Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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39.26000°N / 107.1708°W |
Route Type:
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Hike-Sramble |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Difficulty:
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Walk-up |
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Approach
From Carbondale take HWY 133 south for about 1.4 miles. the turn left on Prince Creek Rd. go another 6 miles to the fork in the road. Turn right at the fork and go another two miles the TH is about a quarter mile before dinkle lake. There is ample parking. The trail is usually accessible Memorial Day through September. Due to snow the trail may be impassable during Fall, winter, and Spring.
Route Description
From the parking lot take the trailhead to Thomas lakes and Mt. Sopris summit. The TH is elevation is about 8,650 and the hike is advertised at about 12 miles roundtrip. Once you reach the campground at the first Thomas Lake sign off in the book and collect your permit. I would highly recomend staying the night and getting an early start if you plan to reach both summits. This would be a good time to stock up on water as it is a very dry hike and no other water sources are available after the lakes.
Continue on the path to the second lake that is a little murkier and doesnt look as clean. Follow the well established trail for a couple miles until you pass timberline. You will run into a lot of scree so watch out for twisted ankles. There is still a well established trail most of the time. You will have to go over a few false summits to avoid getting cliffed out.
After some scrambling you will reach the east summit. If you have time i recommend checking it out a little. there are a few memorials and wonderful views of Capitol, Sunlight and many other peaks. If you plan on visiting the west peak drop into the saddle and prepare for a little walk it is longer than it looks. The west summit is not as large as the east. Both summits are about the same height. be sure to leave the West summit by noon to avoid adverse weather conditions.
The downhill is just as grueling so take your time as you will likely be tired. This hike can be done in a day but watch ot for weather.
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Essential Gear
In summer be sure to have sturdy boots strong tennis shoes. Loose pants nylon works best. If there is snow an ice axe won't be a bad idea, although it is not necessary.
In winter, or if there is a lot of snow be sure to dress warm. Ice axe is necessary, and snow shoes would be a good idea. Be sure to have avalanche training if you plan to summit in winter or spring months as Sopris has some extreme avalanche danger.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.