La Plata Peak and Mount Princeton

[Bergger]

My wife and I took off Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for a little fun. Sunday we drove up to Leadville for lunch and a little hanging out. They just completed the Leadville 100 mile race. I like to run but man those people are sick! We want to do it someday! After Leadville we drove past Winfield and camped at the La Plata Peak Trail Head. Monday morning we made the 9 mile round trip climb. The peak is 14,336 ft. It was absolutely spectacular. We then drove down to Johnstown and had a late lunch at the Coyote Canteena. We always stop there when in the area, great Mexican food. We then set up camp at Chalk Lake. Tuesday morning we drove to the top of Mount Princeton Rd then made the short but steep 2 1/2 mile climb to the summit of Princeton, 14,197 ft. We had a great time. Here are a few pics of the trip.

Vicksburg Colorado Ghost Town
Attachment 10155
Valley going up to La Plata Peak
Attachment 10156
Half way up La Plata Peak
Attachment 10157
La Plata Peak Summit
Attachment 10159
Climbing Mount Princeton
Attachment 10160
Mount Princeton Summit
Attachment 10161

[woodwizard]

Excellent get-a-way. Did you spend any time in the hot springs after climbing? Did you continue up to St. Elmo? over Tincup Pass and into Tincup? Have you driven to the summit of Mt Antero looking for aqua marine deposits?Nice pics

[Bergger]

Thanks for the comments. Did not go up to St Elmo this trip. We have been up there 3 or 4 times before. I love that town. Chalk Creek is one of out farvorite places to go. We've been up to Hancock, the Mary Murphy Mine and Pomeroy Lakes. We still have not gone up the Mount Antero Trail or the others that split off of it. Maybe next year. I've been wanting to get over to Tincup for a long time, I need to pick me up one of those tincups they sell there. Tomorrow we leave for the Monarch Pass area and plan on doing Tomichi Pass and visiting the West side of the Alpine Tunnel. If time allows we may continue up the road to Tincup. Have you done the Antero rd? How tough is the beginning section?

[woodwizard]

Years back a bunch of us drove up to a bowl and camped. I drove a F-250, 2wheel drive. Above the bowl, as the road continues to the summit, it gets rougher with tight switch backs. The road had been continued to the top for the aqua marine mining operation. If you're a rock hound, walk the slopes down to the bowl. There may be some excellent specimens. If you travel with friends, check out the Mt Princeton Hot Springs- rustic and authentic http://www.mtprinceton.com/. If hot water and privacy are in order, check out the Mt Antero Hot Springs. A bit pricy but a complete experience. Could be used for a base camp for the area. http://www.anterohotsprings.com/
If you head over Tincup, the road will divide briefly over the summit. The 1 fork will take you down the old wagon road with some rock crawlling challanges or you travel down the vehicle road which is rough. You drop down into the Taylor Reservoir. There are some wonderful camp spots in that area. If you return from Taylor Reservoir over Cottonwood Pass, the old wagon road will be on your northside. Then you could stay at Cottonwood Hot Springs- another gem. Hot water help tired backsides from too many rough roads. Enjoy