Trip
Ascending Hikes - Endurance – Sunshine Peaks via Redcloud Peak
This classic San Juan linkup climbs Redcloud first, then follows the airy ridge to Sunshine before returning over Redcloud. Expect a long day at altitude on a well-used trail with talus and some loose footing near the summits. There is nothing harder than Class 2 hiking. Watch out for standard San Juan summer hazards like storms and exposure.
Contacts
- Wed, Jun 24, 2026
- Denver
- Hiking
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 12.25 mi
- Elevation Gain: 4,800 ft
- High Point Elevation: 14,043 ft
- Maximum Wind: 25 kts
- Pace: 1-2 mph
- 4 (6 capacity)
- 1 (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
-1) Camping sites are available at the Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch Trailhead. -2) High clearance vehicle clearance to traverse the rough Hinsdale County Road 30. Inform trip leader if you have a clearance vehicle available, To Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch Trailhead - Bing Maps -3) Carpool reimbursement rate: 30 cents x 265-miles = $160.00 divided among the driver and passengers. Example: $160.00/4 = $40.00/person. CASH ONLY!
TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2026: 4:00AM: MEET: Wooly Mammoth CDOT Park-N-Ride, Section BB, 18560 U.S. Highway 40, Golden, CO 80401, wooly mammoth parking lot golden - Search 4:15AM: Form carpools and depart for Grizzly Gulch Trailhead, Hinsdale County Road 30, Lake City, CO 81235, grizzly gulch trail colorado - Search
We'll have the opportunity to take stops along the US-285 and US-50 routes in Fairplay, Salida, and Lake City. The drive time of 263-miles will take at least 5 hours, 15 minutes to 6-hours.
Upon arrival at the Silver Gulch/Grizzly Gulch Trailhead, we will immediately prepare and ascend Handies Peak. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, interested participants will join me in ascending Sunshine Peak via Redcloud. We shall return to the Wooly Mammoth CDOT PNR immediately after returning to the trailhead.
Required Equipment
-1) Ten Essentials, Ten Essentials (U.S. National Park Service -2) Recommend bringing trekking poles, gaiters, and adequate clothing layers due to high winds aloft the summit ridge.