Monday, August 24, 2015

Scarp Ridge Hike

 

On Saturday we drove 6 miles up Kebler Pass Road from Crested Butte to Irwin Lake campground for the western (easier) approach to Scarp Ridge. With six people we needed to take two cars, which worked out well since Chuck, Carla and Debbie hiked two miles to a lovely basin, and Chris, Jim and I continued on another mile or so up to the ridge. The trail is really a rocky jeep road for over two miles but fortunately we were only passed by a few vehicles.

Crested Butte, CO1

It’s a fairly steep climb up the road where we passed a couple houses, waterfalls, and lots of flowers.

DSC02890

P1020685

DSC02892

Prepared for the winter.

DSC02919

At around two miles the road levels off and to the right is a nice rock outcropping, where some other hikers were stopped to eat lunch. It was hazy over Lake Irwin.

DSC02900

We could see a faint trail ahead but weren’t sure if that was the way we should continue so I went to check it out.

P1020689

The views into this beautiful basin just kept getting better.

DSC02895

DSC02898

This is where the other half of our gang decided to turn back for a little over 4 miles round trip. It’s a good workout with great views up to this point, but we wanted to get up on the ridge.

DSC02897

So up the steep road we continued, although it soon leveled off. We came to a fork in the road and asked some other hikers where the trail was. They said it depended upon where we wanted to go, either up to the ridge or up Ruby Mountain. Looking at the faint trail switchbacking it’s way up Ruby Mountain we chose the trail to the ridge. Maybe another day.

DSC02902

Then we soon lost the trail, crossed a patch of snow, and had to bushwack our way to the trail we could see in the distance. The people we asked for directions went a different way where they also lost the trail and ended up ultimately following in our tracks.

Crested Butte, CO2

DSC02905

After one more steep climb up we were on the ridge.

DSC02906

P1020710

It is absolutely gorgeous up there.

DSC02909

DSC02914

P1020699

P1020702

P1020713

Chris and Jim were finishing their lunch while I went off to see if we could get over to the next higher ridge where we could see people.

DSC02913

P1020703

A Julie Andrews moment for sure.

P1020711

There was a sheer drop and no way to cross so we figured there must be a way to cut across at a lower level. Again, that would be for another day.

P1020708 

A dark cloud moved overhead so we thought it best to start back down. We actually managed to stay on the trail all the way back. We had light rain for the last mile but just as we got to the car the sky really let loose.

P1020714

P1020715

We hiked just under 7 miles with 1,400’ of elevation gain. If we ever go back I think I would want to try the shorter but steeper middle approach to Scarp Ridge. It’s a little more climbing but gets you up even higher, which is always a good thing.

14 comments:

  1. You two are seeing some of the most beautiful country this summer. Love your photos! We have lots of hikes ahead of us in CO thanks to you two.

    ReplyDelete
  2. OK Julie, Another informative post - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It sounds like you are getting addicted to mountains, "Julie."

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful photos and description of the hike! While camping at Lake Irwin last year we did the Scrap Ridge trail and I remember Joalenn wanting more oxygen. If I remember correctly, the trail starts at 10,400 ft and ends around 12,000 ft.
    Many nice hikes around Crested Butte. If you want an easy flat 4 mile RT hike try Brush Creek trail. Take 135 south out of CB about 2 miles, watch for Brush Creek road turn left and go 1.8 miles on Brush Creek road to the TH. Or, a more lengthy hike but very nice is the Oh-be-joyful trail to Blue Lake. Just take 734 out of CB four miles and TH will be on your left. Wishing you safe travels...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John, we did the Brush Creek trail the other day, very nice. Oh-be-Joyful is on the list. Lots to choose from around here!

      Delete
  5. WOW is all I can say. You sure do find the beautiful places to hike. I thought the flower pictures with the beautiful background and the waterfall pictures were lovely but those basin views are jaw dropping. What a stunning place. That people live there with this as their backyard is just amazing. Although I really do hate snowmobiles.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just one spectacular hike after another!

    ReplyDelete
  7. That looks like my kinda hike...sorry I missed it. Hope you left me some breadcrumbs...

    ReplyDelete
  8. It would be impossible to spend a summer in CO and not be blown away by the beauty! Those ridge lines are amazing! Thanks for taking me there.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Another tough day in the trail:) Gorgeous day out discovering beauty. It is addicting and you just have to keep going "just a little farther:)"

    ReplyDelete
  10. If the snow hasn't melted by now, does that make it a glacier? That picture with the flowers in the foreground is spectacular.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Dear Jim - HELP! What GPS do you use on your hikes. I have an eTrex20 and a hell-of-a-time downloading maps and getting accurate milage on a hike. I would appreciate any suggestions...

    Thank you SO much, Susan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan, check out this post. http://littleadventures-jg.blogspot.com/2013/09/an-app-for-that.html

      Let me know if you have any more questions or email me direct.

      Jim

      Delete
    2. Perfect! I'm checking out Timble. Do you ever have phone battery issues on long or multiple day hikes? Don't have an email address for you - sorry

      Delete