Page Type:
|
Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
|
39.01282°N / 106.57556°W |
County:
|
Chaffee |
Activities:
|
Hiking, Mountaineering |
Season:
|
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
|
Elevation:
|
13100 ft / 3993 m |
|
Overview
Middle Mountain is a 13,100 foot Colorado peak in the Sawatch Range, located about 7 miles south of Independence Pass.Middle Mountain can be climbed from the north ridge or from the saddle to the south. Both are moderately steep class two routes.
Getting to the Summit
Go 8 miles west on Hwy 82 from the town of Twin Lakes, or 9 miles east on Hwy 82 from Independence Pass, and turn south on South Fork Lake Creek Road, which is at the parking lot for climbing La Plata Peak. Don't take the turn to Sayres Gulch or McNasser Gulch.Route 1: At 4.5 miles, take the right turn to Peekaboo Gulch and drive or hike to the end of the 4wd road at 11,800. Climb up the steep, loose rock to the saddle, then follow the ridge north to the peak.
Route 2: At 4.5 miles, take the left turn to follow South Fork Lake Creek, and cross the creek draining Peekaboo Gulch. Climb along the ridge to the summit. There are some old mines on this route that are open and unstable. It's dangerous to go inside. (It used to be possible to climb to the ridge from the west at "John's Cabin", where an old bridge crosses the creek from Peekaboo Gulch, but that crosses private property and was recently posted no trespassing.)
Route 3: At 4.5 miles, take the left turn to follow South Fork Lake Creek to the end of the road. Continue on the trail for close to a mile until you can ascend to the south saddle of Middle mountain. Climb to the saddle and follow the ridge north to the summit.
