Spearhead Mountain

Overview

Spearhead Mountain is a delightful, ranked 11er quite close to the Denver metro area. While the summit is well timbered, the summit area is studded with rocky outcrops around the mountain, providing high-country views in most directions. Contained within the Mount Evans Wilderness, the summit of Spearhead Mountain provides views of higher peaks both near and far. The standard (Threemile Creek) route to the summit of Spearhead involves mostly on-trail travel with a short off-trail climb, making this mountain a worthy goal for beginner to intermediate bushwackers.

Colorado Rank: 1663rd highest mountain in Colorado
Mountain Range: Front Range
USGS Quad: Mount Evans
Trails Illustrated Map: #104 (Idaho Springs / Georgetown / Loveland Pass)
Rank and Prominence Reference: Lists of John

Getting There

Spearhead Mountain is located in northeastern Park County, about four miles as the raven flies due north of the town of Grant on Hwy 285. The most logical and direct access to Spearhead Mountain is via Guanalla Pass Road, which runs twenty-two miles between Georgetown (Clear Creek Valley) to the north and Grant (Geneva Creek Valley) to the south. This road further links Interstate 70 to the north and U.S. Highway 285 to the south. Traveling Guanella Pass road from end-to-end requires about one hour of driving time and the route, while only partially paved, is suitable for passenger cars (no 4x4 required).

Red Tape

Spearhead Mountain is located in the Mount Evans Wilderness. Wilderness regulations apply, and include, per the Wilderness Act of 1964:

• Only foot traffic is allowed in the wilderness and all dogs must be on a leash.
• Motorized equipment is prohibited, including chain saws, battery powered tools, generators, etc.
• Mechanized transportation is prohibited, including, including bicycles, hang gliders or carts.
• Aircraft, including helicopters, are prohibited from landing, or dropping off/picking up any materials, supplies or persons.
• Please follow LNT (Leave No Trace) principals.

There is no fee for using this area, nor is any pre-registration necessary. Be courteous to land management professionals, and wise with an eye toward your own safety should anything go wrong, and register your party at the self-service kiosk at the wilderness boundary.

Parking for the popular trailheads along Guanella Pass road can be extremely limited. Arrive early or visit during the week to avoid disappointment should no parking be available.

Camping

Backcountry Camping
The upper Threemile Creek area would make for lovely backcountry camping, though be forewarned that proximity of this area to Denver, in general, and to Guanella Pass, in particular, could mean you will “enjoy” plenty of company. There is at least one established backcountry site in this area, a pleasant flat area, free of willows, near where the northern and southern upper drainages come together to form Threemile Creek.

Established National Forest Frontcountry Sites
The National Forest Service operates numerous car camping sites in the area. Those most convenient to the Threemile Trailhead are as follows:

Whiteside Campground
One-half mile south of the Threemile Trailhead on Guanella Pass Road, along Geneva Creek.
• 5 campsites, tents only
• Elevation: 8900 feet
• Open year round
• Facilities include tables, vault toilets and fire rings (NO water).
Burning Bear Campground
Less than three miles north of the Threemile Trailhead on Guanella Pass Road, near the trailhead for Abyss Trail.
• 14 campsites
• Elevation: 9500 feet
• Open year round
• Facilities include tables, vault toilets and fire rings.
Geneva Park Campground
Roughly four miles north of the Threemile Trailhead via Guanella Pass Road, about one-half mile up Geneva Creek Road (FS 119).
• 26 campsites
• Elevation: 9800 feet
• Camping season: May into September
• Facilities include tables, vault toilets and fire rings (NO water).

Weather & Seasons

External Links

Guanella Pass Road information from Byways.org

Images

View Spearhead Mountain Image Gallery - 11 Images