Trip Report: Red Mountain 3 (12,887′), Red Mountain Pass, CO

Red Mountain #3 had an amazing looking northern descent that we just had to have. There are a number of ways you could ride this drainage out, but if you stay somewhat high after the bowl you could end up coming out near the Idarodo Mining complex near the top of Red Mountain Pass. I will not be posting GPS tracks publicly, but if you would like them just shoot me a note.

We staged a vehicle lower on the pass at the Idarodo Mining Complex scenic overlook. During our decsent we aimed for the prominent Yankee Girl Mine (for those of you that know this building – it is easy to distinguish from the others, there is a picture in the gallery below). With our end point established, we parked the other vehicle at the top of Red Mountain Pass (note you can only park on the east side of the pass even though there are spaces on the opposite side).

We followed the cow trail northeast toward Red Mountain #2, then broke our own trail to the homestead ruins just at treeline on the shoulder of Red Mountain #3. From there to the upper bowl of Red Mountain #3 proper. We then descended the ridge to the northeast and found a suitable place to drop.

Once on the summit, Silverton Mountain Ski Area will be to the southeast. To the west PT 13,510B & Telluride Peak (Imogene Pass), and as you scan the range north; T7, T8, and the Haydens. To the Northeast you will see fourteeners Umcompahgre Peak & Wetterhorn Peak beyond the ocean of thirteeners.

Again, there are a few ways to make this descent. Know where you are at, and carefully plan your route. Misguided, this can lead you into a long drainage that might land you in the Ironton area and unfavorable terrain.