Ascended via Scott Gulch on 4/11/26. I found this route listed in Gerry Roach's book Colorado's Thirteeners, but I couldn't find any other info online. This route is less distance and elevation gained than the standard North Spur route listed on this site. My impression is that this route is simple and enjoyable, especially compared to other Centennial peak trails that often have either endless talus or pesky bushwhacking.

Roach noted 6.4 miles and 3,200' elevation gained roundtrip. I logged 8.0 miles and closer to 3,400' elevation gained considering some navigational challenges near treeline. After the saddle, this route is easy to follow and more well documented, but I want to post some navigational notes on the first part of this route to make this easier for anyone else wanting to hike this route.

We started a few hours before sunrise to minimize our potential exposure to a poor weather forecast later in the morning and afternoon. Starting from 11,100' at the pull-off area on Highway 9, there is a fairly easy to follow trail for the first wooded section up to about 11,500' or so. There was almost no bushwhacking needed as long as you can locate this decently defined trail. We saw some old vehicle parts so at some point there had been some off-road vehicles that had used this trail. It was a bit tricky staying on this old road in the dark, but doable as long as you keep moving and searching for the gaps in the tree coverage.

Around 11,500', the forest cleared and turned to willows, especially low near Scott Gulch. From 11,500' to the 12,180' saddle, it was nearly impossible to efficiently negotiate the willows in the dark, so I was navigating blind and basically just had to barge through. As you can see in my gpx, I stayed near the creek on the ascent since that was my only point of reference. Navigating the treeline/willows section from 11,500' to 12,200' was the "crux" of this route for me. Obviously, there is nothing too consequential by just working your way through the willows, but who likes willows in the dark?

In retrospect and with sunlight, we saw a much easier line not too far from the creek we had ascended. By the time we reached the saddle the sun was coming out, and we could see our mistake clearly. We should have stayed a few hundred feet to the north and above the drainage. There were still some willows, but much less dense and easier to navigate.

After the saddle, the route is simple. There were some snow patches on either side of Beaver Creek but all were either avoidable or easy to travel across without any traction. The large snowfield headed up the NW ridge provided a decent glissading opportunity from about 12,600' to 12,200'. The upper mountain didn't have much of a trail, but the terrain is gentle and easy to follow. Mostly just a tundra stroll.

Overall, this is a great hike on a rarely traveled trail. Great place to find some solitude in a busy part of the state.