La Plata Peak Trail #1474

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Features River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

La Plata Peak is Colorado's fifth highest at 14,336 feet, and unlike most 14ers, it has an official US Forest Service trail all the way to the summit. This is the La Plata Gulch Trail (#1474), also known as La Plata Peak Trail. This trail is 4.3 miles long with a 4,350 foot elevation gain, and makes the standard route for climbing La Plata Peak. Mountaineers may sometimes refer to this as the Northwest Ridge route on La Plata.

The parking spot for the La Plata Peak Trail is located just off of Highway 82, though the trailhead is actually located about a five-minute walk up 82C, a dirt road leaving to the south that quickly crosses North Fork Lake Creek. Once on the trail you'll quickly cross a bridge where South Fork Lake Creek tumbles into some nice cascades. Turn right on the trail following the bridge. Hike for another half mile through the forest to encounter another stream crossing, after which the grade becomes considerably steeper. You'll climb about 1,500 feet over the next few miles before the trail levels off a bit in a valley.

After about a mile in the valley the trail heads up to the top of La Plata Peak with an abundance of switchbacks that lead to a ridge. More switchbacks await, then some scrambling. You'll likely notice several false summits, so stay focused on your destination. As you near the top the trail will cut left to the summit. Congratulations on reaching the fifth-highest 14er in the Rockies! - Description by Tim Henke, Outdoor Project

Pika, Marmots, Ptarmigans and high alpine flowers dot the landscape.