West Ridge

Approach

The climb starts from the area of Cloyses Lake. Reach Cloyses Lake by following Clear Creek Road about 10 miles to Rockdale. Clear Creek Road is Chaffee County 390 and is west off US 24 south of Leadville about 20 miles. You can recognise Rockdale by the three or four old cabins on the south side of the road. The 4x4 road that leaves Rockdale crosses Clear Creek at a wide but shallow ford. The opposite side of the creek is rather steep but should be negotiable by most 4x4's. Follow the easy 4x4 road to the closure gate. There is plenty of parking and a route sign up just below the gate. The hike to the cabin above Cloyses Lake is only about .5 mile if that. Plenty of good places to tent camp. I slept in the cabin one time but don't tell anybody. I could only get into the porch. Kept me dry.

Route Description

Find the trail as it goes south and east through the trees. If you don't see the trail just go south and look at the west facing slope and the trail will be obvious. The trail follows the creek that comes down from the Upper valley just south of the lake. Follow the trail up into the upper valley and go north to the ridge. There is no trail on the ridge that I could find. Follow the ridge east and join the Northwest Ridge Route. Return along the same route.

Essential Gear

Normal hiking gear with plenty of water. Very little water in the upper valley or higher.

Miscellaneous Info

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Images

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