adventure is done in the thick of treeline—make sure you are confident in your navigation skills before embarking on this one.
PEAKS
• Alpine Peak:11,552’
• Griffith Mountain: 11,568’
• Independence Mountain: 11,440’
• Sugarloaf Peak: 12,513’
Wilderness Area and Range
Arapaho National Forest, Mount Evans Wilderness, Front Range
Trailhead Distance from I-70
9.5 miles
Driving Directions
From I-70, take Exit 240 toward Mount Evans. Go south on CO 103 6.5 miles, then turn right onto Forest Service Road 188/West Chicago Creek Road. Stay on this well-maintained dirt road 3.0 miles to the campground area. Just before the campground area, across from some of the established sites, is a brief road that ramps uphill off to the right (north). Take this road up a few hundred feet to the higher parking area. This lot is also a more peaceful place to car camp.
Vehicle Recommendations
All vehicles can make it to the parking area, though the road can be snow covered into late spring and, of course, in winter.
Fees/Camping
No fees to hike. There are paid camping spots with restrooms for $16 and plenty of free, primitive camping in this area.
Dog Regulations
Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground. Arapaho National Forest allows dogs under voice control or on leash. Because this hike goes off-trail, through dense woods, and borders private land, do not bring your pup if you think he may run off. Once you enter Mount Evans Wilderness (near Sugarloaf Mountain), dogs must be on leash.
Summary
Late spring through early summer, West Chicago Creek’s campground is a chaotic place. Screaming children by day, party animals rocking out into the night—let’s say it’s not exactly a good spot for peace and quiet. The one primary hiking trail out of this area (fittingly) goes to an old mining area known as Hells Hole. Unfortunately, the trail doesn’t directly connect to any of the nearby mountains. Adding to the mix is a private community around Lake Edith that blocks the most direct access to the humble mountain range. Stumbling on this private property boundary reveals two facts about this community: They have a very large budget for NO TRESPASSING signs, and they are well armed.
However, this area has two redeeming qualities. The first is that, come autumn, the place quiets down a bit, especially when the paid campground closes in September. Secondly, the high point of this hike, Sugarloaf Peak, yields unique views of Georgetown, the I-70 corridor, and the swollen hills that top out at 14,264-foot Mount Evans. This is a good late-autumn or early-winter hike for those looking for something different. It’s not terrible in the summer either because the bulk of the hiking is off-trail in the woods. You’ve been warned about the busy campground!
Primary Routes
5. Alpine Peak (11,552’) to Sugarloaf Peak (12,513’) Loop
| Round-Trip Distance | 7.2 miles |
| Class | 2 |
| Difficulty | 5/10 |
| Hiking Time | 4–6 hours |
| Total Elevation Gain | 3,100’ |
| Terrain | Off-trail ascent and ridge walk through pine forest; return via well-established hiking trail. |
| Best Time to Climb | June–October |
Overview
If you’re up to tackle this route, make sure you have some real experience navigating off-trail terrain that often has no line of sight. The bushwhacking itself is fairly tame, barring any patches of snow. The forest tends to be well spaced out, and the footing is good enough. Piercing treeline to ascend Sugarloaf is the big reward here. Be careful not to stumble into the private land around Lake Edith. In the woods, dozens of firm signs with many exclamation points say PRIVATE PROPERTY—NO TRESPASSING, just in case you forget.
Mile/Route
0.0 If you parked at the campground, hike back down the road (east) about 200 feet and take the right fork in the road up to the higher parking. A closed gate denoting the start of the private land appears along the road; please respect it. Your goal is to head straight west and bushwhack directly up through the woods to Alpine Peak, 1.2 miles away.
Several pseudotrails lead west through the evergreen groves. The good news is that this denser, darker forest quickly gives way to open fields of aspen. The higher you go, the more spaced out the flora becomes and the easier the navigation gets. Just aim for the high ridge.
1.2 At about this mileage, you’ll arrive at the high ridge or quite possibly the summit of Alpine Peak itself. Alpine’s summit has a large cairn and is open enough to afford good 360-degree views. If you really want to add on an obscure mountain, stay on the highest spine of the forested ridge and walk north 1.1 miles to Griffith Mountain. Otherwise, begin the ridge walk south toward Sugarloaf, which looks mighty big from here.
1.6 Cross the foresting minisummit known as Independence Mountain.
2.2 At a low point at the ridge, a few faded trails head down to the Lake Edith private community. The ridge is public national forest, so you’re fine up high. The boundaries of the private land are far below. Continue to Sugarloaf Peak along steady, easy, Class 2 terrain.
3.9 Even though this summit is only 12,513 feet, you’ve climbed more than 3,100 vertical feet at this point.
Note: While it’s possible to range over to Grey Wolf Mountain, 4.2 miles away to the southeast, it’s not a very enjoyable route. Descending off Grey Wolf requires good route-finding through acres of high willows to regain the southern terminus of the Hells Hole Trail. (If you’re aiming to get Grey Wolf Mountain, Chicago Lakes Trail to the east is a much better option.)
A look at the start of the challenging bushwhack to Sugarloaf from the Hells Hole Trail
Your next goal is to intercept the Hells Hole Trail, directly east of Sugarloaf. Descend 1.1 miles, starting with grassy/rocky slopes, then reentering the woods. Hells Hole Trail is well worn, but be wary when there is snow; it could be tough to locate.
5.0 Rejoin the Hells Hole Trail. Again, make a point not to wander toward the Lake Edith community. Once you’ve gotten on this trail, the bulk of the hard stuff is done. Head north on the trail, likely encountering many hikers on the way back. It’s 2.2 miles back to the campground and parking.
7.2 Finish.
Extra, Extra Credit
North of Griffith Mountain is Saxon Mountain, an 11,546-foot peak. It’s a fun mountain bike or four-wheel-drive road … or if you want to get in miles and a
