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A beautiful run through classic San Juan terrain.


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Map Key

4.3

Miles

7.0

KM

57%

Runnable

13,994' 4,266 m

High

10,432' 3,180 m

Low

3,565' 1,087 m

Up

3' 1 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

43%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The access road is closed far below the trailhead throughout winter.

The land manager requests dogs be leashed. You are likely to see dogs, and unlikely to see leashes.

Runner Notes

With a generally low grade and excellent trail, this double makes for an excellent run. The only true difficulty is presented by the grade and occasional talus above the saddle. Fast runners should expect a 3 hr trip.

Description

From Lake City, drive 2 miles south on CO 149. Turn right onto the alpine loop scenic byway, AKA county road 30. Pass by a lake before the road turns to dirt. Most 2WD cars will be fine although some clearance may be necessary up high. Continue on excellent dirt road. In about 8 miles, the road will pass above a ghost town, at which point it will become a shelf road with 1,000 ft drop off the left side. Drive carefully! In a few miles, the road will become less exposed. After about 18 miles of dirt total, you'll come to the Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch Trailhead, where there is ample parking, a bathroom, and fire pit. Park here to access Redcloud Peak and Sunshine Peak. To access Handies Peak, drive about 2 more miles up the road to American Basin or take the alternate route from this trailhead.

On the right of the road is a clear trail toward Redcloud Peak. Run up an excellent, gradual trail from about 10,500 ft. Walk through the trees before coming to a basin drainage around 11,100 ft. Drop down and walk just left of a large creek, mostly staying on a clear trail but occasionally crossing some talus. At 12,000 ft, walk up a couple steep switchbacks before coming into a wide basin. Once in the basin, continue up prime singletrack until about 12,400, where the trail starts to switchback up steeper slopes to the saddle at 13,000 ft.

Head to the right of the saddle. The trail gets steeper, but switchbacks along rocky trail keep it from getting unpleasant. Reach a false summit at 13,000 ft. The actual summit is up to the left and a mere 5-10 mins away. The geology here changes from gray to red rock, giving Redcloud its name. Run up the red dirt to the summit.

From here, turn around and head back to the trailhead, or, should time and energy levels permit, head on to Sunshine Peak.

Flora & Fauna

Passing through a lush forest at the bottom, you're likely to stumble across deer blocking the trail. Once in the basin, the wildflowers are stunning. There are plenty of marmots and pika here, too.

Contacts

Shared By:

Tyler Prince

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#8799

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#709

in Colorado

#8,799

Overall
5 Views Last Month
2,391 Since Mar 18, 2015
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Photos

Unique Redcloud dirt near the summit of Redcloud Peak
Mar 19, 2015 near Lake City, CO
Redcloud Peak seen from the saddle. The summit is on the left, with the false summit to the right.
Mar 19, 2015 near Lake City, CO
The view from in between Handies and Redcloud Peaks. with permission from dreamer 200
Mar 19, 2016 near Lake City, CO

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