Sayres Benchmark

East Ridge

Difficulty Class 4

Risk FactorsExposure: Moderate
Rockfall: Moderate
Route-Finding: Moderate
Commitment: Moderate

TrailheadSouth La Plata

Start10,700 feet

Summit13,746 feet

Total Gain3,266 feet

RT Length6 miles

WeatherNOAA Forecast

Authorblazintoes

Last UpdatedAug 2023

Downloads

GPX Track File

Trailhead

From Leadville: Drive 20 miles south on U.S. 24 and turn right on the Chaffee County 390 road.
From Buena Vista: Drive 14.5 miles north on U.S. 24 and turn left on the Chaffee County 390 road.
On the 390 road (dirt), drive 11.3 miles to the old town of Winfield. Reach a junction where the main road goes left. Turn right onto the 4WD road signed for the CDT and La Plata Peak trails. Measure from here.

Parallel a fence for a bit before turning left. At 0.4 mile, pass the Winfield Cemetery, which is marked by an explanatory sign. Shortly thereafter, pass a loop to your right, that provides some parking. Continue a bit farther and you'll find a turn-off on the left, with more parking. At 1.8 miles, reach a signed junction. Turn right and park 50 yards up from the turn. This is the parking area for the trailhead. The road above is closed to vehicles and the actual trailhead and start of the trail is 0.1 mile up this narrow road.

Route Description

Hike the standard southwest route to the La Plata Peak saddle for 650 feet to reach the ridge at 12,750'. Sayers it 0.6 miles away and the remaining 1000' requires careful class 4 climbing. Staying on the south side of the rocky slope where you will encounter 4 prominent points on the ridge. The crux of the route is the final prominence at 13,100' again staying on the left/south side. There is lose rock along the ridge and it is best to stay as high as possible.

The final 600' climb to the summit is on large loose talus. Careful footing is advised.

[img]https://i.ibb.co/5cxgcKT/IMG-1468.jpg" alt="Image">

[img]https://i.ibb.co/fqqqhLN/IMG-1469.jpg" alt="Image">[/img][/img]

Maps

JPG Image

Interactive Map & 3D Flythrough

Photos

Weather

Caution: The information contained in this route 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 route 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 route 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.

Heading to a 14er soon? Don't forget the 14ers.com mobile app.

Sayres Benchmark

14ers.com

Social

Mobile App