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An awesome, unique high alpine hike to over 12,000', but a steep finish.


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Map Key

18.7

Miles

30.1

KM

Point to Point

12,258' 3,736 m

High

9,346' 2,849 m

Low

3,010' 917 m

Up

3,440' 1,049 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

36%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This is an incredible journey over TWO passes near 12,000' with views galore. It is long and committing. Many good camp spots exist for backpackers. There are plenty of water sources if you have a filter.

Need to Know

Because you spend over 3 miles around 12,000' between the two passes (with no escape possible), this is a particularly bad place to be in a thunderstorm.

Description

In the SE corner of the ski area overflow parking lot, look for a bridge crossing the Tenmile Creek and/or the Colorado Trail information sign. Rather than crossing the creek, the trail heads directly south keeping the creek on your left-hand side. In a short distance, it crosses over highway 91 and continues on great rolling singletrack with several bridge crossings and a few short downhill sections as it crosses the ski resort. There are a few times as you cross the resort that the trail merges with maintenance roads for short distances - continue on keeping your eye out for CT trail signs.

The trail then begins to enter heavier treed sections via nice wide switchbacks. As you leave the ski area, the trail bends south and heads up Guller Creek, which you'll cross a few times. Most crossings have bridges. You'll remain along Guller Creek for about 2.5 miles while you chew up about 1000' of elevation gain.

Next, you'll hike a few long switchbacks to climb your way out of treeline and into the lower basin below Elk Mountain. Once above treeline the trail tends back south, giving you your first view of Searle Pass. The pass is only approximately a mile away (500 vertical feet) at this time but, remember you're at 12000'. At the pass, enjoy the views, a snack, and a well-deserved break. This is also a good point to turn around if weather conditions, or physical fitness are questionable; bearing in mind that the return to Copper Mountain is 7 miles and incorporates a short climb back into the ski area boundary.

The CT between Searle and Kokomo Passes is a very unique, timberline traverse, punctuated with short climbs. The hike high point is 1/2 mile east of Kokomo Pass. Again, offering stunning views to the south and Climax Mine; and a second opportunity to assess conditions and fitness. This is the final commitment point.

Descend 1/2 mile to Kokomo Pass, and continue a 5-mile descent to Camp Hale. There are absolutely stunning views to the west of the Holy Cross Ridgeline including Mountain of the Holy Cross in the first mile below Kokomo Pass.

3.5 miles below Kokomo Pass, cross Cataract Creek. Below this crossing the trail becomes pretty steep and loose, and watch your ankles. A mile below the creek crossing bottom out at the southeastern corner of Camp Hale on road 714, East Fork Eagle Road.

Flora & Fauna

Spanning 3,500 feet in elevation, you'll find an abundance of the usual alpine and sub-alpine species. Marmots and wildflowers are perhaps the most common.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nick Wilder

Trail Ratings

  5.0 from 6 votes

#852

Overall
  5.0 from 6 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#170

in Colorado

#852

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Photos

Looking South from Searle Pass
Aug 22, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Looking towards Janet's Cabin nestled in the trees below Searle Pass.
Aug 1, 2017 near Copper…, CO
Above Janet's Cabin
Aug 22, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Friendly marmot at the top of Searle Pass.
Aug 22, 2015 near Brecken…, CO
Heading out of Guller Creek and beginning the climb.
Jul 31, 2018 near Copper…, CO
Contemplating the climb ahead.
Jul 31, 2018 near Copper…, CO

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