East Colorado County Madness - Exploring Elbert and Washington Counties

East County Named Peak Ridiculousness

2011/11/12 - Cedar Point, Matheson Hill, Presidents Hill, Flat Top - E County Madness
Partner in ridiculousness: Derrill Rodgers

We did this to avoid the front range and high country wind... Out east, young man, out east...

Stats: 320 miles of driving, 7 total hours, 1 rest stop, 1 ranked peak and 3 named peaks, 1 county high point (Washington County - Presidents Hill), the highest ranked 5er in the state (Cedar Point), and 2 dead ends.

Cedar Point, 5991'
Riverbend Quad
Elbert County
Highest Ranked 5er in Colorado

Being the only ranked peak of the day, this was the first priority. We basically drove right up to the closed contour (unoccupied radio facility), walked around it, and done. We forgot to look for the benchmark shown on maps as "Cedar". Doh!

Cheyenne Lookout (stymied), 5763'
Barking Dog Spring Quad

Definitely the coolest looking peak of the day, we were unable to find a way up it from the S and SW sides. All roads ended either in houses/farm, or locked gates/private property/hunting things. We did not try the NW, N, or NE sides. Closest we got was just under 2 miles. Heard a rumor that access was granted from a home/trailer owner on the E side off of hwy 71. Biggest bummer of the day, as this was the most aesthetic peak and area of the day.

Rocky Peak (stymied) 5990'
Kuhn's Crossing Quad

Kind of an interesting bluff, we never got closer than 2 miles from this one. Tried for access from the W and S sides, didn't pursue the NW, N, or NE sides, although it didn't look optimistic. Private hunting area? Signs for outfitters were up. P.S.R. Outfitters.... Although they might grant access, we didn't have time to research it.

Matheson Hill, 5990'
Matheson Quad

This is easy public property, although completionist nerds like myself concern ourselves with things like benchmarks, it goes quickly. The hill is on the south side in the public right-of-way next to the highway. We cross the street and went to the View BM as well, and they are very close to equal height. Cool BM anyway.

Presidents Hill, Washington County High Point (although kind of a lame point). 5430'
Lusto Springs Quad (for both of these)

Literally a drive-up. Get out, touch the ground, done. The highest remaining natural ground appears to be next to the power pole. *YAWN*

Flat Top, 5402'

Almost scenic, it is definitely flat. Another radio tower thing (really?!?! How many of these things are needed out here?!!). Quick scamper up the access road to the tower, check out the cool "Sutton" benchmark, and done. Longest hike of the day at .4 miles RT.

If you're in the area, check out Fremont Butte (Washington County) and Eagle Rock (Elbert County). Not sure about either one of those yet, but they're on the list.

Links for peaks

Matheson Hill

Flat Top

"Presidents Hill"

Cedar Point

Rocky Peak

Cheyenne Lookout

Eagle Rock

Fremont Butte

Images

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