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Phoenix Peak
Time...6:15am - 2:30pm
Distance...14.5 miles
Elevation Gain...5200 feet
Trailhead...Intersection of West (503) and East Willow Creek Roads
Route...East Willow Creek to West Ridge
After reading his report, I was concerned about the descent from where they parked on 502, down into East Willow Creek. I didn't know much about the roads that go directly north from Creede, but thought a longer route from there would possibly be safer and save the hassle of having to climb back up to the car on the way out. I checked it out and found that you can drive a little past the intersection of 503 and a road that goes up East Willow Creek. There is a pretty large parking area next to a few buildings. The road that goes from here to Phoenix Park Mill Site must be pretty popular because there was a well beaten path the whole way. Because of this I was able to get to the Mill Site in about an hour. As Darin mentioned in his conditions report, this road has the potential of being a huge terrain trap under heavier snow conditions. I counted 8 wet slide paths that crossed this road. The traffic thinned a little after the mill and disappeared at Phoenix Park. From Phoenix Park it's hard to pick out which peak is Phoenix and I almost started climbing the wrong ridge. A quick check of the map and I was back on track. The west ridge of Phoenix is a beast. It's starts around 10,500' and seems endless. You don't see the huge summit cairn until you crest the final ridge. The clouds moved in just at the right time and kept the snow from getting too soft on the way down. When I got back to my vehicle, I dropped my phone on a rock and lost most of my pictures. I just have a few that I took with my camera.
East Willow Creek Road
Phoenix Park Mill Site
Phoenix Park and the correct ridge...I was convinced that the peak in the distance was Phoenix
Summit cairn
San Luis to the north
Route Map
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
I don't think I fully appreciate all these centennial TRs yet, maybe in five or ten years! Nice job this winter dude!
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