I never tire of visiting the La Plata Range in southwest Colorado. This range has something for most outdoor enthusiasts: spectacular summits offering some of the best scrambling in the state, remote-yet-accessible mountain valleys complete with fields of wildflowers and scenic waterfalls, and moderate hikes to several mountain summits.
On a recent visit we climbed one of the lesser-known mountains, Gibbs Peak (12,286 feet). Situated on a southern spur of the range, Gibbs provides outstanding views of the 13,000-foot peaks forming the heart of the range.
Old mine roads and trails take you most of the way up this mountain, leaving just a few hundred feet of scrambling to reach the summit. By scrambling standards this finish is classified as easy (Class 3), though being in the San Juan Mountains there is a little of the obligatory loose scree near the top! The summit register indicates that this peak is popular with family groups. Just take care, as usual.
Several older guidebooks indicate that the first 1.4 miles of the road up the Bedrock Creek drainage is suitable for passenger cars. I wouldn’t recommend this. Possibly in the intervening years the road has deteriorated in a few spots. Certainly though, four-wheel-drive vehicles with reasonable clearance should be able to drive the first section of the road. Some will want to drive farther.
Hike description
From the start of Forest Service Road 344, walk up the road as it heads northwest into the valley. A little way up the road you’ll encounter a Forest Service sign indicating that the road crosses private property for the next 330 feet. Continue on the road to mile 1.4, where the road makes a sharp turn to the left. This junction is where the old two-wheel- drive parking area was located.
Continue south as the road makes a rising traverse to reach a ridgeline at mile 1.9, then cuts back to the northwest, staying on or just to the west of the ridge. There are many old mining roads in this area — just stay on the main road.
By the way, the impressive ridge at the head of the valley, connecting Spiller Peak with West Babcock Peak, is known for good reason as the “Knife,” perhaps the premier scramble in the La Plata Range.
At mile 2.7, at an elevation of 10,860 feet, you’ll reach another road junction where the main road bears left (west). Continue on this road as it climbs through switchbacks to 11,420 feet at mile 3.3. Here, just before the road starts to descend, look for a couple of large cairns indicating the start of an old trail. Leave the road and follow the trail. At mile 3.6, the trail peters out after heading southwest on a long straight section. At this point (11,780 feet), the ridge narrows and a rougher climbers’ trail continues up the ridge through scrub to a flat spot at 12,000 feet.
From here it is a short, steep scramble to the summit on a combination of generally sound rock and loose scree. Enjoy the views before carefully reversing your route on the descent.
Dave Cooper is the author of “Colorado Snow Climbs: A Guide for All Seasons.”
The Details
Getting to the trailhead: From Durango, drive 11 miles west on U.S. 160 to the small town of Hesperus. At the west end of Hesperus, turn north on La Plata Road (County Road 124) . Drive 7.4 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 344 on the left. If you reach Bedrock Creek, you’ve gone 50 yards too far.
The sign for Forest Service Road 344 is difficult to see. A street-number sign at the start of the road is actually for a private residence located a short way up the road. Limited parking for two-wheel-drive vehicles is available at the start of the Forest Service road. The historic town site of La Plata (a few hundred yards farther up County Road 124) also has parking. Be careful not to block any access and to respect private property.
County Road 124 recently was graded and should be in good condition.
Hike statistics: From County Road 124 to the summit of Gibbs Peak is 3.9 miles each way, with an elevation gain of 3,160 feet. The hike can be shortened with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Difficulty: An easy walk along an old forest service road to a moderate trail hike, finishing with an easy scramble on loose rock to a scenic summit.
USGS Quads: La Plata, CO
