Sayres Benchmark
Via Grand Central Couloir. Summit: 13,738 feet. Elevation Gain: 3,850 feet RT Length: 10.50 miles. Difficult Class 2 hike (no snow).
South of Leadville, take Colorado 82 west towards Twin Lakes. Drive 14.5 miles on CO 82 to the La Plata trailhead, the parking area is on the left. Initially follow the trail for 14er La Plata Peak. Around 11,000ft leave the La Plata Peak trail, angle right over to the clearings and hike along La Plata Gulch. Continue south up the Gulch, through a short section of trees and then another mile to reach a flat spot that provides an excellent view of Sayres' north face.
Once above 12,000', angle into the wide run-out at the base of Grand Central. Begin climbing the steepening terrain and enter the defined couloir, near 12,600' .There are a few sections of the couloir where the steepness approaches 40 degrees. The summit is approx. 100 feet from the top of the couloir (turn left).
- Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing/Splitboarding, Hiking, Ski Mountaineering
- Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult Class D
- Length: 10.5 mi
- Elevation Gain: 3,850 ft
- 13,738 ft
-
Land Manager:
U.S. Forest Service
Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area, Leadville Ranger District (PSINF)
- Parking Permit Required: USFS Permits & Passes
- Recommended Party Size: 6
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
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- Sayres BM NW Ridge Route
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