Contribute  Loading...
Geography Parents Loading... Routes
| Southeast Ridge   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: Colorado, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 39.33250°N / 106.1785°W Route Type: Hiking, Scrambling Season: Summer, Fall Time Required: Most of a day Difficulty: Class 2 and 3
| Route Quality: | | | | Loading...
| Page By: Aaron Johnson Created/Edited: Aug 28, 2007 / Aug 28, 2007 Object ID: 330163 Hits: 1016 Loading... Page Score: 88.3% - 12 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewThis fantastic route is a load of fun and an unexpected surprise among the usually gentle character of climbing found in the Mosquito Range (with notable exceptions, of course). It's a good one for folks expanding their climbing skills beyond the beginner level. Exposure is varied as the climbing, and the unique views are spectacular all the way to the lofty summit of Mount Arkansas, which includes numerous fourteeners, including the nearby Decalibron peaks of Mounts Bross, Lincoln, Cameron and Democrat.
Mount Democrat from Mount Tweto |
This little surprise of a route features the rarely climbed southeast ridge, which is accessed via Mount Tweto to the southeast. Tweto is gained from the vicinity of the Mosquito Pass road. The treat is upon return from the fun scrambling on Mount Arkansas. The climb of Tweto's unique "split" northwest ridge is a scrambling scamper one would not expect in this area.
Best of all, documentation of this route is exclusive to SP!
Neighborhood View from Mount Arkansas |
Getting ThereFrom Fairplay and highway 285, head north on Highway 9 approximately 4.5 miles. If coming from the north on Highway 9, drive south from the little town of Alma for 1 mile. County Road 12 strikes due west toward the Mosquito Range. Signs also indicate this to be the turn-off for Mosquito Pass.
Proceed west on this road and please drive slowly through the tiny hamlet of Park City. 4.5 miles from Highway 9 is a fork. Stay to the right and proceed up the north fork of Mosquito Creek. At about 7.2 miles from Highway 9, the road bends to the west just before crossing Mosquito Creek. A smaller, rougher road continues to the north through the willows. Park here, well out of the way of either road. If you have 4WD, proceed up the sub road a short piece to a small parking area on the right. The road is rougher than the main road, but can still be driven to this point with 2 wheel drive.
Concerning Mosquito Pass: This is not a difficult 4WD road, but 4WD is nonetheless recommended due to changing conditions and an initial creek crossing beyond the start of the climb up Mount Tweto. If you plan on driving the road during your visit to the area, 4WD is recommended.Route DescriptionHead north along the 4WD sub road, departing it at a large break in the willows on your right. You’ll cross a stream shortly thereafter. Good route finding will keep the willow bashing at a minimum. Maintaining a strong northward course should have you encountering an old mining cabin. Do not enter the structure as it is unstable and could be dangerous. A 4WD road also climbs into the basin further to the east, which can be followed but adds distance to your day.
 Mount Tweto from Mosquito Creek
 Gaining the Southwest Ridge
Cross the stream just beyond the cabin and stay in the grassy clearings, making your way north. You’ll soon climb above the willows and be blessed with a huge expanse of open tundra. Climb almost to the end of the tundra at 12,800 feet and then angle west. Stay on the tundra until you see some scant tundra patches mixed with talus on the right.
Do a contouring ascent toward the ridge, arcing back toward the northeast to gain the ridge. Avoid the temptation to take on the steep slopes too soon, as much loose rock would be encountered. Once on the ridge, follow it northeast to the top of Mount Tweto.
Descend Mount Tweto’s fun northwest ridge (Class 2). Stay on the ridge top and avoid the temptation to get on the slopes or in the gullies. At the gully bottom, angle slightly right and descend the sturdy rock rib to the saddle.
Ascending Class 2 Terrain |
From the saddle, ascend the steep and fun southeast ridge of Mount Arkansas (Class 2 or 3). Again, stay on the ridge crest whenever possible. The east and west slopes of this mountain are perilously loose.
 Hiking the Southeast Ridge
Once on the false summit, the route undulates along the ridge crest for another mile to the summit.
Summit Pitch |
Scrambles are fun and the views are unimpeded and inspiring. Avoid the loose gully at the base of the summit pyramid. Ascend slightly and contour to the west side of the pyramid on large boulders and carefully scramble to the summit. Staying to the right involves exciting Class 3 and 4 options.
Descending the Southeast Ridge |
Climbing Tweto's Northwest Ridge |
Return via the same route, re-climbing Mount Tweto’s northwest ridge, a surprisingly delightful scramble. Be sure to view the other images of this portion of the route:
Mount Tweto Northwest Ridge Images
Route Map (Click for details) |
MILES: 6.8 miles round trip
GAIN: 2,530 feetEssential GearSummer and Fall: Standard dayhike gear will do
Winter and Spring: Skis or snowshoes in addition to your preferred winter gear
There is no reliable water source on this route.
4WD is recommended if you plan on doing any four-wheeling in the area.External LinksAdd External Links text here. Images
|
|
Mosquito Range
