The Hike. A 360 o view from … Plans are to be on the mountain early. … From American Basin, the hike is less then 6 miles roundtrip with under 3000′ of gain. Handies Peak is without question the easiest 14er in the San Juans. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. Trail Summary: Handies Peak is a 14er located near Lake City in the Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area. Amazingly beautiful hike and a relatively easy 14er., but the last 3/4 mile is quite steep. Contacts. By 1900 the Tabasco Meat Sauce Company, which was the financier for a silver mine in the area, had built a 100 ton mill to … Redcloud Peak and Sunshine Peak area accessed by Silver Creek Trail from the west. Of all the Colorado 14ers ranked by difficulty, it is the easiest. Definitely need at least all wheel drive, 4WD to get exactly to the trailhead. link Copy Link. Handies Peak Climbing Notes. The hike to the top is short and has a few options, but the East Slopes route is by far the most scenic in my opinion. But it is gorgeous all the way and views from the top oh so good! From the summit, views of the surrounding San Juan mountains were just great. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The Hike. This opinionated guide includes all the hikes in the Ouray, Telluride, Silverton and Lake City sections of the website plus info on local services and nearby attractions. Handies Peak is a 14er located outside of Lake City, Colorado. … It was windy, but there was a cold front blowing in so I'm sure during the summer you get a lot of calm days. Just be smart, take your time, and use common sense on this amazingly beautiful drive up. The elevation. American Basin was also so beautiful to camp in! There was a good trail all the way to the summit, and no confusing trail-junctions. Handies Peak is a 5.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. 3,579 ft. Elev Gain. An impressive chain of craggy peaks towers above the head of the basin while the valley’s eastern wall is dominated by the massive bulk of Handies Peak (14,048-ft.). The lake view is really nice. But Handie's should get TEN due to its lovely, meandering switchbacks and distinct trail (which garners it a Class 1 rating). The American Basin is famous for its summer wildflower blooms – that alone makes it worth the long drive to the San Juans for this classic climb. Only added about a mile to the hike round trip. The hardest part about hiking to Handies? Full Details. We made it to the trailhead in a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and it was far from easy. The others had been there long enough to enjoy the views and get pretty cold with lower temperatures and wind. It stated that the tent leaked; … Grizzly Gulch Trailhead This hike followed the BLUE line: View Colorado Chris Hikes in a larger map. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Don't miss Sloan Lake on the way up..a gem of a lake just off the trail. Handies Peak by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr. Handies was a wonderful hike. There are two commonly used trails to the summit of Handies Peak: one goes up through American Basin on the west side of the mountain, and the other approaches the peak from the east through Grizzly Gulch. Hiked on 10/11. Handies Peak is a Class 1 hike with a trail that consists of mostly dirt. Colorado Rocky Mountains Drone Footage August 2016 - Duration: 3:18. For the hike, my GPS clocked almost exactly 6 miles round trip and took me about 2:45 at a good clip. But the southwest slopes were fairly dry compared with the east aspect, and descending to Grizzly Gulch I questioned my wisdom in wearing tennis shoes. This was my first ever 14er this past Sunday. From here, simply hike up on the excellent trail with the steepest pitch along a gravelly trail right below the summit. There are different trails to reach the summit, but the most popular and least technical route starts in American Basin. We did it in a Jeep Renegade Trailhawk from Lake City. Handies Peak is a 8.5 kilometer moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Silverton, Colorado that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Handies Peak. Now I knew getting late starts in … Of all the 14ers, Handies peak takes the cake as the easiest to hike. Handies Peak is the 41st highest peak in Colorado and is in the San Juan range. This guide describes the hike to Handies Peak via the standard route on the southwest slopes using the American Basin Trail. Handies has two routes that start reasonably close to one another. Turn left and continue east onto a rocky area where much of the remaining route can now be seen - 11. Uncompahgre Peak at 14,308’, Handies Peak at 14,048’ and Wetterhorn Peak at 14,016’ Highlander RV Campground (Lake City) El Diente Peak at 14,159’ Dolores River Campground (Dolores) Priest Gulch Campground (Dolores) The View RV Park & Campground (Dolores) Mt Wilson at 14,246’, Mt Sneffels at 14,150’, and Wilson Peak at 14,017’ Two-track to our campsite. Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Gunnison Gorge NRA. We wanted to get over the mountains before it snowed, so we moved rather quickly. Elevation gain not easy if you live at sea level - be ready to huff and puff! GPX; KML 3.9 mi. American Basin is the shorter route and more traveled, however the road to get there is rougher. Length 5.3 miElevation gain 2,440 ftRoute type Out & back We went the Silverton route. It sits at 14,058’ elevation and is the 40th highest peak in Colorado and 8th highest in the San Juan Mountains. Plans are to be on the mountain early. The Details Handies is a missing link in Colorado wilderness. American Basin Shadows by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr. Trail Summary: Handies Peak is a 14er located near Lake City, Colorado in the San Juan range. The road to the trailhead was rough but I made it in my Subaru Crosstrek (from the Lake City side) without too much difficulty. No hiking poles necessary. share Share . Returned around 6pm. 2 reviews of Handies Peak "It should be no surprise that I'm giving a 14er a 5-star review. I arrived around noon, set up my tent, and started the hike at 2pm. Hiked on 10/22/20. Handies Peak is probably considered the easiest 14er, since it is only 7 miles RT and gains a mere 2,400 ft. If you keep going a bit further at the parking lot (if you can see a road) you can park even closer to the trailhead. Short hike with tremendous views. I broke out my tent (REI QD1 Gen 3) from the REI garage sale. Not a cloud in the sky, absolutely breathtaking (literally and figuratively). Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. It’s new views the whole way! It is only 2.1 miles from the American Basin Trailhead to the summit, and the elevation gain is … Trail Ratings 5.0 from 7 votes #2 in Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area #690 Overall. I saw very few people on the trail in the morning and had the top to myself around 9 am. Hiking Trails (7) Reviews (22) 1. Die Route ist das ganze Jahr über zugänglich. Matthew Walton 13,285 views. The lake was gorgeous. The Grouse Creek trail leads to American Basin and the west side of Handies peak. Only 4 other people on this trail the morning I went up. At sea level, 20.9% of the air you breathe is oxygen. Notice how much the light changed by … The view from the top of the mountain, no matter how arduous the hike, is always worth five stars. Each time we’d climbed, we’d driven by the start of the second easiest Handies route which begins at Grizzly Gulch. At 14,048 feet of elevation, you’re missing 43% of that oxygen. But once you get to the pass, you can pretty much see the peak, and you'll be inspired to get there. Of all the 14ers, Handies peak takes the cake as the easiest to hike. You’ll won’t find a shorter route, or one with less elevation gain, than this one! The east slopes route is by far the best way to go up to the summit in my opinion. First 14er, easy in that it follows a trail the whole time, hard in that it’s high up elevation so harder to catch your breath. Due to how remote the mountain is, there will be far less people joining you on your trip, which is a huge plus for some. June, 2006: Handies from various locations on Redcloud and Sunshine. Handies Peak from Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch Trailhead is a 7.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Lake City, Colorado that offers the chance to see wildlife and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. 98/month Shared By: Jared Nelson on Jun 28, 2020 Admins: Leo Paik, John McNamee, Frances Fierst, Monty, Monomaniac, Tyler KC. It just got too steep/ rocky. Anna found herself a great recliner rock on the way down. Even if you don't summit the peak, the areas within the basin are beautiful; I want to come back and see this area with the wildflowers in bloom- I can only imagine... If the wild flowers had been in bloom, that would've made it even more spectacular. Handies looms in the background. This is a class 1 hike on a well-marked and easy to follow trail. Handies Peak is the 40th highest summit in the state of Colorado, sitting at 14,048′ above sea level. So from Lake City, follow AllTrail directions, or those from 14er.com, they are both accurate. The view from the top of the mountain, no matter how arduous the hike, is always worth five stars. Handies Peak The hike up Handies was relatively easy. I was driving a Ford Edge (7" clearance) and had absolutely no problems getting to the lower American Basin parking area- it's a very short and flat .50 mile hike to the TH from this parking area (and that's the ONLY part of the road where a 4x4 is a must) My vehicle has AWD, but I never used it. The hardest part is getting to the trailhead, with about 13 miles of rocky dirt road, the last several miles deteriorating to 4WD. Overview Grizzly Gulch is arguably the most popular trail to Handies Peak, one of the five 14,000 ft. peaks in the area. The wind was really fierce as I struggled my way on the snow covered trail to Handies’ summit via the south ridge (class 2 according to my guidebook, but I would rather say class 1 because of the excellent trail). A group of us are planning to hike Handies Peak about mid-August. Time. First 14’er and very doable. Probably will need 5-6 rooms for our group. Handies Peak. Er führt entlang eines Sees, entlang eines Flusses und es gibt schöne Wildblumen und oftmals Wildtiere zu sehen. "This would fill a critical gap between Uncompahgre and Weminuche Wilderness Areas," says Mark Peason, author of the Complete Guide to Colorado's Wilderness Areas. Handies Peak is a great intermediate 14er that is good for beginner … Who said you have to hike Handies Peak as an out-and-back trail?! However, there really are no "easy" 14ers, so perhaps it is more accurate to say that this hike is one of the least difficult 14ers. a little bit after Animus Forks). I've done it before, and I'll do it again! Check out my trip report from hiking Colorado's Handies Peak, loop style and download the free phone wallpaper! Took my dog, and she loved it as well. Great for beginners. We hiked from Grizzly Gulch TH. Don't drive a Cadillac Deville or expect to be a rally racer getting there- you will have problems. Elevation: 4282 m; Difficulty: Walk up; Best months to climb: June, July, August, September; Convenient center: Lake City; Update info or location. The standard route through American Basin was pleasant, with abundant wildflowers, waterfalls, and marmots. DIFFICULT 3.9 mi. Insane views at the peak. I summited this 14er on 9/25/20. There are two approaches to Handies Peak: from American Basin and from Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch. Handies is considered one the “easiest” of Colorado’s Fourteeners (mountains above 14,000 ft). First, you need a 4WD car capable of creek crossings (high clearance) to make it to the upper trailhead. June, 2002: Handies Peak and American Basin (right) seen from the Cinnamon Pass road. Great hike and great day! On Sunday morning we woke up to my alarm at 3:30am and were on our way up the trail to Handies Peak by 4:00am. We took our time as we were a little fatigued from completing Wetterhorn the day before which was much more intensive. Trail Summary: Handies Peak is a 14er located near Lake City in the Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area. Shared By: Tom Robson. Camp Two-Track by IntrepidXJ, on Flickr. All other cars were trucks, Jeeps and ATVs. I have a AWD 4W drive and I had to stop 5 miles before the TH. This Class 2 trail goes for four-plus miles one way, with an elevation gain of 3,650 feet. The climb up Handies is quite nice scenery and the summit is noted for its remotness from civilization. We can add it! FoorYourSuccess 6,219 views. This is for a 50th birthday celebration. This was my first 14er. You start hiking around 11,600 ft, then summit at 14,048. Overview. Use the whole road and follow others tracks if you're questioning which line to run. Please submit any useful information about climbing Handies Peak that may be useful to other climbers. An awesome hike. This is only for the way there to “warn”/inform other people. I've done all Colorado's 14ers and Handies is amazing! The sun was hot and the wind was freezing, so layer up! Distance: 2.3 miles (round trip) to Sloan Lake 5.4 miles (round trip) to Handies Peak; Elevation: 11,600-ft. at Trailhead Loved it! This trail starts at the Silver Creek/Grizzly Gulch Trailhead, which is right across the “street” from the trailhead for Sunshine and Redcloud Peaks. My rating is solely given on the fact that I didn’t do the research well enough on which road to take to the trailhead. While the hike to Handies is steep, gaining almost 2,500-ft. in 2.7 miles, it follows a good trail the entire way and is not difficult. Handies Peak is probably considered the easiest 14er, since it is only 7 miles RT and gains a mere 2,400 ft. Handies Peak was my 7th fourteener summit. Did this as a backpacking overnight over Labor Day weekend in Sep 2020. hike Handies Peak is a high and prominent mountain summit of the San Juan Mountains range in the Rocky Mountains of North America . This trip was part 14er attempt / part training hike (5 miles RT), frame pack, and gear trial run pre-Glacier. We rested in the shadows for a bit and resumed the hike up towards the saddle between Handies Peak and American Peak. Absolutely breathtaking views! The hike to the summit is filled with visual delights. The trailhead is not too far off the main roads, the trail is well marked, and the views are absolutely stunning. This terrific hike wanders through beautiful American Basin, visits scenic Sloan Lake and then ascends to the summit of Handies Peak (14,048-ft.) with spectacular panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. From the American Basin, the trail was very solid and mostly gentle (except for the last 500 feet of elevation), and the view was phenomenal the entire way. From the top, enjoy the excellent San Juan views. The 14,058-foot (4284.8 m) fourteener is located in the Bureau of Land Management Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area, 13.4 miles (21.5 km) southwest by west (bearing 232°) of the Town of Lake City in Hinsdale County, Colorado, United States. I chose this mountain because it’s relatively close to home, but mainly because it is one of the easier trails to the top of a 14er. Grizzly Gulch is a longer climb, but it has the advantage that you … Nice morning hike, not too difficult at all with decent elevation gain. Location: 37.9212988, -107.4914038 ©Kim Phillips. While it can’t be emphasized enough that any 14er is a significant physical challenge due to elevation, this hike is generally considered among the most accessible in a wilderness area. Camped at the lake (note it’s above tree line so plan accordingly). The hike itself is fairly straightforward and definitely not technical in the sense that there is no mountaineering involved; just a straight hike up a ridge line. The last 500 ft, probably the hardest... steep, but also incredibly windy this time of the year. The lake is pretty and a great spot for a quiet lunch or nap. Trip Report: Handies Peak (14,048′) Route: We chose the East Slopes Route, Class 2, at 8 miles round trip and about 3650′ of altitude gain. The road was very rough, especially the last section leading up to the trail. The trail offers a number of activity options and … Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. Route: The trail rises from the road between Silverton and Animas Forks at 10,700 feet. I would highly recommend renting an ATV if you don’t have a AWD/4WD, just for the peace of mind. Handies Peak - 14053' - Class 1 Wetterhorn Peak - 14015' - Class 3 June 2012. Page … Handies Peak via American Basin Road. Gunnison BLM, near Lake City in Southwest Colorado, This terrific hike wanders through beautiful American Basin, visits scenic Sloan Lake and then ascends to the summit of Handies Peak (14,048-ft.) with spectacular panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.Read Full Description. Once gaining the saddle, views east into the next valley over were presented with the morning sun welcoming us. So I came up with a plan! July, 2006: Handies Peak seen during a hike from American Basin. The area is absolutely gorgeous, and I will definitely be coming back to try again! At the head of the valley the route climbs to picturesque Sloan Lake (12,920-ft.), an alpine gem tucked in a rocky bowl beneath the valley’s rugged headwall. The Grouse Creek trail leads to American Basin and the west side of Handies peak. 3. (completed 9/16) At 71,800 acres, Handies is one of the state's largest unprotected roadless areas, and it delivers quintessential Rockies terrain: 12 miles of the Colorado and Continental … MODERATE 2.7 mi. Well acclimated and reasonably fit hiker should have no problems reaching to top. Loop hikes are my favorite anyways. Handies Peak as seen from Pass 13,020', is a gentle behemoth embracing all climbers. June, 2002: Taken during a hike to the Handies summit. If the wild flowers had been in bloom, that would've made it even more spectacular. Probably will need 5-6 rooms for our group. Located in the Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area , the summit is the highest point managed by the Bureau of … There are different trails to reach the summit, but the most popular and least technical route starts in American Basin. Facebook; Twitter; Email; directions Driving Directions. The two most popular trailheads to climb Handies are the American Basin trailhead, and the Grizzly Gulch trailhead. Dogs and horses are also able to use this trail. For me, it was well worth the extra mileage to get double the adventure. I was … Handies was a wonderful hike. Overview. Best Hiking Trails in Handies Peak Wilderness Study Area. We didn’t stay long on top because of the incoming weather, but long enough to get a few photos and take in the amazing panorama of God’s creation. Sights to See. From the summit, views of the surrounding San Juan mountains were just great. Not so for 14,048-foot Handies Peak, which can be summited on a relatively short trail (5.75 miles roundtrip) off of a decent road. Chris on Handies Peak Summit. June, 2002: Handies Peak and American Basin (right) seen from the … If you're lacking common sense or fortitude, perhaps the great outdoors isn't for you to begin with. Hiked on Friday 10/23/20. After my ankle/foot injury the day prior on Gladstone Peak, I wanted something easy to test myself before just packing … Few people, lots of wind. Otherwise add 2 miles 300 feet of elevation gain. Who: Me What: Handies and Wetterhorn Peaks When: June 11th and 12th Why: Took advantage of beautiful late afternoon climbs Stats: 8 miles and 3500 feet each day Recently I just hiked Handies Peak and Wetterhorn Peak and I started them both at 2 in the afternoon. 22 reviews link Copy Link. Spend enough time in the high country and you’ll become well-acquainted with marmots, the large rodents that eke … The hike to the top is short and sweet, but the views once you get there are absolutely stunning. A group of us are planning to hike Handies Peak about mid-August. That said, being able to hike Handies (or any 14er for that matter) is going to depend on the weather, your level of fitness and your experience with high alpine terrain. I think when reading the reviews it’s important to know that the easiest route is going from Lake City to the trailhead. Southwest Colorado. Handies Peak is the 40th highest summit in the state of Colorado, sitting at 14,048′ above sea level. The drive from Lake City to the TH took about 1.5 hours, but honestly this is some of the most gorgeous terrain in the country. Also shown on this map is the Cooper Creek Trail and Cooper Lake area. Overview. Every step sucks, and people not acclimated to altitude are sucking wind. … From Handies Peak you can also return via the American Basin Trail (Handies Peak) then follow the main road or hitchhike back down to your car. Walk east up Grouse Gulch to Pass 13,020'. Handies Peak - Colorado 14er Dayhike - Duration: 14:30. The Maxwells on top of Handies Peak. It was a perfect day! Kessler and I made the summit of Handies in one hour and 30 minutes. Good luck and stay safe. Windy, and you 'll be inspired to get there Mountains range in San! Arguably the most popular trailheads to climb Handies are the American Basin and from Silver Creek/Grizzly.... 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