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- Seasonal Trail Positions Closed
– March 7, 2013
CFI is no longer accepting applications for 2013 seasonal positions. If still interested in becoming a member of our 2014 seasonal trail crew, please check … Read More
- Seasonal Trail Positions Open!
– January 9, 2013
Colorado Fourteeners Initiative will have an expanded field presence in 2013. We are looking for 16 enthusiastic, hard-working seasonal staff leaders/members to complete these projects … Read More
- Everyone Poops…Even in the Woods
– November 9, 2012
The end of the season is here. Basecamp is packed out and it’s time to clean the “groover” buckets. For an extra hundred bucks, Andy … Read More
- Finding the Word to Sum Up a Season
– November 2, 2012
What does it feel like to open 3,300 feet of new, durably constructed, sustainably located trail? No one word can describe that specific moment. The … Read More
La Plata Peak
- Elevation:14,336 feet (5th highest)
- Maps:USGS Quads: Independence Pass & Mount Elbert
Trails Illustrated® TOPO map #127
(Aspen/Independence Pass)
Click here to purchase Trails Illustrated® maps for this route. - Contact:US Forest Service, Leadville Ranger District: (719) 486-0749.
Recommended Route
The Northwest Ridge is the standard route to La Plata’s summit. Hikers often cut the numerous switchbacks on this route, a practice which leads to braided trails and the trampling of fragile alpine plants. Please help preserve La Plata by staying on the designated trail and following cairns through sections of the route that pass through talus along the ridgeline. For detailed route information including directions, photos, maps, and elevation profiles, please click here.
Route Information and Additional Resources
From US-24, take CO-82 W towards Twin Lakes. Drive 14.5 miles and the parking area and trailhead are on the left.
The trailhead begins on the South Fork Lake Creek Road. Leave this road to follow the trail after about 1/3 mile. Follow the trail to the ridge at 12,700 and continue on the Northwest Ridge to the summit.
The above information does not replace the need to consult additional maps and Colorado Fourteener Guidebooks for more detailed route descriptions. We suggest checking multiple resources before departing on any hike. Keep in mind that not all guidebooks list this recommended route and that each guidebook’s description or route name may vary slightly.
Peak Specific Environmental and Safety Concerns
This route enters the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area. Group size must be limited to 15 and dogs must be kept on leash and away from lakes and streams.
CFI’s Work and Current Volunteer Needs
In 1999, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado completed trail work and a reroute near La Plata’s summit. In 2004 and 2005, CFI’s Adopt-A-Peak staff worked to complete a small reroute with the assistance of several youth corps programs. While Colorado College’s New Student Orientation group provides some assistance on La Plata, CFI’s Adopt-A-Peak program needs another group to help with trail maintenance on this peak. Groups that perform these duties through our Adopt-A-Peak program provide an invaluable service to Colorado’s high peaks by preventing future damage and promoting full recovery from past impacts.
If your group is interested in volunteering on La Plata or on a different Fourteener, please contact CFI at 303/278-7365 or via e-mail at adopt@14ers.org. We also offer a range of different volunteer opportunities for individuals. Find out more here.