La Plata Gulch Trail, Collegiate Peaks Wilderness CO

August 8, 2016

La Plata Peak's rocky summit rising above a forested valley, framed by a tall pine in the foreground

This trail goes to the top of La Plata Peak, which is the fifth highest peak in Colorado at 14,336', but I didn't even attempt to climb it. *laughs

If you WERE to hike the entire trail it'd be 9.25 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 4,500' - Ugh.

I did, however, hike approximately 2.5 miles (elevation 11,246') to the La Plata Gulch. It's a steep, well defined trail that climbs up through the pines and over South Fork Lake Creek. Between 10,400' and 10,700' there are log and stone steps that make the climb a bit easier.

A grassy, willow-lined gulch leading up toward a bare mountain ridge, framed by dense pine forest A grassy meadow trail leading through pine forest toward a cloud-covered mountain ridge A talus slope in the foreground with pine forest and La Plata Peak's rocky summit rising beyond

TED: Totally Excellent Dog

Teddy has some weird genetic hair issues going on. He's gone from short hair to long hair to a full mane to no mane, with plenty of iterations in between—and it doesn't depend on the season!

He's always happy to answer any questions too! You can email us at hillary@mybuzzabout.com but I'll respond for him as he hasn't gotten the knack of typing yet. WOOF!

Teddy the dog looking out a car window Close up of Teddy the dog