Grand Turk

Route: Molas Pass
Posted On: 5/23/2023, By: Tweedie
Info: Left Molas Pass around 530am. I was able to climb to Grand Turk over Spencer without floatation. I used crampons for the traverse before Spencer. There was a very nice set of steps kicked into the steeper section exiting the valley between the Turks heads. I managed to get back down the valley without floatation but had to put on my snowshoes at the based of the valley before entering the trees and making my way back to Molas pass. There are some cornices on the ridges that look like there are about ready to fall and there are some signs of wet slides around the valley and the steep section leading up to Spencer. Late afternoons may be a little dangerous for the wet slides. 

Route: Little Molas Lake
Posted On: 7/1/2022, By: angry
Info: There was only one car in the CT parking lot when I arrived and was full when I got down. Perhaps they were all hanging at the lake. The campground also looked full. 

Route: little molas lake
Posted On: 6/6/2022, By: zootloopz
Info: A couple of easy patches of snow to negotiate around 12,600', but otherwise summer conditions! No traction needed. Beautiful summit views. TH gate and camping open but restrooms are still closed. 

Route: Spencer peak>grand Turk>sultan mtn>west turkshead
Posted On: 2/7/2022, By: smartt
Info: Little Molas lake th Spencer peak>grand Turk>sultan mtn>west turkshead peak 

Route: From Little Molas Lake/CO Trail
Posted On: 6/1/2021, By: supranihilest
Info: The winter closure on US 550 is one mile from the upper parking lot. At the upper lot follow the Colorado Trail. When it passes the second white rock band leave the trail to the north/right and follow the rocks for a ways, then pick through the forest towards Turkshead Peak (looks like a nipple). There's some snow in the forest but it can be mostly avoided. Once above treeline head towards the obvious saddle left of Turkshead, climbing across some snow to the top, then cross a long snow traverse towards Spencer. Climb Spencer (or save yourself 30 seconds by bypassing it... just climb it, it's right there) and then descend mostly snow to the saddle with Grand Turk, then climb on easy ground to Grand Turk. Continue on to Sultan if you haven't already done it. Gear: no special gear needed but some may want spikes and/or an axe for the snow crossing. We got by with just trail runners. 

Route: From Little Molas Lake/CO Trail
Posted On: 8/20/2020, By: supranihilest
Info: Short, easy route from the Colorado Trail trailhead near Little Molas Lake. Go in a northern direction towards the peaks linking trail segments and dry creeks as you go. On the way up I had a significant willow bash that I was able to avoid on the descent. Near the "Turkshead Peak"/"West Turkshead Peak" saddle find the trail and follow it up the saddle and across open slopes until it begins rising up Spencer Peak's west face. The remaining route is obvious. Loose rock abounds on this route but it's all Class 2. Sultan Mountain and Spencer Peak are obvious additions to the hike. I also did "West Turkshead Peak", a ranked 12er, by walking up the grassy slopes near the "Turkshead"/"West Turkshead" saddle. 

Route: Little Molas Lake
Posted On: 8/3/2019, By: idratherbebiking
Info: Trails/route in great shape. The snowfield between East and West Turk can be avoided by hiking slightly above it. All routes to Grand Turk and Sultan are free of snow. 

Route: Little Molas Lake
Posted On: 7/12/2019, By: jeffmpls
Info: One small snowfield to traverse before the saddle, and all clear from there if you go over the knoll before Spencer Peak. Dropping low isn't advisable, there's a long snow traverse, going high is a better alternative in my estimation. 

Route: South Couloir
Posted On: 4/27/2013, By: jmc5040
Info: Snow in the San Juans near Silverton is melting out quick. The snow is covered with dust in most places with a little fresh snow to be found in places, mostly up high. All signs pointed towards a stable snowpack on the south facing slopes of Grand Turk. A good freeze provided excellent climbing and skiing by 10:00. A summit ski is in via the south facing couloir and snow route finding can keep you on the skis to the car. #1 South Couloir #2 Approach #3 Lower Slope #4 Lower Slope Closeup