Hiking – Stanley Mountain from the Berthoud Pass Trail West

This is generally a beautiful hike on rolling tundra above timberline in the Vasquez Peak Wilderness. It’s quite amazing to have an alpine experience hiking a section of the Continental Divide Trail less than 1.5 hours from the metro area. There is a cost, however. We will need to climb out of the forest and up a steep series of switchbacks before gaining the ridge. We will climb 580’ in less than 0.4 miles! Once there, we will be exposed to the weather as there are no trees or sheltering rocks. We also will not have an opportunity to get water so please bring at least 2 liters, or whatever amount you think you will need based on your own experience.

Please plan for approximately 6 hours on the trail to account for rest stops, lunch, and unanticipated delays. This is only an estimate, however, and our actual time likely will be different.

Here's a link to this trip in AllTrails.

Here’s a link to weather.gov forecast for Stanley Mountain. 

We will carpool from the Wooly Mammoth Park n Ride next to the Morrison exit on I-70 (Section BB, across from the Exxon station – bathrooms are often out of service) at 6:15AM for a 6:30AM departure.

Our hike will start at the Berthoud Pass parking lot on US 40 between Empire and Winter Park. We will be hiking in the Clear Creek Ranger District (ARNF).  There are restrooms at Berthoud Pass Parking Lot.