Hiking – Paines Mtn from Guanella Pass Road

The off-trail adventure hike to the summit of Paines Mountain in Arapaho National Forest begins at Guanella Pass Road and quickly diverges from any marked paths, immersing hikers in a true wilderness experience. We'll traverse dense forests and steep inclines, often bushwhacking through thick underbrush and scrambling over large boulders. The ascent is strenuous, but also offers an unparalleled sense of solitude and immersion in the natural landscape. Upon reaching the summit of Paines Mountain, the arduous journey is richly rewarded with stunning, unobstructed views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The panorama includes the majestic Rocky Mountains, with their snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain stretching into the distance. The serene wilderness below, offers a peaceful and breathtaking contrast to the challenging ascent. This off-trail hike is a combination of adventure, challenge, and natural beauty making it an unforgettable experience. We'll stop at/near the summit for lunch/snack. Our pace will be consistent with completing this trip in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~6 miles and ~2600 ft elevation gain. (Paines Mountain - CalTopo)

Carpool Place & Time: Meet at Wool Mammoth PnR (Section BB) at 7:00AM for an 7:15AM departure (Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Guanella Pass Road TH Parking (39°40'59.3"N 105°42'09.4"W - Google Maps)