WARNING: Once the snow has melted out of the gully used in this route, consider using the Northwest Ridge route instead. The ridge is steeper, more exposed and requires plenty of Class 3 scrambling but it's much more stable. However, if you are freaked out by exposure or don't think you're up to scrambling on steeper rock, stick to this route...
From the parking area, take the Lily Lake trail south through the trees and down to a large meadow -
1. Walk 1 mile to a trail junction where the Lily Lake trail turns right -
2. Continue straight on the main, unmarked trail. Hike another 100 yards, cross the Huerfano River
(
3) and continue south. Over 0.1 mile after the river crossing, the trail begins to climb left, away from the river. Zigzag through the forest to reach a boulder field
, near 10,800' -
4.
It's time to gain some ground. Starting on the right side of the boulder field, climb approx. 600 feet through the forest to reach a gully/stream, near 11,400'. Continue along the left side of the gully and cross it near 11,600' -
5. Hike south up a hillside to reach tree line, near 12,000', overlooking a high basin -
6. Drop slightly and walk toward the east side of a basin. Ascend to 12,200' (
7) before following a small ridge (
8) to reach a 13,000-foot crest -
9. Maneuver through a boulder field and onto the 13,150-foot saddle
between 13er Iron Nipple and Mt. Lindsey -
10.
Lindsey's rugged north face is ahead and you can see the crux of the route - a steep gully just left of the northwest ridge -
11 and
12. Hike southeast along the ridge and near 13,200', the trail turns east and starts across the face. Continue to the base of the gully
-
13. The route from here is semi-steep, loose and more difficult. Hike up the gully and try not to get the rocks moving. When possible, use the more stable rock along the upper edge of the gully. Near the top of the gully (~13,600'), there are some narrow areas where some easy Class 3 moves might be necessary unless it is filled with snow -
14. At the top of the gully, pass through a small notch (
15) and traverse east across several more shallow gullies as you gradually gain elevation -
16. If you take your time, you should be able to find some cairns and trail segments. Above 13,800', the route remains steep (
17 and
18) until you hit Lindsey's summit ridge, near 14,000' -
19. Hike southeast for nearly 0.2 to reach the summit
-
20,
21 and
22.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE
