Log In 
Peak(s):  La Plata Peak  -  14,344 feet
Date Posted:  07/14/2011
Date Climbed:   06/23/2011
Author:  SES_17
 La Plata SW Ridge   

Don't know why I didn't post this earlier but luckily I did jot down notes of the climb once I got back to camp.
After seeing the snow conditions from Huron two days before, I was glad to read SpringsHiker's TR on this route, it gave me hope.
Image
La Plata from Huron 2 days earlier. The trail goes through valley on the left.
My alarm went off at 5:00am as scheduled (yea!), but I still managed to get to the trailhead ½ hour later than planned. Two other climbers (father and son), that I met on the drive up, arrived shortly after I did. I signed the register at 7:00am and started up the valley, the other two a little ways behind.
Image
Heading up the valley.
Though some of the water running down the trail had ice on the edges, the snow banks were still quite soft.
Image
As I reached the basin, snow covered large sections of the trail.
Image
Entering the lower part of the basin
Image
Basin, summit at far right.
I ventured to the left hand side and meandered through the willows and marshes. After reaching a high point in the basin, I was able to scope a line from previous climbers through the snow heading up to the ridge (small binoculars came in handy here).
Image
Route up to the ridge.
The climb up the slope was steep, loose and heavily eroded.
Image
Trail showing some wear.
That and the fact that the sun was beating down hard had me stripping down to my base layer. My thermometer says it's 50 but it feels like 80. Crossing the first snowfield was pretty easy as I was able to plunge step through the whole thing. Second crossing was the same. Glad to gain the ridge and easier climber for a while.
The first "bump" was a good route finding challenge. Though it looks daunting from below, it didn't seem too demanding going up. Probably from stopping often to find the next cairn.
There was still a lot of snow on the upper portion that seems to block the trail (if there is one). As I climb the next bump, I noticed cairns below me on the left... hmm. Come to find out that a large snowfield blocks the ridge on the other side. So I down climb the 100' or so to the saddle where the crossing is manageable.
Image
2nd bump and summit.
I reached the summit at 11:50am. No one else here.
Image
ta-da!
I make few calls (Verizon signal is good), find out my sister in-law had a baby boy! I enjoy a nice lunch and take in the sights.
Image
Ellingwood Ridge and Elbert on the left.
On the way down, I meet up with the two that started behind me at the top of the first bump. I talk to them for a few minutes and inform them on the remainder of the climb. We shake hands and head in opposite directions. After dropping off the ridge, I started a small slide as I stepped into the snowfield. A 5'x10' slab of mush broke away from under my foot and slid about 25' downhill. After a quick shorts check, I was able to find firmer snow just up the slope a bit. Once in the basin, I again stuck to the West side as there seemed to be larger gaps in the snow there. I did have to bushwhack (literally) back to the other side to reach the trail back down the valley. Got back to the TH at 2:20pm.
This was definitely my favorite climb yet. The sense of remoteness, route finding and a bit of adventure all made for a most enjoyable hike. Hope to have more of the same in the future.



Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10


Comments or Questions

   Not registered?


Caution: The information contained in this report 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 report 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 report 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.