Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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39.98280°N / 105.685°W |
Route Type:
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Scramble |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Difficulty:
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Class 2+ |
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Approach
Drive to the north end of Fraser on Highway 40, and to between mile markers 226 and 227. Turn east on to the road marked for County Road 8. Follow County Road 8 for 6.4 miles to the forest service boundary, at which point the road becomes Forest Road 128. Turn left and follow the road for 1.1 miles to a junction at which point you will turn right and drive for .3 miles to the end of the road and at a small dam. This is the trailhead. This road is also rough in places, but can be driven by a car if you go slowly and if care is taken.Route Description
This route has more elevation gain than the route from Rollins Pass, but is about the same distance. This route offers the advantages of a few campsites along the way, and is less exposed to the elements.From the trailhead at 9640 feet, follow the trail east. After about .75 miles there is a junction. Turn right on the trail marked for Devils Thumb. There is a stream crossing on a bridge across Cabin Creek, and up until here, the trail ascends at a very gentle grade. The trail is faded (2003) at first as it crosses the meadows of Devils Thumb Park, but after crossing the meadows, it become distinct and easy to follow. The trail climbs along Cabin Creek while passing some waterfalls. The trail becomes steep and climbs to timberline. There are some small campsites located in a meadow near timberline. The views open up and the trail climbs to Devils Thumb Pass (11,747 feet elevation) after 3.4 miles. Enjoy the fine views in all directions from the pass. Note that the topo map does not show the trail correctly. The trail actually follows the north side of Devils Thumb Park and stays well north of where it is marked on the map until the creek crossing. The trail then stays a bit south of where it is marked on the map for the entire way to the pass.
From Devils Thumb Pass, climb north along a hiker made trail and towards the peak. Make sure to stop and enjoy the spectacular views of Devils Thumb along the way. The peak is about .8 miles from the pass. There is some minor scrambling of up to class-2 in difficulty. There are some spectacular views in all directions from the summit.
