Redcloud Sunshine Loop

[ColoNativeGal]

For those that have done this loop, I have a couple of questions:

• what was your RT mileage?

• is it better to go up Sunshine and down Redcloud or to go up RC and down SS?

Based on the route descriptions it sounds like it's better to go up SS and then come down RC.
The caltopo route I made says roughly 10 miles RT and 4100ft of gain.

Thanks!

[rmcpherson]

I did this in 2020 and went clockwise. The numbers you have look close, our RT mileage came in at 11 miles and 4400 ft. Given noise in the GPS and altimeter signals, that's within the expected error and 10 miles, 4100 ft is likely closer to the true value. Going down the gullies on sunshine was the closest I've come to being taken out by rockfall. My partner was above me as we were descending the loose gully and dislodged a head-sized rock that went airborne and came straight at my head. Unable to dodge with alacrity on the loose scree, I was forced to bat it away with my hand and received a nice gash for my efforts. An excellent lesson in how not to descend these gullies, and I only had to bleed a little to learn it well.

Going CCW and ascending the gully might be marginally easier, although either way you are dealing with loose rock and scree. At least the gullies are short.

This past Sunday, as part of the 14er Fall Gathering, Veory and I did a variation of this route, also clockwise, but added on UN 18320, UN 13838, and Sundog. Excluding the gullies, I think I'd slightly prefer to ascend Redcloud first and descend Sunshine as the descent off of sunshine is fairly loose talus. Climbing Sundog not only allowed us to climb a ranked 13er but also had the side benefit of avoiding the gully section in favor of a mostly solid class 2 ridge walk with minor scrambling. If you are at all concerned about the loose gullies, this route is a good alternative as long as you don't mind gaining a few hundred feet, are comfortable with mild exposure, and don't mind navigating a little deadfall on the way back down to the trail.

[Scott P]

The loop sucks unless there is snow. If you can use an ice axe, wait until then.

[JerJerBinks]

The gully is short, but loose. It's more like a very steep pile of scree than a gully. I don't recommend trying to skirt the edges because they aren't solid. I ascended it and think that's a better bet. Either way you go, if you're in a group, it might be best to just take turns. Stuff is going to be knocked loose. Lot's of trails around there are total garbage. In my opinion, it's worth it to do the loop. The woods hike before the gully and the ridge portion afterwards were my favorite parts of the adventure.

[onebyone]

It wasn't fun. Loose and there were a few spots where you could easily take a fall believe it or not. I did it solo which was stupid.

Personally, I would prob just reascend Redcloud if I do those again.

[supranihilest]

Just do the standard RC->SS->RC or loop Sundog->SS->RC. Any other route is not worth trying to save time or effort on since just the opposite will happen.

[ColoNativeGal]

Thanks everyone for your input, really appreciate the information!!!
Definitely seems like it would be better with snow for sure, or adding in SunDog.
Since I'm looking to get these done, I think I'll just go the std route back and over RC; while longer mileage wise it will be faster avoiding talus and loose scree crap.
Thanks again!

[mtree]

Thanks everyone for your input, really appreciate the information!!!
Definitely seems like it would be better with snow for sure, or adding in SunDog.
Since I'm looking to get these done, I think I'll just go the std route back and over RC; while longer mileage wise it will be faster avoiding talus and loose scree crap.
Thanks again!

Its surprisingly quick and easy.

[mommyhiker]

When are you looking to go?

[ColoNativeGal]

Thanks everyone for your input, really appreciate the information!!!
Definitely seems like it would be better with snow for sure, or adding in SunDog.
Since I'm looking to get these done, I think I'll just go the std route back and over RC; while longer mileage wise it will be faster avoiding talus and loose scree crap.
Thanks again!

Its surprisingly quick and easy.

Sounds great!

[ColoNativeGal]

When are you looking to go?

This weekend, drive down Saturday get these on Sunday and get SLP on Monday.