Download Agreement, Release, and Acknowledgement of Risk:
You (the person requesting this file download) fully understand mountain climbing ("Activity") involves risks and dangers of serious bodily injury, including permanent disability, paralysis, and death ("Risks") and you fully accept and assume all such risks and all responsibility for losses, costs, and damages you incur as a result of your participation in this Activity.
You acknowledge that information in the file you have chosen to download may not be accurate and may contain errors. You agree to assume all risks when using this information and agree to release and discharge 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and the author(s) of such information (collectively, the "Released Parties").
You hereby discharge the Released Parties from all damages, actions, claims and liabilities of any nature, specifically including, but not limited to, damages, actions, claims and liabilities arising from or related to the negligence of the Released Parties. You further agree to indemnify, hold harmless and defend 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. and each of the other Released Parties from and against any loss, damage, liability and expense, including costs and attorney fees, incurred by 14ers.com, 14ers Inc. or any of the other Released Parties as a result of you using information provided on the 14ers.com or 14ers Inc. websites.
You have read this agreement, fully understand its terms and intend it to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law and agree that if any portion of this agreement is held to be invalid the balance, notwithstanding, shall continue in full force and effect.
By clicking "OK" you agree to these terms. If you DO NOT agree, click "Cancel"...
Trailhead: Kelsey Campground
Route: Little Scraggy Trail then climber's trail
Length: Maybe 3 miles?
Vertical: Maybe 1200 feet?
Partners: Solo
I thought I had summited Little Scraggy several weeks ago but after contacting our "LCW and things close to the LCW expert" Derek, I leaned that I had not made the true summit so Little Scraggy went back on the to-do list. I have folded in some of the pictures from that hike and they will be apparent as there was no snow that first time (the day the above picture was taken).
And the snow proved to make the hike a little more difficult as the route I took was south facing so the snow melted some which made the rocks and icy patches even slicker than they were on the way up. The result was a few spills but no harm done (no brain, no pain?)
To reach the Kelsey Campground, go south on JeffCo 126 from Pine Junction for about 17 miles. As the campground was closed, I parked on the side of the road. I had no issues parking here.
There is a new trail that seems to be pretty popular with mountain bikers and you use this trail for maybe 1/3 of a mile. Two or three easy switchbacks on the way. Brand new trail (watch out for road apples...)
The first view of Little Scraggy is a little misleading. The rocks right in front of you seem like they would be the summit. But the summit is located well behind this rock outcropping - maybe a mile or so. But, I believe this face is a destination for rock climbers as there was evidence of some side trails leading to the base and I did see some folks heading that way with climbing gear when I tried Little Scraggy the first time.
The route I took will go up just to the right of the major rock face, and curl up behind it to the summit ridge.
I'm the first one on the trail today. When you see this little ridge, don't go to the top of it. Instead look to your right. And you will see the climber's trail head north. Take it. At first, the trail is easy to follow. And there are cairns when you need them. Another cairn. Just keep an eye out for cairns when the trail gets faint. And don't forget to turn around and look at the views from time to time.
Mother Nature at work Continue up following the faint trail
A short YouTube vid from this general area
A note about the next few images... The trail ends up following some loose rock for a little bit as seen below. Looking up as you get to the loose rock
Be sure to look back at the trail at that point - you will note this little cairn. On your way back down, turn left at this spot.
If you don't turn left on the way down, you will be going down this and it's not fun. Ask me how I know... Don't go down this.
OK - back to the trail. Further up the loose rock section.
After the loose rock section, the trail gets more difficult to follow. I imagine this is because it is also at the loose rock section where rock climbers leave it to go do their thing. Continue up... and up... Note the tiny cairn on top of the large rock. Nearing the top of the ridge.
Once on the ridge, the views open up for a little while. Pikes Peak Long Scraggy Peak
By this point, there isn't a trail - at least I don't think there was - it was difficult to say with the snow. Back in the trees.
But, from time to time, the view opens up. And you get your first view of the summit
The rest of the route is a little scrambly. Made more difficult with the snow and the fact that my boots had NO grip at all... Let the fun begin! Another view of Pikes on the way up.
Summit views. The first being a lesser summit of Little Scraggy. Word is that there is some fun scrambling to be had there. Gotta go there this summer... Green Mountain. Looking south towards Pikes Raliegh Peak?
And a short YouTube vid from the summit.
If you are looking from something short, sweet and steep that isn't very far from Denver, consider Little Scraggy - and I would love to hear from anyone who has done any scrambling on the lesser 9,139 summit.
Thanks for taking the time to read this and please be careful out there.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Matt - you will like it, I'm sure. Quick and easy but fun...
Doug - Always nice to hear from you. Hope you are doing well!
Dave - I had thought it would be longer, too - more like Long Scraggy. But it really is a quick trip. As fast as you are, you could probably be up and down it before your coffee got cold (or your beer got warm?) :)
Nice write up and pics, Jay.
Great place to get some outdoor therapy.
I finally got my 1st LCW peak at the end of November. 2016.
I'll keep this one in mind - thanks!
Sunny1 - Gosh... I guess being a country kid, I just assumed that everyone on the planet knew what road apples were. I only put that on there cuz I managed to get the "horse" on the Little Scraggy sign. LCW stuff is great - give Derek a yell if you have any questions about that place.
Dillon - Make that "old" man! Nice hearing from you, my friend. Aren't you about due for one of your stellar TR's?
Thank you Jay for the posting. I liked the clear directions to the trail head. Looks like a nice hike
I really like the picture with the ice on the rocks (not that I want to be on them with ice) but enjoyed the water frozen along the rocks.
Thank you
If this will be a good short hike when I get on my own two feet? I'm wobbly on a cane now but the fact that I'm walking upright with two feet is surprising to all and I love the Pikes Peak area.
Jay521: I did 9139 as part of a big 2 day backpacking trip. I climbed the S. Slope of Little Scraggy and followed the ridge all the way back to the Colorado Trail. The scramble to 9139 wasn't especially complicated or anything (class 3?). The descent off the gully on the north side was the only sketchy part due to car sided talus.
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.
