Trail Report - Handies Peak - Colorado
6.7 Miles Round Trip
2524 feet of elevation gain
Summit Elevation - 14,034'
Date Climbed: August 19, 2020
Climbers: Sheri, Paul
Handies Peak! - Most 14ers have great approach routes, including stunning
basins. After visiting the American Basin that leads to Handies Peak, I feel this is one of the most
beautiful approaches you will find. The towering cliffs of 13er American Peak that preside over this
awesome place will remind you of the Tetons!!
Getting to the American Basin is lots of fun as you'll be on a 4WD road whether
you come from Lake City or Silverton. It is off of the Alpine Loop and very near Cinnamon Pass. We were
staying in the remote town of Lake City, which is so much fun! While we didn't make it all the way to
the 4WD trailhead, we got part ways up past the 2WD trailhead. Sheri and I headed up the basin
towards Handies Peak!
The first part of the trail winds up and takes you closer and closer to
the cliffs on American Peak. A beautiful waterfall and the basin walls towards Cinnamon Pass are
so nice. The trail takes a left hand turn and heads into the upper part of the basin winding through
amazing scenery below American Peak.
Beautiful waterfall in the American Basin on the way to Handies Peak:
The lower part of American Basin on the way to Handies Peak:
The next stop is Sloan Lake. I've been by a lot of high mountain lake, but
this place is just so beautiful. The way it is nestled below American Peak, you can't see the lake
as you come up the trail. Then you take a small side trail and suddenly you are on the banks of this
incredible lake! We stopped and took about 150 pictures there!!
After you leave Sloan Lake, there is a very rocky section that crosses the
very upper part of basin below Pt 13588. There were a few small technical scambles along this portion
which wasn't Sheri's favorite, but she handled them no problem ... just take your time!! Finally you
come out of the American Basin up the south slopes of Handies.
Looking across the upper part of the American Basin to Sloan Lake:
The final pitches out of the basin are amazing as the views across the
San Juan Mountains open up as well as into the opposing basin from the saddle with Pt 13588. The
final pitch to the summit is a bit slippery but take your time and you'll be fine.
Sheri and I enjoyed the summit of Handies Peak all to ourselves on this
gorgeous day with views north to Redcloud and Sunshine, beyond to Wetterhorn and Uncompahgre, and
in beautiful mountains in all directions. What an amazing place.
The summit of Handies Peak:
Hope this has been enjoyable and / or helpful to anyone reading it!!
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