Clark Peak Climb

DJ  Friday, July 30, 2010

Adventure Review

In September of 2008 I decided to climb Clark Peak the highest peak in the Medicine Bow Range in Northern Colorado.  Clark Peak is 12,951 elevation.  I took the west route to the top via Ruby Jewel Lake trail.  You can access this climb through the Colorado State Forest (see directions below).

This was my first climb to an elevation this high.  It was fun, challenging, and rewarding all in one adventure.  The west face is not too steep, but there were a few time that I was hands and knees climbing.  There is a fair amount of scree along the west face of Clark Peak.  The west face is rated as a class 2-3 climb.  There is no summit log at the top.  There is a carin at the peak & a stacked-stone wind shelter on the northeast corner of the summit.

Lots of breathing breaks were taken by this flat lander along this route.  The summit has a wonderful view of North Park Colorado to the west, and a nice view of the Rawah Wilderness Area to the east.  I would recommend this climb.

Directions to this climb:  From Ft. Collins, Co. take Hwy 287 North to Hwy 14 west.  Continue on Hwy 14 past Cameron Pass.  At the entrance to the Colorado State Forest take Hwy 41 and bear left at the fork in the road.  This route will take you to the left of the Michigan Reservoir in the State Forest.  Continue on this road as it turns north.  Look for signage on the right side of the road that marks Ruby Jewel Road.  Take Ruby Jewel road east to the trailhead for Ruby Jewel Lake Trail.  When you arrive at Ruby Jewel Lake that is when the climb begins for Clark Peak to the east.  

Important Note:  There is not a designated trail to climb this mountain on the west face, so it is important to plan a route while at Ruby Jewel Lake.   There are many spree fields that you will want to navigate around to reach the summit.

Have fun and take lots of pictures to share your Xperience with Clark Peak at OXR.   DJ