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Fletcher Mountain

Southeast Ridge
Difficulty Class 2 
Risk FactorsExposure: Considerable
Rockfall Potential: Moderate  
Route-Finding: Moderate  
Commitment: Moderate  
 
TrailheadBlue Lakes
Start11,700 feet
Summit13,943 feet
Total Gain2,250 feet
RT Length4.25 miles
AuthorBillMiddlebrook
Last UpdatedMay 2023
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Trailhead

From Breckenridge, drive 8 miles south on Colorado 9. On a sharp corner of Colorado 9, turn west onto the 850 road (Blue Lakes road). Continue on Blue Lakes road as it climbs west. Near 1.4 miles, if the gate is closed, you'll have to park in this area because Colorado Springs Utilities has closed the remaining road to the dam. Follow the road another 3/4 mile to reach the dam.

Route

Most of the route is seen in 1. Climb up to the dam and drop slightly to find a trail by the lake's shore. Follow the shore trail for a bit and then locate a cairned trail which climbs the steep slope up to your right - 2. There are a couple of small trails which lead up from the lake but your goal is to climb briefly to a larger trail which traverses west up the slope - 3. Near 12,100', the trail angles northwest as it goes into a high basin, west of Quandary Peak. Follow the trail to the center of the basin, near some mine remnants.

Now in the basin, 4 is the view ahead. Continue north through the basin on a good trail and reach a steep gully, near 12,500'. Without snow, there is a large rust-colored stain down the center of the gully - 5. The trail ends near the base of the gully. Climb the left side of the gully on loose rock. Above the gully, turn right and rock-hop north toward the end of the basin. Near 13,100', turn left (west) and exit the basin by ascending a slope covered with large rock slabs and possibly some snow - 6.

Above 13,200', cross a large, open area to reach Fletcher's southeast ridge - 7. Climb the ridge by staying just left of the ridge crest - 8. There are serious drop-offs to the east. The ridge steepens between 13,600' and 13,800' and the rock is fairly loose. Continue to the summit - 9 and 10.

Skiing?

This route often holds snow into early summer.

Notes

The trail is good to the rust-colored gully and mostly talus hiking after that.
#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10

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