Log In 
Report Type 
Full
Peak(s)  Unnamed 13305  -  13,305 feet
Date Posted  08/19/2018
Date Climbed   08/02/2018
Author  Jay521
 Easy Sawatch 13er   

An Easy Day

18911_13

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.


18911_27
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.


18911_01
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.


18911_02


18911_03


18911_06
Looking back

You parallel a Lake Creek tributary so there is the constant sound of a creek.

18911_04

And there is nice scenery along the way.

18911_05

Just before you reach the wilderness boundary, you encounter an old miner's cabin

18911_07
Or maybe it was a young miner?
18911_08
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

18911_09


18911_10
Avalanche chute


18911_11
Trail is still pretty good through the willows


18911_12
But then it disappears and you are on your own.


18911_14
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.

18911_15

There were a couple false summits but it doesn't take long to see the final push.

18911_16
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.

18911_17

18911_18

18911_19

18911_20

18911_21

18911_22

18911_23

I took a slightly different route down just to see some different views.

18911_24
From the saddle, I took a wide turn to the left.
18911_25
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.

18911_28

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):
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27


Comments or Questions
MtnHub
User
Nice job, Jay!
8/19/2018 12:13pm
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!


Jay521
User
"Lake Fork Peak"
8/19/2018 12:44pm
At least that's what I think it is. And yeah, I DO enjoy living in Colorado - can't think of any other place I would rather be. Thanks, Doug.


koeffling
User
Lovely day!
8/19/2018 1:03pm
Looks like a lovely area. Nice work, great shots! I'd like to travel down that ridgeline from photo 19.


Jay521
User
Ridge
8/19/2018 1:39pm
Yeah - looking back on it, that woulda made a nice loop but I was looking for just a chill day. I think that's how can get to Lake Fork Peak.


Matt
User
Nowadays
8/20/2018 1:42pm
These are the kinds of peaks I seek.
Thanks for the report, Jay.


Jay521
User
Thanks Matt
8/21/2018 4:26pm
Yeah - the "off the beaten path" ones are the ones I prefer these days


glenmiz
User
"Almost" a FR4Ker
8/21/2018 4:58pm
Brad had a great idea and, although not in the Front Range, your report reinforces it. Thanks for pointing us to those "other" beautiful mountains.

https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/tripreport.php?trip=18906


Jay521
User
Bald & Ouray
8/22/2018 7:54am
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!!)


   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.