Scramble – IPW - Navajo Peak via Niwot Ridge

An ascent of Navajo Peak via Airplane Gully offers ample opportunity to build confidence in route finding, navigating loose rock, and scaling up to Class 3+ rock while taking in the rugged and toothy scenery of the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. 

This trip is part of a series of progressively more difficult scrambles in the Indian Peaks and Rocky Mountain National Park area. Participation in prior series trips is not required, although participants must have the ability to move safely through areas of loose rock and short sections of Class 3+ scrambling. 

Due to the elevation gain and exposure to rockfall in the gully, this trip is rated as "challenging." Careful footing in the 500' gully and smart decision-making on the climb from the basin to the peak during the otherwise straightforward route will be important. The group will need to move at an efficient pace to avoid weather hazards.

Trip participants will meet at the Brainard Recreation Area Winter/Gateway Trailhead and carpool into the Niwot Picnic Area to begin the hike via the Niwot Cutoff Trail. Meetup time will be TBD but will entail an "alpine start" before sunrise due to the length and exposure of the route. The TL has secured a single timed entry permit to park at Niwot Picnic Area for 5am-8am and participants are highly encouraged to secure their own permit for the same time/date via Rec.gov as soon as possible. 

Trailhead info:

Niwot Picnic Area | COTREX 

Niwot Picnic Site/Trailhead - Day Use , Brainard Lake Recreation Area Timed Tickets - Recreation.gov