special regulations and restrictions for party size, dispersed camping, campfires, etc. Also, dog owners should read the wilderness information carefully because some wilderness areas prohibit dogs to be off-leash and/or limit how close dogs can be to lakes and streams. If you have questions about the wilderness area, please contact a U.S. Forest Service office for the National Forest(s) listed above.
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

This page can only be accessed by registered 14ers.com users. If you don't have an account, you can register in the forum.

Log In_

Caution: The information contained in this route description may not be accurate and should not be the only resource used in preparation for your climb. Failure to have the necessary experience, physical conditioning, supplies or equipment can result in injury or death. 14ers.com and the author(s) of this route description provide no warranties, either express or implied, that the information provided is accurate or reliable. By using the information provided, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless 14ers.com and the route description author(s) with respect to any claims and demands against them, including any attorney fees and expenses. Please read the 14ers.com Safety and Disclaimer pages for more information.

Please respect private property: 14ers.com supports the rights of private landowners to determine how and by whom their land will be used. In Colorado, it is your responsibility to determine if land is private and to obtain the appropriate permission before entering the property.
Heading to a 14er soon? Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app.
Google Play     Apple App Store