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Trailhead: Junction of FS391 & FS392 Route: Sayres Gulch Length: 10.25 miles Vertical: 2800 feet Partners: Solo
After doing Pyramid (TR here), I was looking for something easy and boy did I find it. PT13,295 is almost too easy but the Sayres Gulch is worth seeing and like most mountains, the views from the top were really nice. Another advantage of this lowly 13er is that one is not likely to see anyone (and I didn't) especially on a weekday.
To get to the starting spot, go to the LaPlata TH and drive FS391 for about 2.5 miles to the junction with FS392. The road is a bit rough in spots but not too bad (higher clearance is preferable). I parked on 392 past the junction.
My FJ @ the TH
As an aside, note the tires on my FJ. They are BF Goodrich TA's. I have 98,000 miles on them. I have never had a set of tires last so long. Yeah, I'm due to replace them and given how these have held up, you can bet I will be buying another set. And no, I don't work for BFG <smile>
From the TH, you cross Lake Creek on a bridge that isn't wide enough to drive a standard size vehicle across although it must be wide enough for an ATV as I saw some ATV tracks.
Bridge
Then it's a matter of just following the old road. It is probably a mile or two to the Wilderness Boundary and a mountain bike could shorten the time but it was such a nice day, I didn't mind the walk.
Looking back
You parallel a Lake Creek tributary so there is the constant sound of a creek.
And there is nice scenery along the way.
Just before you reach the wilderness boundary, you encounter an old miner's cabin
Or maybe it was a young miner?And then you are in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area
It had been a double track to this point but went single track at the boundary
Avalanche chute
Trail is still pretty good through the willows
But then it disappears and you are on your own.
But, it's pretty clear where you have to go (my route in red)
Nearing the saddle on the above pic, I came across these pipes. I assume they were left by miners but I saw no other evidence of mining or mine equipment in the vicinity.
There were a couple false summits but it doesn't take long to see the final push.
Summit!
And there was a register! It was soggy so I didn't try to write my name in it. And the wind was blowing hard enough that I didn't try to take a picture of it but I did see the name Ken Nolan on it. I always feel special when I see a 14ers icon like Ken on a summit register. I've only spotted his name (along with superwoman Teresa Gergen) one other time and that was on Mt. KiaMia and I included a photo of that page on my TR here.
Lots of nice views of other 12ers and 13ers from the summit - even with all the smoke.
I took a slightly different route down just to see some different views.
From the saddle, I took a wide turn to the left.Looking back - the only sorta difficult spot was crossing the talus and iit wasn't all that tough
As I don't carry a GPS, this is an approximation of my route.
This ended up being a nice easy walk to a summit with nice views that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for an easy day.
And - as always - thanks for taking the time to read this and please be careful out there!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Yes, a beautiful gulch. What peak is that in image #20? Just curious. I envy you being able to get out every weekend or so to stretch your legs in the mountains!
Yep - Brad and I are on the same page when it comes to that, I think. The older I get, the more I prefer to "walk the path seldom walked." (Boy - does that sound corny!!)
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