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Summit La Plata Peak with Mt. Huron and the Three Apostles in the background.


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Map Key

3.7

Miles

6.0

KM

62%

Runnable

14,198' 4,327 m

High

10,780' 3,286 m

Low

3,426' 1,044 m

Up

8' 2 m

Down

17%

Avg Grade (10°)

83%

Max Grade (40°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Need to Know

The West Winfield Trailhead is small and very hard to reach, even during dry conditions due to the rough 4X4 road.

Road not maintained in winter.

Description

Summit La Plata Peak from the trail less traveled. There were remnants of old mining tracks on the run, and Huron Peak and the three Apostles provided a beautiful backdrop. The trail is spectacular as it climbs out of the forest and up the southwest ridge of La Plata Peak.

Once at the trailhead, head directly north and cross a small creek and turn west for a bit. Following the steep trail you reach treeline at about 12,000 feet. Here the elevation levels out and you navigate through a large bog overgrown with willows. Expect to get your boots muddy here. Past the bog, you can see the steep trail which climbs to the ridge. Be careful here because of the loose rock and lack of traction, especially on the way down. Once on the ridge, the trail turns northeast and traverses the cliffs you viewed all morning. The trail steepens considerably again and gains 1,000 feet in a very short distance, boulder hopping all the way to the top of the ridge. Once on the ridge, continue climbing over two false summits. The trail joins the Northwest Slopes standard route (#1474) for the last 20 feet.

The trail that goes through the gate to the right of the start of the Southwest Ridge leads to the Tasmania Mine, one of the more prolific mines of the Winfield District.

Flora & Fauna

Dense pine forests, alpine meadows, wildflowers, tundra

Contacts

Shared By:

Mike Langenkamp

Trail Ratings

  4.8 from 4 votes

#7143

Overall
  4.8 from 4 votes
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Trail Rankings

#515

in Colorado

#7,143

Overall
4 Views Last Month
750 Since Aug 1, 2018
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Photos

View of Huron Peak and the Three Apostles from the trail
Aug 1, 2018 near Leadvil…, CO
La Plata Peak trail looking at Sayers Peak
Aug 1, 2018 near Leadvil…, CO
Early morning on the La Plata southwest ridge trail
Aug 1, 2018 near Leadvil…, CO
Tough section of trail going up or down this headwall.
Jul 28, 2020 near Leadvil…, CO

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