Northern Slope

Overview

Beautiful hike which leads you into a seldom visited part of the Gore Range.

Getting There

I 70 - Exit 180 (Vail) - turn on Bighorn Road and drive to the parking area at the trailhead

Route Description

Hike on the Gore Creek Trail until you see the rock face of the terminus of the Northwest Ridge of West Demming Mountain rising right across the valley (shortly before you reach the turn off to Gore Lake). Leave the trail to your South, find your way thru the forest, cross Gore Creek (this may be challenging during spring run off) and work your way up the steep slopes heading to the hanging valley right below the North Face of West Demming Mountain. You will eventually run into a faint and often very steep climbers trail which will dropp you off right at the beginning of this valley. The hanging valley is filled with several ponds and is a great place for a camp. Pass the lakes on their Western side and continue up the valley until you reach a little creek. Follow the creek to its source. From there a path is zigzagging its way up to the Western Ridge of West Demming Mountain. From there it is a walkup on gentle tundra slopes to the summit of West Demming Mountain.

Essential Gear

Hiking boots and walkings sticks is all you need. Very few people venture up here, you are on your own if anything goes wrong.