Backpack – American Lakes with Static Richthofen Traverse, 3 day out and back

Description

American lakes is a great place to escape the heat of summer and enjoy
beautiful alpine views and great backpacking. The Static Richthofen Traverse is a classic mountaineering adventure in the Never Summer Mountains northwest of Rocky Mountain National Park. It includes an excellent class 3 scramble and stupendous views of nearby peaks, alpine lakes, and the National Park.

Map of Area

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=40.48704,-105.88915&z=14&b=mbt 

Itinerary (exact details will be emailed to participants):
Day 1: In the afternoon, we will approach via the American Lakes Valley and set camp near Michigan Lakes (4 miles +1700ft, class 1).

Day 2: In the morning we will ascend the aesthetic East Ridge of Static Peak (class 3), summit and cross the saddle to the summit of Richthofen (highest peak in the Never Summers), descend to the saddle between Mt. Mahler, and descend to Lake Agnes across scree fields  (8 miles, +2700 ft). Participants will require a helmet, harness, prusik or ropeman, and the skills necessary to use this equipment. Since this scramble will be along the Continental Divide at high elevation it will be necessary to move with purpose in order to avoid late afternoon thunderstorms however we may fix a line along the class 3 knife ridge of Static for those that need the security. We will return to camp for the second night.

Day 2 Alternative: Class 1 hike to Thunder Pass or Lulu Mountain is available for those who are interested in a more casual trip (2.5 mi round trip from camp, 1000 ft elevation).

Day 3: Return to trailhead (4 miles, -2000ft).

Safety Considerations:

Hiking above the lake is above treeline. Care is needed concerning weather. This area is wilderness and bear canisters/bags will be required. Bear, moose, and other wildlife are common.
Note the snowfields are melted out so it may take longer to descend the
Richthofen-Mahler saddle.

This is a Joint High Peaks /BPX  trip.

BPX is a community of backpackers who respect, trust, help each other, and honor our commitments. By registering for this trip, you are committing to going on the trip and will cancel only for a true emergency. And if absolutely necessary, you agree to cancel as early as possible so another member may take your place on the trip.

"JOIN THE PACK"
CMC BACKPACKING SECTION (BPX)
https://cmcdenver.org/specialinterests/denver-backpacking-section-bpx

We will request information noting your level of fitness and how you exercise, your scrambling or climbing experience, and your comfort level with exposure.

We will set up a carpool from Fort Collins Friday early afternoon.  Folks from Denver Area are welcome to meet at the Trailhead.

Driving Directions: From Fort Collins, take 287 to Highway 14 along the Poudre River 75 miles. When you hit the summit of Cameron Pass you are in the State Forest State Park. Turn left into the Crags entrance on CO 62 and go
2 miles staying left to the American lakes trailhead.

This area is part of State Forest State Park and vehicles will need state parking pass ($9/day).

Meeting location and carpooling info will be provided via email prior to trip date.