Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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37.93200°N / 107.4386°W |
Route Type:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Difficulty:
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Class 2+ |
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Overview
This route, in my opinion, is the best way to climb Redcloud and Sunshine together while getting to also bag Colorado's 299th tallest peak. I always believe it is much nicer to do a loop versus an out and back.The trail begins at the Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch trailhead at 10,400 Ft.
It takes you over Sundog to Sunshine and the final summit of Redcloud, then descending the easier Northeast ridge of Redcloud.
During a part of the trip you will travel next to Silver Creek, the water is a milky silver color.This is due to the Calcium content. There are also many smaller tributaries that drain into Silver creek, some of these are a red color because of the Iron content.
Silver Creek and a small tributary.Getting There
Directions to the trailhead can be found here on the Sundog pageRoute Description
Total round trip mileage: 9.1Elevation gain: 4,450
Beginning at the Silver Creek\Grizzly Gulch trailhead, head northeast on the Silver Creek trail. The trail meanders through spruce and aspen and joins Silver Creek.
Looking back to Handies peak on the Silver Creek trailAt 1.5 miles you will see a cairn and a faint trail on the other (south)side of silver creek. This is also the same spot where the South fork of the Silver Creek joins Silver creek. This trail runs on the east side (left) of the south fork and leads to the gulch below Redcloud and Sunshine.
Cross Silver Creek and Take this trail for about 200 feet, then head west, crossing the south fork (there is a faint trail) up the dirt , into the trees and just stay high, gaining the ridge that leads to Sundogs summit.
This is the cairn that signals the entrance for the trail.It is important to find this trail because on the way up from the trailhead there are many ridges that seem like they may be the ones that lead to Sunshine but these look sharp and it is questionable where they go and how difficult they may be.
Once you have gained the ridge (still in the scattered trees) just follow the highline and you will find yourself above treeline with excellent views all around. The direction from here will be obvious, the north ridge to the summit of Sundog can be seen with ease. Climb the class 2+ ridge to the summit of sundog.
Above treeline viewing the north ridge of Sundog that leads to the summitRedcloud and Sunshine can easily be seen from here. An excellent way to view them before climbing.
Climbing the ridge near the summit of SundogDescend Sundog heading southeast, there will be some class 2+ downclimbing to reach the saddle between Sundog and Sunshine.
While downclimbing, pay attention to Sunshines northeast face. In no snow conditions, you can see many trails through the talus that lead to Sunshines summit. Pick one.
This is on descent of Sundog. Sunshine is ahead.
Near Redclouds summit, The "flattop is Coxcomb followed by Wetterhorn and MatterhornDescend the northeast ridge of Redcloud to the saddle where you pick up the Silver creek trail. Follow Silver Creek to the spot where you turned off and then retrace your steps to the trailhead. This completes what I would consider a classic 14'er traverse!
Essential Gear
Bring the appropriate gear for the season. Drink alot of water, especially if you are not used to elevation.A copy of Gerry Roach's Colorado's Fourteeners is always a good decision. I read that book just for fun.