OverviewCharles Benchmark, also known as Charles Peak, is located at the western edge of the beautiful Holy Cross Wilderness of the Northern Sawatch Range. Charles Peak has low angle south and west faces, but its north face is quite steep.
Charles Benchmark from the east |
Charles is a low twelver, but ranked, coming in at 1282 highest in the state.
Charles Benchmark from the northwest |
The summit provides great views of its parent, Fools Peak, peaks north of East Brush Creek: Gold Dust Peak, New York Mountain, "North Gold Dust", "Pika Peak", 12525 & 12940 C & the lovely Elk Mountains to the south.
Charles Benchmark from "Prospect Peak" |
Getting ThereSummer
Take exit 147 from Interstate 70, continue on US 6. Turn left on Capitol. Turn left onto Brush Creek Road. Turn left onto East Brush Creek Drive. Follow to road closure at Fulford Campground. Hike either the Ironedge or Lake Charles Trails. Click on map to enlarge.
Charles Benchmark from Fulford Campground |
Fall, Winter & Spring
Snow closure is in Yeoman Park, 5.6 miles from the Brush Creek & East Brush Creek Road intersection. Charles Peak is still daytripable, but is easier with an overnight stay at the Peter Estin Hut, especially if attempting Fools Peak in conjunction. Charles offers a beginner ski descent off its west face and advanced ski descents of its east and north faces down into East Brush Creek.Red TapeClimbers must fill out a self-issued permit at the trailhead.CampingThere is established camping at the trailhead. There are also yurts just below the winter trailhead. Backcountry camping sites exist near Lake Charles and Mystic Lake. Finally, the Peter Estin Hut is less than 1 mile from Charles Benchmark.External LinksThe Backcountry Club Trip Report Link
Panoramic Photo from the summit
Photos Images
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Northern Sawatch Range
