La Garita Peak
Date: 06/28/2024
Partner: Solo
Trailhead: Phoenix Park / E. Willow TH (FS502-1A) (4x4)
Distance: 9m
Elevation Gain: 3500ft
Duration: 4.5hrs
GPX
In 2016 Kristi and I (on a whim) did a sunset hike on Phoenix Peak. So when I rolled into Phoenix Park at 5pm I kind of knew I was going to hike La Garita that evening... despite hiking a few peaks on Carson Pass that morning.
Sunset hikes never disappoint and crossing the beaver ponds in the dark at 10pm hoping not to run into a mosse definitely added to the adventure factor.
9m - 3500ft - 4.5hrs
After driving the rough road... Phoenix Park is quite nice. Hikers heading to the falls
Big moose in the beaver ponds
Find this marker and then your best path across the beaver ponds
More beaver ponds up the trail
After hiking a reasonable trail with dead fall here and there things opened up
Looking back down across the grassy meadows
Rainbows to the southeast - I think that is Wheeler Geologic Area?
Big skys and open views
This pitch to the summit seemed to never end
Northern views from the summit ridge
Northeastern sunset views towards Phoenix (which is close to 2 miles away)
To the northeast from the summit
Back down La Garita's never ending southwestern slope. This time with sunset light
The Weminuche silhouetted under burning skys