From the parking area, walk down South Fork Lake Creek road 100 yards, cross a vehicle bridge (
1) and continue on the road for 1/4 mile to find a trail sign on the left -
2. Walk east into the woods and continue on the trail for 14er La Plata Peak. Hike through the forest and cross South Fork Lake Creek on a metal+wood bridge -
3. Turn sharply right up from the bridge, walk another 1/3 mile and cross La Plata Gulch on a small log bridge. Turn right and continue south along La Plata Gulch. Between 10,400' and 10,700', the trail has log and stone steps (
4) that make the steep climb through the forest a bit easier.
Above 11,000', the pitch eases and you'll see clearings in La Plata Gulch off to your right. Leave the La Plata Peak trail, angle right over to the clearings and hike along La Plata Gulch -
5. Staying near the creek, continue south up the Gulch, through a short section of trees and then another mile to reach a flat spot that provides an excellent view of Sayres' north face -
6 and
7. The north face holds two, excellent snow lines: X-Rated Couloir and Grand Central Couloir -
8. X-Rated is a bit complex and more difficult and Grand Central is easy to follow and not as steep. Descend slightly, cross some flats and continue to the base of the north face -
9.
Once above 12,000', angle into the wide run-out at the base of Grand Central -
10 and
11. Begin climbing the steepening terrain and enter the defined couloir, near 12,600' -
12. There are a few sections of the couloir where the steepness approaches 40 degrees. Near 13,000', turn left at a bend where you'll see the upper couloir -
13. Continue climbing 600' to reach the top of the couloir -
14,
15 and
16. Turn left and hike 100' to reach the summit -
17 and
18.
WARNING!
